Did the slow economy cause the lower per capita disposal rates in 2009 and 2010?
When the economy slows, people produce less, buy less, and dispose of less. So, while the economic downturn has likely been the major driver of the significant drop in disposal, continued implementation of diversion programs has undoubtedly also led to decreased disposal. When the economy rebounds waste generation will increase as well, so if these decreases in disposal are to last, efforts to divert solid waste cannot wane. If the economy recovers rapidly and diversion programs are not in place to handle the increase in disposal, staff estimates the statewide diversion rate equivalent could drop significantly. Many jurisdictions may face challenges maintaining their current diversion programs given the economy and revenue problems that could impact diversion program infrastructure. In a recovery, generation and disposal may both rebound more quickly than the diversion infrastructure and local programs. Even though times are very tough, now is the time to plan for the diversion program
