Calabasas hoping for three-fourths recycling
City follows way of San Francisco
By Joann Groff joann@theacorn.com

In a city known for its groundbreaking ordinances banning Styrofoam and restricting smoking, Calabasas has done it again.

The city recently adopted a resolution setting a new recycling goal of 75 percent by 2012, making it only the second city in California (after San Francisco) to set such an ambitious goal.

"Imagine a world in which nothing goes to the landfills or incinerators," said Alex Farassati, the city's environmental services manager. "The members of the Calabasas City Council firmly believe that this goal will soon be achievable."

A recent study revealed that about 80 percent of the trash that ends up in local landfills could have been prevented through recycling, composting and a bigger awareness about waste prevention.

Currently the city recovers about 55 percent of its waste, and has committed to increasing that number by 5 percent each year for the next four years. By 2012, according to the new resolution, the city will have met its 75 percent goal.

The City Council asked the city's environmental services staff to enter into franchise agreements with haulers who have a clear understanding of the city's goals. Council members also asked that two ordinances be drafted: One requires contractors to recycle construction and demolition debris, while another requires commercial and multifamily residential property owners to upgrade their substandard trash enclosures to accommodate a recycling container.

Last year the city of Calabasas recycled more than 152,000 pounds of mixed electronics, nearly 5,000 gallons of paint and 450 pairs of old eyeglasses.