Mojave Desert and Mountain Recycling Authority (or the Authority) is a joint powers authority organized under California Government Code Section 6500. Comprised of nine members, we share the authority to plan and implement recycling, composting, reuse and zero waste programs in the High Desert area.
The JPA is comprised of board representatives from Adelanto, Apple Valley, Barstow, Big Bear Lake, Needles, San Bernardino County, Twentynine Palms, Victorville and Yucca Valley.
JPA facilities and programs may include:
View a detailed history of the Authority, how it started and key contributions.
Larry Cusack, Council Member, Chair
Joy Jeanette, Council Member
Dyer Kruse, Council Member
Bynette Mote, Council Member
Tim Terral, Council Member
Paul Cook, Supervisor
McArthur Wright, Council Member
Debra Jones, Mayor
Jeff Drozd, Mayor
JPA Board meetings are held quarterly on the second Thursday of February, May, August and November. Meetings start at 10 a.m. and are located at the Victor Valley materials Recovery Facility (see below.)
JPA Technical Committee meetings are also the second Thursday, on months without a Board meeting — January, March, April, June, July, September, October and December.
Board agendas are available to download from our homepage.
17000 Abbey Lane, Victorville, CA
High Desert communities began working together on solid waste issues in 1988, carrying out a regional landfill study and then continuing to prepare the Desert and Mountain Regional Source Reduction and Recycling Element (SRRE). The SRRE was a requirement of AB 939, California’s Integrated Waste Management Act. The High Desert opted to prepare a regional SRRE, identifying programs needed to meet California’s requirements that 25% of local solid waste be diverted from landfills by 1995 and 50% by 2000.
The SRRE identified a joint powers authority as the agency to coordinate members’ source reduction, recycling, composting, and public education efforts by implementing and funding regionally integrated programs. The Mojave Desert and Mountain Integrated Waste Management Authority was formed in 1991 as the regional forum for local elected officials and staff to meet, discuss and carry out needed programs and services. The JPA Board later determined to use the more descriptive name Mojave Desert and Mountain Recycling Authority.
The JPA includes nine members, jointly sharing their authority to plan and implement solid waste diversion and recycling programs. Adelanto, Apple Valley, Barstow, Big Bear Lake, Needles, San Bernardino County, Twentynine Palms, Victorville and Yucca Valley comprise the JPA. An elected Councilmember or Supervisor represents each member on the Board of Directors, and may be represented by an alternate.
JPA program costs are shared 1/3 equally among the members, reflecting each jurisdiction’s responsibility to carry out diversion activities; and 2/3 based on population, with military facilities excluded since members have no control or responsibility for their performance. By using contractors instead of staff, the JPA is able to anticipate and respond to changing dynamics and circumstances, shifting budget resources rather than increasing expenditures.
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