Introduction
Waste management is a critical aspect of maintaining a clean and healthy environment. In San Kensington, California, homeowners are subject to specific regulations and rules regarding waste disposal, recycling, and organic waste collection. This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of these regulations and rules, drawing on information from official sources and relevant publications. To gather the information for this report, we conducted extensive research, including reviewing the official website of San Kensington and its waste management service provider, analyzing relevant ordinances and municipal codes, and exploring articles and publications on waste management in the area.
Waste Management Service Provider
The Kensington Police Protection and Community Services District (KPPCSD) is responsible for waste management in San Kensington. The KPPCSD has partnered with Bayview Refuse & Recycling Service Inc. (Bayview) to provide garbage, recycling, and organic collection services. All residents and businesses within the KPPCSD are required to utilize Bayview’s weekly collection service. For a detailed understanding of the terms and conditions governing these services, residents can review the Franchise Agreement between KPPCSD and Bayview. The only holidays that affect the pickup schedule are Christmas and New Year’s Day. Pickups on those days and subsequent pickups that week will be one day late.
Types of Waste Accepted for Collection
San Kensington utilizes a three-container system for waste separation, which offers several advantages, including higher recycling rates and cleaner waste streams. This system provides residents with three separate carts for waste separation:
Cart Color
Waste Type
Examples
- Blue
- Recyclables
- Glass, aluminum, paper
- Green
- Organics
- Yard waste, food scraps
- Gray
- Trash
- Non-recyclable, non-organic materials
A detailed list of acceptable and unacceptable items for each cart can be found on the StopWaste website, which provides specific guidelines for Kensington residents . For example, plastic containers (excluding compostable plastics) can be recycled in the blue cart if they are empty, clean, and dry. Cardboard should be flattened and placed in the blue cart, while food-soiled cardboard should be placed in the green cart.
Medication Disposal
It is crucial for homeowners to dispose of medications properly to protect public health and water quality. Flushing unwanted or expired medications down the toilet is strongly discouraged, as wastewater treatment facilities are not equipped to remove all traces of pharmaceutical chemicals, which can harm aquatic life. Instead, residents should explore safe disposal options, such as drug take-back programs or designated disposal sites.
Hazardous waste, such as batteries and electronic waste, can be collected through Bayview’s Door to Door program in partnership with the West County Hazardous Waste Facility.
Waste Collection Schedule and Procedures
Residential trash and recyclables are picked up weekly, and green waste is collected twice a month . Bayview offers backyard service for trash and curbside pickup for recyclables and green waste. In addition to regular waste collection, Bayview and the KPPCSD aim to provide an annual curbside collection service for the disposal of various household waste items, separate from regular weekly collections each fall. This service allows residents to dispose of larger items or accumulated waste that may not be suitable for regular collection.
Mandatory Organic Waste Collection
In line with California’s broader efforts to combat climate change, Senate Bill 1383 (SB 1383) mandates that all residents and businesses participate in organic waste collection. This program aims to reduce emissions of short-lived climate pollutants, such as methane, which contribute to hotter summers, more frequent droughts, and increased wildfires. By diverting organic waste from landfills, SB 1383 seeks to achieve a 75% reduction in organic waste disposal and a 20% recovery rate of edible food by 2025.
Organic waste includes food scraps, yard trimmings, paper, and cardboard, which make up a significant portion of California’s landfill content . Homeowners in San Kensington must subscribe to Bayview’s weekly organic waste collection services and properly sort their waste into the designated bins . This initiative not only reduces harmful greenhouse gas emissions but also creates valuable resources, such as compost and renewable energy.
Penalties for Violating Waste Management Regulations
California has strict regulations regarding waste management, and violations can result in fines or penalties. Penalties for violating SB 1383 are outlined in Government Code Sections 53069.4, 25132, and 36900:
- First violation: $50-$100 per violation
- Second violation: $100-$200 per violation
- Third or subsequent violation: $250-$500 per violation
The specific penalty amount is determined by considering several factors, including the nature and severity of the violation, the violator’s ability to pay, and the willfulness of the misconduct .
Hazardous Waste Violations
Penalties for violating hazardous waste regulations can be significantly higher, reaching up to $70,000 per day, per violation. The California Health and Safety Code, Division 20, Chapter 6.5, Article 8 outlines specific penalties for various hazardous waste violations. These increased penalties reflect the potential harm posed by improper hazardous waste disposal to both human health and the environment.
Conclusion
Waste management in San Kensington is governed by specific regulations and rules aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and public health. Homeowners must adhere to these regulations, including proper waste separation using the three-container system, participation in organic waste collection, and responsible disposal of hazardous waste. By understanding and complying with these rules, residents can contribute to a cleaner and healthier community and support California’s efforts to address climate change.
These regulations not only promote environmental responsibility but also have potential economic implications for homeowners. While the cost of waste management services is a factor, the long-term benefits of reduced landfill waste, increased recycling, and the creation of valuable resources like compost can contribute to a more sustainable and economically sound community. However, adapting to new sorting requirements and participating in organic waste collection may present challenges for some homeowners. Clear communication, education, and convenient access to resources are essential to ensure successful implementation and compliance with these regulations.
Overall, the waste management regulations in San Kensington demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship and public well-being. By actively participating in these programs, homeowners can contribute to a healthier, more sustainable community and play a role in California’s broader efforts to mitigate climate change.
