With summer and tourist crowds here, the issue of trash bins in parking-challenged communities like Pacific and Mission beaches is worsening.
Now with the addition of new green bins to divert organic waste from the landfill as part of the City’s new Organic Waste Recycling program, residents are jostling for positions on streets and alleys. Pick-up times for each “type” of bin are different, so residents end up piling up bins, blocking others in literal piles, and blocking traffic and alleys to get positions in front. All this chaos backfires and the garbage trucks are not able to get to bins or through alleys.
San Diego Community Newspaper Group held a Q&A with Renee Robertson, director of the City’s Environmental Services Department, discussing the seasonal trash issue and what’s being done about it.
SDCNG: Given the seasonal influx of tourists, especially along the coast, what does the City due to augment its trash pickup and delivery services to accommodate the greater amount of trash produced during summer?
City: Throughout the year, we experience fluctuations in refuse collection citywide, including in coastal communities. Because of the flexibility of our operations, we are able to accommodate these fluctuations without augmenting our services.
SDCNG: With the addition of the new “green” bin, residents are competing for positions on streets and alleys. Does the City have any tips for residents on how this problem can be avoided?
City: If residents living in complexes or homes are experiencing a space issue, we encourage them to contact us so we can work to accommodate their needs, including swapping out bins for smaller sizes or consolidating the number of bins. Requests can be made using the Get It Done app.
SDCNG: Does the City have an education program to help people understand the colored bin system and how it works?
City: Organic waste recycling is the single fastest and easiest thing an individual can do to fight climate change. But it’s also a big shift in behavior that will take time for San Diegans to fully embrace. We are committed to providing education and resources about proper waste disposal, including tips on what should and shouldn’t go in each bin and how to keep your new green bin clean. The City offers webinars and workshops, multi-language recycling guides, tips and tricks on our social media accounts, and updated news and information on our sitio web.
SDCNG: Do you agree that pick-up times for each “type” of bin serviced by the City, being different, leads to problems for residents who end up piling up bins, blocking others, hindering traffic in alleys to get positions in front, etc.?
City: Area supervisors coordinate with drivers to strategically route our trucks to avoid conflicts.
SDCNG: What can be/is being, done by the City to alleviate issues with trash bin crowding in hard-to-get areas like alleys? Has the City had problems with congested trash bins being blocked in coastal areas?
City: The biggest issue creating collection obstacles in alleys is illegally parked vehicles. Our collections supervisors work closely with SDPD and residents to ensure alleys are clear on collection day.
SDCNG: How does a resident report a trash pickup/delivery problem or a recurring problem with blockage causing their trash not to get picked up?
City: Issues with collection services can be reported to us using the Get It Done app, emailing [email protected], or calling 858-694-7000.
