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Vote on our 'Mandatory Trash Poll' online!
The city’s mandatory trash and recycling program is one of the most high-profile, controversial issues in
recent memory. In an attempt to gain insight into broader public opinion, the following poll is available on our
website. Please click on the yellow box below to submit your online vote. Your opinion on this matter is
important to us. Please read carefully before submitting your answers.
recent memory. In an attempt to gain insight into broader public opinion, the following poll is available on our
website. Please click on the yellow box below to submit your online vote. Your opinion on this matter is
important to us. Please read carefully before submitting your answers.
The city of Ridgecrest is facing criticism from many property owners over its mandatory trash and recycling
program. The California Integrated Waste Management Board ordered the city to increase its diversion rate of
recyclables from the waste stream in 2007. The city and state worked together to develop a recycling program,
and the state gave an implementation deadline of January 2010 to avoid further penalty. As of November 2009
residential property owners have been charged $30.52 per month for curbside pick-up of waste and recycling.
Those opposed to the program have stated it is unfair to pay for a service regardless of need or affordability.
Critics have further asserted that the rushed implementation led to a poorly worded ordinance and no time to
put the project out to bid.
For months city officials have said that the state officials will not accept a recycling strategy that does not
include a mandatory component. However, councilmen, after meeting last week with state officials, indicate
that the state would consider a voluntary program — so long as state targets are met. If those goals are not
met, the city would have to revert back to the mandatory program. In light of that information, please answer
the questions on our poll at http://www.misterpoll.com/470825
program. The California Integrated Waste Management Board ordered the city to increase its diversion rate of
recyclables from the waste stream in 2007. The city and state worked together to develop a recycling program,
and the state gave an implementation deadline of January 2010 to avoid further penalty. As of November 2009
residential property owners have been charged $30.52 per month for curbside pick-up of waste and recycling.
Those opposed to the program have stated it is unfair to pay for a service regardless of need or affordability.
Critics have further asserted that the rushed implementation led to a poorly worded ordinance and no time to
put the project out to bid.
For months city officials have said that the state officials will not accept a recycling strategy that does not
include a mandatory component. However, councilmen, after meeting last week with state officials, indicate
that the state would consider a voluntary program — so long as state targets are met. If those goals are not
met, the city would have to revert back to the mandatory program. In light of that information, please answer
the questions on our poll at http://www.misterpoll.com/470825
Make your opinion on mandatory trash heard
|
| Book Review |
| Ridge Writers on Books ‘The Valley’s Legends & Legacies’ By Catherine Morison Rehart Six-volume series, 300 pages, paperback Word Dancer Press, 1996-2006, $18.95 each |
| By DONNA McCROHAN ROSENTHAL |