City Aims to Reduce Trash Sent to Landfill

In an effort to slash the amount of garbage sent to the Calabasas landfill, the city of Westlake Village has expanded its recycling program and instituted new charges for residents who throw out lots of trash.

Like other cities across California, Westlake Village is trying to comply with a 1989 state law that requires municipalities to reduce by 50% the amount of solid waste shipped to landfills by 2000.

“We’re at 25% now, and we’re one of the most successful cities,” Councilman James Henderson said.

Westlake Village hopes to make up the difference with a program to collect leaves, grass and other yard waste, Henderson said.

The City Council recently approved a seven-year contract with two waste haulers, Hillside Rubbish and Las Virgenes Disposal, to provide the expanded services. Under the new program, residents will be given a 68-gallon garbage can and other containers for recyclables and yard waste.

The system aims to reduce waste by requiring people to pay extra disposal fees if they throw out more than their trash bin can hold.

At the request of residents, all trash and recyclable materials will now be collected on the same day each week in a given neighborhood. The new collection system will be automated, with mechanical arms pitching the trash into the truck.

Beginning Sept. 14, the city’s trash haulers will deliver the new containers for the automated collection program.

Residents with questions about the program can call City Hall at 706-1613 or the city’s solid waste hotline at (800) 579-4979.