Valleywide : Warning Issued Over Quake Debris

Now that the city has ended its earthquake debris-removal program, Los Angeles officials are reminding people it is illegal to dump any type of waste on city streets and that violators face high fees or worse.

Beginning Monday, city inspectors will begin distributing notices at residences with earthquake debris, warning that the waste be removed or the city will do it and charge residents, according to Greig Smith, Councilman Hal Bernson’s chief of staff.

“It will cost them about double” if they wait for the city to clean it up, Smith said.

Also, scofflaws could be cited by police under a state anti-littering law. If people are caught tossing their debris onto roads, they face a $1,000 fine. Residents should dispose of the debris by taking it to a local landfill, or if they have large amounts of waste they should rent a trailer or a bin.

Residents renting bins should first obtain a permit from the city, Smith said.

“There are a lot of people who are just beginning work on their homes,” Smith said. “These people will not be able to avail themselves of the free services, so it’s really unfortunate. Hopefully, they have some sort of insurance protection. But if it’s on their own, then it’s going to be an additional burden on them.”