CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Clearlake Waste Solutions recently delivered its annual report in compliance with its franchise agreement with the city of Clearlake to the Clearlake City Council.

Clearlake Waste Solutions representative Julie Price's presentation, which summarized activity in the past year, included results of a five-year review that showed a 22-percent increase in recycling.

“CalRecycle is very happy with Clearlake and everything that is being done here,” Price said. “In the last five years, city residents and businesses have increased the amount of material recycled at the curb from 2,390 tons per year to 3,068 tons per year. This is an increase of 22-percent and includes both single-stream and yard waste.”

Price said the most important number to CalRecycle is the Per Capita Disposal Rate, measured in pounds per person per day (ppd). The city's target rate is 4.3 ppd.

In 2007, the city was noncompliant with AB939, which called for a 50-percent increase in diversion by 2000, with a per capita disposal rate of 5.4 ppd.

According to the five-year report, the city gained compliance with AB939 in 2009 with a rate of 3.7 ppd.

Price said per capita disposal rate continues to decrease with 2012 statistics showing 3.0 ppd.

She said as the disposal rate increases the diversion rate decreases.

“In plain terms, increased diversion means less trash going to the landfill due to increased recycling, reuse and waste reduction,” Price said. “In 2012, the city of Clearlake experienced its highest diversion rate on record, at 65-percent.”

Price highlighted ongoing waste reduction programs aimed at increasing diversion and other CWS activities in 2013.

She said for the second year the company provided a bulky item collection program, which she said resulted in the collection of 68 items from 50 households.

Price said this is an underused program and efforts to inform consumers of its availability will increase.

CWS published color newsletters and a new, full-color recycling guide in 2013; provided electronic waste collection events; conducted informational outreach presentations, including those pertinent to business; maintained a recycling booth at the county fair; and participated in the city's annual clean-up day.

“For the duration of the event, our truck traveled the clean-up route picking up bags of trash and other materials collected by volunteers and delivered them to the landfill,” Price said. “Six of our employees participated in the event, which included a recycling booth with information about general recycling, reducing waste, recycling for businesses, composting and activity books for kids.”

Price said last year's event also included electronic waste collection that filled one 6-cubic yard bin.

The city of Clearlake is currently gearing up for this year's event, which will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 10 from Austin Park in Clearlake.

To volunteer early, contact Adeline Brown, 707-994-8201, Extension 111.

Email Denise Rockenstein at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .