Waste reduction targeted
By Joann Groff joann@theacorn.com

A Calabasas Environmental Commission meeting April 1 will give the public a chance to speak out about waste disposal procedures in Calabasas.

The City Council directed the Calabasas Public Works Department to develop a new solid waste franchise collection system for residents and businesses. The new system will require that a waste hauling contract- and rate- be set for seven years.

Alex Farassati, Calabasas' environmental services supervisor, said the council will award three contracts: one for residential, one for commercial and one for temporary bin services.

"We would like to know what Calabasas residents and businesses expect from our future haulers so that we could incorporate them into the franchise agreement," Farassati said. "It's best for all if we know in advance what our residents and businesses expect so that appropriate terms and conditions could be included in the contract."

The new system will help Calabasas meet the state's waste reduction mandate, and the city's own goal of achieving a 75 percent diversion rate by 2012. Other benefits include limiting the wear and tear on city streets and reducing the need for new landfills.

"There will be penalties for not meeting this mandate," Farassati said. "Many cities and also the state of California are considering 75 percent diversion rate. Calabasas will be ahead of the game when it becomes a state mandate."

Recycling services, environmental workshops, bulky item pick-ups and annual cleanup events will also be incorporated into the new system.

The meeting is 7 p.m. April 1 at city hall. For more information, call the Calabasas Public Works Department at (818) 878-4225.