Whittier : Recycling Program Greeted by Confusion, Complaints

A citywide curbside recycling program that began recently has prompted more than 100 complaints from disgruntled residents. Some say the monthly $1.14 fee is unfair while others are confused about how the program works.

Residents have called and written City Hall, the trash collector and City Council members to express dissatisfaction with the program, which began Nov. 9.

Single-family residences and apartments with up to five units received 18-gallon containers last month for aluminum cans, paper, plastic and bottles.

Residents are not required to recycle but do have to pay the fee.

Resident Gisele Pope told the City Council on Tuesday that it is unfair for single-family homes to be designated for the program while large apartments and businesses are excluded.

“We are not just being asked to take on the entire recycling effort ourselves, but also pay for this program alone,” she said.

Recycling Coordinator John Moreno said that complaints and questions began pouring in even before the program started. Some residents have asked if they can donate recyclables to nonprofit organizations.

The City Council approved the recycling program in September in an attempt to comply with state regulations requiring the city to reduce the amount of trash being sent to landfills by 25% by 1995 and 50% by 2000.