The City of San Diego said previously reported problems with overflowing trash in La Jolla Shores have been properly addressed and resolved. “Trash containers some believed had not been moved, were in fact relocated in late September,” said City PIO Paul Brencick, Sr. adding the City’s Environmental Services Department (ESD) reported that the containers “were painted and are in good repair.”
Brencik said the City is also not aware of any trash receptacle “turf war” in La Jolla Shores, as has been alleged.
“ESD is responsible for street litter containers, whereas the City’s Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for parks, beaches and open spaces (which includes managing waste and litter generated in those areas),” Brencik said adding, “These clear responsibilities work well across the City as a whole.”
Noting the City allocates considerable resources toward maintaining trash containers, Brencik pointed such services include “adding additional containers as well as cleaning and repairing existing containers.”
Additionally, the PIO said the City has removed the privately owned Big Belly solar-powered trash receptacles in the Shores. “They were left in disrepair and unserviced by the private organization that purchased them,” Brencik said.
Addressing previous issues with overflowing trash, Brencik said, “The City added a second daily collection service for La Jolla Shores from Aug. 25 to Sept. 10 to ensure that there were no overflowing containers.” The PIO added daily collection service in the Shores is currently being maintained “as it has been done previously.” “There are currently no overflowing containers or unsightly conditions, and the City has not received any unusual number of requests for additional collection services in this area,” Brencik said adding, “The City’s ESD Department has provided above and beyond service for La Jolla Shores that should exceed customer expectations.”
Deputy Chief Operating Officer Johnnie Perkins noted the city accepts responsibility for dealing with trash or other maintenance issues. “Staff is not, has not, and will not ‘deny responsibility’ for recycling and solid waste collection,” Perkins said.
The City welcomes feedback on its performance with trash pickup or any other maintenance issues, including being receptive to points raised on how city services might be improved. For questions or concerns about city environmental services, call 858-694-7000 or email trash@sandiego.gov.