The Waste Management Authority in Alameda County is considering fining people up to a $1,000 fine for throwing away cans, bottles and newspapers that could otherwise be recycled. The goal is to divert 90 percent of materials that could be recycled from city dumps by 2020. Currently, its estimated 69 percent gets composted or recycled.
Supporters say the measure could take 700,000 tons of recyclables out of landfills. But opponents worry that the new plan will cost them, rate payers and commercial haulers more money.
