LAGUNA BEACH : Baskets Distributed for Recycling Effort

In preparation for a citywide recycling program to begin at the end of the month, city officials are distributing more than 7,300 multicolored recycling containers to residents.

The baskets, which come in three colors and are similar to milk crates, are being passed out to homeowners at the rate of 500 to 900 a day, city spokesman Mark Klosterman said.

On Oct. 30, homeowners participating in the volunteer program will sort recyclables in their homes and leave the baskets curbside for pickup. Aluminum and plastic containers will be sorted into light blue baskets, glass will be sorted into dark blue baskets and newspapers will be sorted into white baskets, Klosterman said.

“The city of Laguna Beach is very conservation oriented and we hope to be one of the top in the country,” Klosterman said. “We’re shooting for a minimum of 70% participation.”

City staff members have been promoting the new program through mailers, and have made presentations to schools, community service groups and homeowners associations, Klosterman said.

In addition, advertisements will be run for the rest of the month in local newspapers and promotional materials, such as bumper stickers, will be distributed.