SIMI VALLEY : Polystyrene, Paint Cans to Be Recycled

Simi Valley’s curbside recycling program will soon be expanded to include polystyrene waste and empty paint cans among its list of salvageable items, officials said.

Beginning in December, residents will be able to include polystyrene--commonly used to make egg cartons and disposable cups--and steel paint cans in their city-issued recycling bins, said Jocelyn Reed, deputy director of the Environmental Services Department. Recycling bins have been distributed to households since 1989 for the purpose of collecting newspaper, glass, tin and plastic.

“We’ve been actively looking for other products to add to our collection program,” Reed said. Polystyrene “is a major product in terms of use. We’ve got to get it out of the waste stream” and into the recycling program.

Reed said the National Polystyrene Recycling Co., which has a plant in Corona, has agreed to buy the polystyrene waste from Simi Valley trash collector G. I. Rubbish Co.

Council members Judy Mikels and Sandi Webb will tour the plant today along with city staff members.

Reed said the expanded recycling program is part of a continuing effort by the city to comply with a state law that requires all cities to reduce the flow of trash into landfills by 25% by 1995 and by 50% by 2000.

“If we’re going to meet our goals, every little bit counts,” Reed said.