Torrance OKs Scavenging Ban
The Torrance City Council passed an urgency ordinance Tuesday prohibiting scavengers from taking recyclable trash under penalty of a possible $500 fine.
The council took action a day before the city started a pilot recycling program to collect aluminum and tin cans, glass bottles, plastic containers and newspapers. Residents in pilot areas are to set out the recyclable trash for special curbside collection.
The first pilot area is the Southwood area of the city--bordered by Torrance Boulevard, Sepulveda Boulevard, Anza Avenue and Ocean Avenue--which contains nearly 800 homes. Four more pilot areas will be added in coming weeks.
The anti-scavenging ordinance was passed so the city can make whatever profit is possible from selling trash without fear that interlopers will make off with the best stuff or engage in disputes with one another over scavenging turf.
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