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San Diego Pursues Mandatory Recycling

San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders' office has released a draft of a mandatory recycling proposal. The city council asked for an ordinance two years ago to divert waste from Miramar Landfill, which is fill

San Diego Pursues Mandatory Recycling

San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders ' office has released a draft of a mandatory recycling proposal. The city council asked for an ordinance two years ago to divert waste from Miramar Landfill , which is filling up fast. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

The initial draft of the long-awaited plan would make recycling mandatory rather than voluntary for all residences and small businesses in the city. Environmental advocate Carolyn Chase says it's an important step.

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Chase: It basically says if the city provides you with a recycling bin, you have to use it. And I hope people take that to heart because if they don't use it, the city will educate them on why it’s important and how to use it.

Those who have opted out of the city's program so far will be required to recycle starting January 2008. Large apartment complexes and large commercial operations must also start next year. Multi-family units with fewer than 50 units and businesses less than 10,000 sq. ft. would have a two year grace period. A public hearing on the plan will be held next week.

Alison St John, KPBS News.