Violators of Alameda County Landfill Ban to Face Fines
Landscapers Must “Keep Plant Debris Garbage-Free”
In an effort to meet its voter mandate to divert 75 percent of all waste from landfill by the end of 2010, Alameda County has recently enacted a new law that prohibits the disposal of plant debris in landfills. Those in violation of the ordinance will be subject to citations and fines starting on January 1, 2010.
The Alameda County Landfill Ban applies to landscapers and other large producers of yard trimmings (such as property managers, municipalities and institutions) in Alameda County. Effective immediately, plant debris must be separated from other contaminants, such as bottles, plastic film, fast food containers or construction materials, and must be diverted to the designated “clean green” areas of Alameda County disposal facilities.
Plant debris is defined as:
· Grass
· Leaves
· Shrubbery
· Vines
· Tree branches and trimmings
(Note: Palm tree trimmings and sod are not accepted at most composting facilities and should be separated from the plant debris types listed above.)
Those who violate the ordinance are subject to citations and fines of $100, $200 and $500 for first, second or additional violations in a year or to penalty surcharges on their dump fees. Residents should continue to place plant debris in their green organics carts along with food scraps and food-soiled paper.
As part of Alameda County’s aggressive plan to divert 75% of waste from landfill by the end of 2010, the Landfill Ban prevents plant debris – which can be composted and turned into valuable soil amendment– from being sent to landfills. According to StopWaste.Org, landfills are the leading source of anthropogenic methane. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas with global warming potential 23 times greater than carbon dioxide. It is produced when organic materials decompose under anaerobic conditions.
Keeping organic materials such as plant debris, paper and food out of landfills is the best way to reduce the amount of methane generated at landfills. However, plant debris such as grass, leaves, shrubbery and tree trimmings must be kept free from contaminants, such as glass, plastic and construction materials. Even a small amount can contaminate an entire load of otherwise compostable plant debris.
Professional gardeners and landscapers are expected to do their part to help “Keep Plant Debris Garbage-Free.” By complying with this important law, landscapers and organizations will not only avoid fines, but will help “close the loop,” creating compost and mulch that helps to conserve water in landscapes, reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides and improves soil quality.
More information about the Landfill Ban can be found at www.LandfillBan.org, or by calling the Landfill Ban Hotline at (888) 893-9929.
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