Jackson – Amador County Solid Waste Program Manager Jim McHargue received an award Tuesday for diverting state-mandated waste that he can no longer bury in the ground. More specifically, he was honored for his handling of “bans without plans.” Deputy Chief Administrative Office Kristin Bengyel said McHargue has already received recognition from the state, and said “we are more than fortunate to have an outstanding individual named Jim McHargue.” McHargue said state mandates to keep items out of the landfills, including electronics and light bulbs have kept increasing, “the list just keeps going and going,” compiling those “bans without plans,” or unfunded mandates. Items, such as batteries, cannot go into the landfill. Heidi Sandborn of the California Product Stewardship Council presented McHargue with the Annual Associate Award, “for outstanding support and dedication to the principles of Extended Producer Responsibility and making the planet healthier through actions and deeds.” Sanborn said McHargue has done exemplary work in Amador County, working with companies to be drop centers for light bulbs and other items that have been placed on the banned list for landfills. Supervisor Richard Forster said Monday that McHargue is in charge of florescent bulbs and battery capture at a couple of outlets in the county, and works with Meek’s as a bulb drop-off location. Forster said the award for extended producer responsibility, or, “when producers sell a product, it’s what happens to that product down the road.” Sandborn said “through (McHargue’s) outreach, ACES Waste Services actually became a partner of ours.” Supervisors thanked McHargue for his work and accomplishments. Sandborn said her council worked with manufacturers, such as thermostat makers, on legislation to help with easier recycling, and they try to tell the state: “No more bans without plans.” Earlier this year, Jill Firch, Integrated Waste Management Board specialist over Amador County’s region, said McHargue and the county are doing a great job in meeting state diversion mandates, of 50 percent. She said Amador’s programs are strong, including green waste diversion. Firch said: “Amador is above the curve. It’s very proactive.” Firch, whose region includes Amador, Alpine, Calaveras and El Dorado Counties, said Mule Creek and Preston also both have excellent programs. She said waste haulers and agencies report information on diversion numbers. Forster said Monday thought that the 50 percent mandated diversion goal is soon going to be raised, to a ratio of 65 percent or even higher. Firch said diversion goals are based on disposal pounds per person per day, and the number varies per jurisdiction. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.