IRVINE : Plans for Cutting Trash to Be Aired

The city will hold a public workshop tonight to explain proposals aimed at cutting in half the amount of trash produced by the city.

Under a 1989 state law, cities must reduce the amount of trash going to landfills 25% by 1995 and 50% by 2000. Tonight’s workshop, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at City Hall, will explain some of the trash-reduction proposals being considered, said Charlene Gallina-Siri, a senior city planner.

One proposal would allot each home a single, 30-gallon trash barrel for nonrecyclable wastes. If a family produces more trash and needs a second container, it would pay an extra monthly charge to have it emptied.

This would encourage residents to recycle more trash and buy products that produce less waste, Gallina-Siri said.

Several other programs will be aimed at reducing trash from businesses and industries. A second workshop to explain those programs is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 25.

Irvine produces about 410,663 tons of refuse a year, according to county estimates, with residents accounting for 22% of it. Commercial businesses generate about 56%, industries about 22%.

As of last year, the city recycled about 13% of its trash, excluding concrete and asphalt.

Education programs are also being considered to help reduce trash, Gallina-Siri said. Programs would show residents how to generate less trash at home and how to compost yard wastes.

Reduction programs aimed at businesses and industries could include “waste audits” and fees on packaging material to encourage using as little packaging as possible, she said.

All programs being considered are tentative and will require several public hearings and City Council approval before becoming effective, Gallina-Siri said.

The purpose of the public workshops is to let residents and business owners know what trash-reduction methods the city is considering and why, she said, so they can make comments and offer suggestions.

The City Council is also scheduled to discuss the trash-reduction proposals at its Tuesday meeting. Further public hearings are scheduled for November before the plan is submitted to the county for review, Gallina-Siri said.