Pasadena, CA Ramps Up Organic Waste Recycling Enforcement

SEATTLE (Waste Advantage): Pasadena is preparing to intensify enforcement of its residential organic waste recycling program in response to impending state audits, a City official said Monday. The move comes as City officials reported significant success in diverting food waste and yard trimmings from landfills, with 91,504 tons of yard waste composted since 2020. “Beginning January 1, 2024 State required mandatory local enforcement,” said Thanos Gauthier, Public Works Administrator for Pasadena’s Resource Recovery and Recycling program.

“We’ve been tagging cans for the last 20 years, so we’re already used to this, but it’s now going to getting to the point that we’re going to have a couple of fellows that we have from the governor’s office come out and work with us in the next few months because CalRecycle (California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery)  in the next 16 months is going to come out and tip every lid of every can in the City themselves.”

The enforcement plan includes reviewing every trash can in the City at least once a year to ensure proper sorting. This initiative aligns with Senate Bill 1383, which aims to reduce methane emissions by mandating local jurisdictions to implement organic recycling programs and conduct outreach, education, inspection, and enforcement.

Courtesy: www.wasteadvantage.com