Waste Reduction

Target WR-T1

Achieve 100% participation from residences and commercial businesses for the city's organics collection services (Organic Waste Disposal Reduction Ordinance).

Baseline WR-B1

N/A.

Actions

• WR-1a Continue promoting and expanding awareness of community recycling services and public sorting bins (e.g., battery and cell phone drop off at city facilities, e-waste pickup, and holiday tree pick-up), to increase education for responsible waste practices and use of receptables. Explore expanding materials accepted for drop-off at public facilities and pick-up by Republic Services.

• WR-1b Adopt a municipal zero-plastic purchasing policy, with exceptions for 100% recycled plastic.

• WR-1c Continue collaborations with Republic Services and LA County Department of Public Works to increase the number of community collection events, to happen quarterly, for recycling and household hazardous waste.

• WR-1d Promote resources to help businesses adopt food preparation guidelines that minimize food loss. Ensure resources for businesses are available in multiple languages for a wider reach, including Chinese and Spanish.

• WR-1e Expand awareness of the city's Bins for Businesses program to increase recycling for all restaurants. Seek additional funding to continue providing free bins for restaurants with an Alhambra business license.

• WR-1f Continue celebrating sustainable business achievements on the City's webpage, social media, and Business Spotlight.

• WR-1g Ensure every business and household has access to organic waste service.

• WR-1h Create resources and incentives for businesses to achieve zero waste certification.

Target WR-T2

Achieve 75% diversion of organic waste, in alignment with state Senate Bill 1383 goals.

Baseline WR-B2

43% diversion in 2022.

Actions

• WR-2a Increase collaboration with Republic Services for outreach and education to residents, to achieve maximum participation in organic waste collection service.

• WR-2b Establish locations for organic waste collection and composting sites.

• WR-2c Explore public locations for organic collection, such as in community gardens and at the Farmers Market, where community members can dispose of their food scraps and participate in composting programs.

• WR-2d Partner with local community centers, schools, and neighborhood associations to host additional composting workshops at various locations to ensure broader accessibility and supplies for all residents.

• WR-2e Partner with Green Oceanside Kitchen and One Kitchen Collaborative to offer food recovery and preservation workshops and digital resources.

Target WR-T3

Hold an annual skills-sharing workshop to promote reuse and repair of materials; provide drinking fountains and water filling stations at all city facilities by 2030; and increase the availability of public fountains and stations at parks, at bus stops, and in public plazas.

Baseline WR-B3

N/A.

Actions

• WR-3a Stimulate remanufacturing, repair, and sharing economies through collaborations with businesses and makerspaces to promote resource efficiency, including hosting LA County's LA Fixit Clinic repair events.

• WR-3b Provide efficient and accessible alternatives for residents to donate goods, reduce waste, and support local charities.

• WR-3c Promote donation programs and encourage communitywide participation. Establish a free-box program at the city's community center or library to promote sharing and provide a place for exchanging items. Encourage multifamily residences, businesses, churches, community-based organizations, and schools to do the same.

• WR-de [sic] Expand water filling stations and fountains to reduce single-use plastic.