At CARE, we are dedicated to sharing innovative practices that promote sustainability and reduce waste. One example comes from the Buena Vista Landfill in Watsonville, CA. This facility has adopted a pioneering contamination rate policy aimed at encouraging proper carpet recycling: a savings of $125 per ton for carpet properly prepared for recycling over the contamination rate. Their story was shared during the California Carpet Stewardship biannual webinar in January 2024.
The Contamination Rate Policy: A Game Changer
Santa Cruz County implemented a contamination rate ordinance to stop the disposal of all recyclables into the landfill. The new policy required residents and businesses to pay a higher rate for unsorted loads brought to the landfill face and offering a deep discount for customers who sort out recyclable materials and take them to the recycling area. The goal is to save landfill space and capture all recyclable materials. In 2024, rates were set at:
- Recycling Rate for Carpet: $52/ton ($55.75 as of July 1, 2025)
- Garbage Rate (MSW): $93/ton ($102.50 as of July 1, 2025)
- Contamination Rate: $183/ton for mixed loads containing 5% or more recyclable materials. ($196.50 as of July 1, 2025)
The contamination rate applies to loads with recyclable materials brought to the landfill face instead of the designated recycling area.
Goals of the Policy
- Increase recycling rates and landfill diversion.
- Encourage self-haulers and businesses to plan better for recycling.
- Extend the landfill’s lifespan.
Successes:
- Enhanced awareness and compliance among businesses and self-haulers.
- Increased recycling rates and reduced contamination levels at the landfill.
Challenges:
- Difficulty in enforcement and determining contamination levels.
- Some customers opt to pay the contamination rate instead of sorting their recyclables.
Sharing the Buena Vista Story
The operations team at Buena Vista Landfill worked with CARE to create a white paper and presentation documenting their findings. The presentation was given to CARE public drop-off sites during the biannual educational webinar and the white paper was shared with all CARE public drop-off sites in January 2024. This helps other facilities consider and adopt new and innovative practices.
Looking Ahead
CARE remains dedicated to helping facilities and jurisdictions adopt innovative waste reduction and recycling solutions. Spreading the word about Buena Vista Landfill’s contamination rate policy is intended to encourage new approaches to diverting more carpet from landfill in the years ahead.
Watch Christina Horvat of Santa Cruz County Recycling and Solid Waste talk about this approach to contamination rates:
