Building partnerships:

public and private sector relationships and regional programs

Zero Waste

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Task One: Encourage participation of all potential stakeholders in the planning process.

If you have an active group of interested citizens serving as your advisory committee, consider forming a separate panel of technical experts for representation of the various stakeholders and service providers in the community. Your advisory committee will be asked to represent the interests of the public as a whole, and to balance the needs of any one group or individual business in making recommendations and selecting alternatives. Be sure to treat all potential service providers equitably in providing access to opportunities and input into the decision-making process. Provide opportunities for the chair person of your advisory committee to make periodic presentations to the governing body, to help offset the effects of any campaigning by individual interests.

Task Two: Develop relationships with local industry groups and representatives.

Presenting information to local chambers of commerce, builders’ councils, boards, and other associations will not only provide a conduit for education, but will also help identify potential partners in the development of services, local recycling-based businesses, and other economic opportunities which will grow out of the implementation of recovery programs. The entrepreneurial skills needed to manage a successful business include flexibility, creativity, and an understanding of marketing techniques, all of which are important assets in establishing local markets for recovered materials.

Task Three: Establish a regional dialogue with surrounding communities.

In many cases, more comprehensive and cost effective recovery programs and services may be possible when implemented at the regional level, rather than undertaken for each individual community. Within pre-determined geographic limits, a single facility may handle all the materials for several communities, and cost little more to construct than a smaller facility serving only a single jurisdiction. In addition, it may be easier to obtain grant funding for construction and start-up of programs and facilities serving a larger region.

Creating a productive regional partnership can be a lengthy process, but will be worth the time and effort required. A relationship of mutual trust takes time to build, and must be based on the creation of real benefit to all partners. Ongoing work is needed in order to balance the needs of each individual participating community with the benefits received, and with the needs of the group as a whole.

Many examples may be found throughout California of cities and counties that have formed joint powers authorities for the purpose of implementing solid waste and recycling programs. Many of these agencies exist simply to facilitate record keeping responsibilities, but others share responsibility for recycling and education programs, for market development activities, and in some cases for facility operation as well.

The Rural Counties Environmental Services Joint Powers Authority:

A unique example of regional cooperation for the implementation of recovery programs, the ESJPA consists of member counties throughout rural California. With membership of more than twenty of the state’s 58 counties, containing one third of California’s land area and only two percent of its population, and its disposed waste, these jurisdictions continue to explore the potential benefits to be obtained through working together.