Construction & Demolition Debris Recycling Program
Amending Section 8.24.100 of the San Bernadino Municipal code Presented by
City of San Bernardino
Public Works Department
November 5, 2025
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California:
1. Introduce, read by title only, and waive further reading, Ordinance No. MC- 1656 amending Section 8.24.100 of Chapter 8.24 of Title 8 of the San Bernardino Municipal Code, relating to the Construction and Demolition Debris Recycling Program (All Wards).
2. Schedule the adoption of the above Ordinance to the regular meeting of the Mayor and City Council on December 3, 2025.
What is the purpose of this change to the ordinance?
• Senate Bill (SB) 1383, enacted in 2016, requires jurisdictions to adopt mechanisms by which they can enforce CalGreen’s sixty-five (65%) Construction & Demolition (C&D) debris recovery rate requirements by 2025.
• Although the existing municipal code and Resolution 2010-325 meet many of the requirements of CalGreen, there are gaps that may be considered non-compliant with the requirements and/or difficult for the City to enforce. • C&D debris is an important source of diversion for jurisdictions, as these materials such as wood, concrete, asphalt, bricks, and metals, take up significant space in landfills, and are typically highly recyclable.
Updated code includes comprehensive language to manage the C&D program and serve as enforceable baseline requirements for implementation. • Resolution No. 2019-27 set the minimum diversion rate to 65%, but the requirement specified in the City municipal code is 50%. • Introduction of a required Waste Management Plan (WMP) for all C&D projects that are not exempt.
• Incorporates language that that updates self-hauling requirements for accountability with the 65% recycling requirements.
• Establishes more clear language regarding enforcement mechanisms to maintain the program and demonstrate compliance to CalRecycle’s Jurisdiction and Agency Compliance and Enforcement (JACE).
Expected benefits of the program and the proposed ordinance. • Demonstratable action to comply with SB 1383 and reduce potential for violations from Jurisdiction and Agency Compliance and Enforcement (JACE). • Improve the C&D recycling program:
• Reduce opportunities for illegal dumping from covered projects within the City. • Increase diversion of materials going to landfill.
• Set specific standards related to the WMP and self-hauling requirements. • The ordinance will exempt covered projects under $100,000, certain roofing projects, and residential single-family house up to 4 units from having to perform the administrative aspects of the code (WMP , C&D deposit); While maintaining they comply with the required diversion.
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California:
1. Introduce, read by title only, and waive further reading, Ordinance No. MC-1656 amending Section 8.24.100 of Chapter 8.24 of Title 8 of the San Bernardino Municipal Code, relating to the Construction and Demolition Debris Recycling Program (All Wards).
2. Schedule the adoption of the above Ordinance to the regular meeting of the Mayor and City Council on December 3, 2025.
Questions?