SAN CLEMENTE : Recycling Program Expansion Delayed

Although officials are pleased with the first year of a pilot recycling program, the City Council has delayed expanding the program to all single-family homes until June 30.

Michael Morgan, the city’s interim solid waste management coordinator, said that to comply with state recycling and waste regulations, he needs more time to complete the city’s plan.

In addition, the extra time will be used to proceed with plans for a facility that would process recyclables from Dana Point, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano and Laguna Niguel.

Morgan said the cities and the county are now considering several five- to 10-acre sites for the recovery facility. However, only one--the Prima Deshecha Landfill outside San Juan Capistrano--is being discussed publicly. The city now uses that site for waste disposal.

The facility is expected to cost $5.4 million to $10.5 million for development, construction and equipment.

Officials hope to locate a site by the end of the year, begin construction by early 1993 and complete it by the end of 1993.

Meanwhile, recyclables may ultimately go to a recovery facility in Anaheim or Stanton through a transfer site the city sets up. Or, the city may continue using a site in Laguna Hills to transfer recyclables to the facilities in the northern part of the county.

San Clemente officials began the pilot program last October in 1,000 single-family homes in the Shorecliffs and Forster Ranch areas.

San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point and an unincorporated part of the county also participated in the pilot.