(a) This article implements the reporting system set forth in sections 41821.5 through 41821.8 of the Public Resources Code.

(b) Nothing in this article shall prevent a government entity from requiring a reporting entity to supply additional information on activities related to disposal, diversion, composting or recycling based upon its own separate authority granted by section 41821.5(g) of the Public Resources Code, or based upon local ordinances, franchise terms or other agreements.

(c) The Department shall maintain the confidentiality of information in reports submitted to the Department as required by section 18815.12 of this article, the California Public Records Act [Division 10 (commencing with section 7920.000) of Title 1 of the Government Code], section 40062 of the Public Resources Code, and Title 14 of California Code of Regulations [Division 7, Chapter 1, Article 4 (commencing with section 17041)].

(d) In order to protect data quality, ensure timely reporting, and expedite the reporting process, especially when material is flowing between several reporting entities, the Department will serve as a central repository of information that is required to be reported by reporting entities. If a person is required to report based on the criteria in section 18815.3 of this article, then the person shall report using the methods outlined in section 18815.9 of this article and comply with the applicable requirements for:

(e) This article does not prescribe operational practices unrelated to reporting, permitting requirements for facilities, or an activity's status in relation to recycling goals or diversion mandates.