We’ve upgraded how we collect cardboard across the city and it’s already making a big difference.
Before, our drop-off sites used large roll-off containers. They worked well but filled up quickly and required a full truck trip every time one was full. That meant about 63 trips each week to the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), a big demand on staff time, fuel, and equipment.
Thanks to a CalRecycle grant from the State of California, Environmental Utilities replaced those 12 old containers with 75 new front loader bins at six of our seven recycling sites. A large portion of the grant went toward the new bins, which now let drivers service all bins at a site in one stop.
The results:
63 → 24
weekly trips reduced to the Materials Recovery Facility
Lower
fuel use and maintenance costs
More
customers served with faster, single-stop service
Fewer
truck trips for safer roads and less wear on City vehicles
The Barry Street recycling site still uses the older system while we explore safer options due to space and traffic limits. But overall, the change has boosted efficiency, improved service, and helped meet the City’s environmental goals.
“This project has been a big win for everyone involved,” said Brian Jones, Refuse Superintendent. “We’re saving time, reducing costs, and providing better service for our residents.”
Smart investments like this show how targeted upgrades can make recycling easier, safer, and more sustainable for our community.