Overview

Measure D revenue — generated through the $8.23-per-ton landfill surcharge — is distributed according to allocation formulas established by the Recycling Board. The funds support both local member agency programs and countywide initiatives administered by StopWaste on behalf of the Recycling Board.

Member Agency Disbursements

Approximately 55 percent of Measure D revenue is distributed directly to participating member agencies for local waste reduction and recycling programs. Disbursements are allocated based on a formula that accounts for factors including population and waste generation within each jurisdiction.

Member agencies use these funds for programs such as:

  • Local recycling and composting education
  • Community clean-up and waste prevention events
  • Outreach to residents and businesses on proper sorting
  • Support for local waste reduction initiatives

Member agencies are required to report on how Measure D funds are used and demonstrate that expenditures align with the purposes established by the Act.

Recent Disbursements

Countywide Programs

Approximately 45 percent of Measure D revenue funds countywide programs. These include:

  • Grants to nonprofit waste reduction enterprises — Direct financial support for organizations working on waste prevention, reuse, repair, and recycling
  • Source reduction programs — Initiatives aimed at reducing the amount of waste generated
  • Recycled product procurement — Efforts to build markets for products made from recycled materials
  • Public education and outreach — Campaigns and resources to help residents and businesses reduce waste
  • Market development — Supporting the development of viable end markets for recycled and recovered materials

Eligible Expenditures

Measure D funds must be used for purposes consistent with the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act. Eligible expenditures include:

  • Waste prevention and source reduction programs
  • Recycling collection, processing, and market development
  • Composting programs and infrastructure
  • Public education and community outreach
  • Grants to organizations engaged in waste reduction
  • Program administration and compliance monitoring

Funds may not be used for purposes unrelated to waste reduction, recycling, or the objectives established by Measure D.

Documents & Reports

The following documents are available for download:

  • Measure D Waste Reduction and Recycling Act (full text)
  • Resolution 94-27: Policy for Revision of Population-based Disbursements from the Recycling Fund
  • Resolution 96-04: Recycled Product Purchase Preference Program – Guidelines and Policies for Distribution of “Leftover” Funds
  • Resolution 98-03: Policies and Procedures for Implementation of Subsection 64.060(D) of Measure D, Relating to Use of Recycling Fund Monies for Contracts Longer than Five Years
  • Resolution 2003-10: Policy Adoption – Municipal Eligibility to receive recycling Fund Per Capita Disbursements
  • Resolution 2003-11: Adoption of Policies, Rules and Procedures Based on the “5 Year Audit” Relating to Recycling Fund Expenditures, Monitoring and Reporting by Municipalities
  • Resolution 2006-12: Adoption of Rules Regarding Municipal Accounting and Fund Balances of Recycling Fund Per Capita Allocations
  • Motion: Policy Regarding Commercial Recycling Program Minimum Requirements
  • Resolution 2014-2: Revision of Resolution 2006-12 – Regarding Fund Balances of Recycling Fund per Capita Allocations 
  • Resolution 2021-02: Revision of Resolution 2014-12 – Regarding Fund Balances of Recycling Fund per Capita Allocations