EAST VALLEY : Deadline to Sort Trash Extended

Residents of the east San Fernando Valley have been given another extension to separate yard trimmings from their other trash.

The deadline by which residents must put only yard trimmings into their green trash containers is now May 8.

“Most residents are currently complying,” said David Mays, a spokesman for the Los Angeles Bureau of Sanitation.

But the agency extended the deadline for the second time because of residents complaining they need extra containers for their trash, Mays said.

The city delivered green and black trash cans to east Valley residents as part of an automated collection system begun in 1992. Since then, residents have been able to use either can for yard trimmings and non-recyclable trash.

In the past few weeks, the Bureau of Sanitation has delivered extra black trash containers to residents who had said that they needed more containers. The bureau also has opened the East Valley Collection Yard on Saturdays so residents can pick up black containers.

After May 8, the bureau will determine whether residents have enough black containers, Mays said. If they do, the city will not pick up green containers with mixed trash after that date.

The yard trimmings are being turned into TOPGRO, a compost sold by the city.

The East Valley Collection Yard, at 9701 San Fernando Road, Sun Valley, will be open Saturdays until May 6 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information call the Bureau of Sanitation at (800) 773-CITY.