March 4, 2016 by Nancy Vergara Date: 6/28/2012 Contact: Michelle Johnson Interim Environmental Resources Manager (805) 385- 7957 Michelle.Johnson@ci.oxnard.ca.us New State Mandatory Recycling Requirements New State Mandatory Recycling Requirements for Businesses and Multi-Family Households effective July 1, 2012 may help reduce disposal costs A new state law, California Assembly Bill 341, becomes effective July 1, 2012 requiring businesses and multi-family households to arrange for recycling services. The state requirements apply to any business that generates 4 cubic yards or more of waste per week and to multi-family households, such as condominiums and apartment buildings, with five or more units. In Oxnard, those required to recycle may benefit through reduced disposal costs by adding recycling service to their collection program and reducing the volume of trash service. While many businesses in Oxnard already have a recycling program, there are many that do not. Arrangements for recycling services can be made by contacting the City of Oxnard Environmental Resources Division at (805) 385-8060. Businesses and multi-family households may also donate, sell or make other arrangements for pick-up of recyclables. This includes self-hauling the materials to recycling facilities. In addition to the potential cost savings of adding a recycling program, recycling helps conserve natural resources, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, extends the life of our landfills and helps create a healthy environment for our community and future generations. Being “green” also shows your customers, employees and tenants that you care about the environment. Learn more about the state’s new mandatory commercial recycling program Information about setting up a recycling program is available from the City of Oxnard Environmental Resources Division: (805) 385-8060 Information about California’s business recycling requirements is available from the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) at www.calrecycle.ca.gov/climate/Recycling/default.htm.
March 4, 2016 by Nancy Vergara Date: 10/17/2012 Contact: Trish Honigsberg Outreach and Education Specialist (805) 385 385-7 Trish.Honigsberg@ci.oxnard.ca.us Oxnard celebrates “America Recycles Day” Join the City of Oxnard as we reduce, reuse and recycle our way to a cleaner, more eco-friendly tomorrow in celebration of “America Recycles Day”! This year’s event takes place on Saturday, November 3 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Del Norte Regional Recycling and Transfer Station, located at 111 S. Del Norte Boulevard (on the corner of Sturgis Rd. and Del Norte Blvd.). Everyone is invited to stop by and bring bottles and cans to recycle. For every pound of aluminum cans recycled, attendees will not only gain the satisfaction that they are helping the environment but receive a redemption value of $1.85 per pound during the month of November. America Recycles Day is the only nationally recognized day dedicated to encouraging Americans to reduce, reuse, recycle, and buy recycled products. To support this effort, the City of Oxnard’s event aims to raise awareness of ways to save energy and conserve natural resources through a fun and exciting celebration. Join us this November 3 as we work to raise environmental awareness and make our city an even better place to live as Oxnard celebrates “America Recycles Day”!
March 4, 2016 by Nancy Vergara Date: 1/16/2013 Press Releases Contact: Christina Aerenlund Public Information Officer (805) 385-7593 Barbara Wulf shines as Oxnard’s Employee of the Quarter City of Oxnard employee, Barbara Wulf, has been selected as Employee of the Fourth Quarter for 2012. Barbara started her career with the Environmental Resources Division in 1996. She now holds the position of Outreach/Education Specialist under the Public Information Office. At the January 8, 2013 City Council meeting, Barbara received an Employee of the Quarter plaque, a $250 cash award, and is now eligible to receive a $500 award if she is selected as Employee of the Year. “This is a great honor, especially being considered with all the other employees that were also nominated,” said Wulf. “This really means a lot to me,” she said. Some of the projects that Barbara has worked on in the past include implementation and outreach for various recycling programs, including the e-waste computer recycling program, and construction and demolition recycling. Barbara also oversees the state funded beverage container-recycling program, which includes special presentations to elementary school students. Barbara is currently involved with the citywide sustainability program, including the Energy Action Plan. She is also a contributing writer and editor for the city’s newsletter. She’s also been successful in receiving grant funding and program awards for the city, and has created collaborative efforts to advance green, sustainable practices at such major events as the California Strawberry Festival, Salsa Festival, and Earth Day. Barbara goes above and beyond her job duties and does it with a cheerful and pleasant attitude. She always does what is best for the community and is helpful to all city employees and members of the public. She is well respected and admired by her fellow peers.
March 4, 2016 by Nancy Vergara Date: 1/25/2013 Press Releases Contact: Bonnie Martin Administrative Secretary 11 (C) (805) 385-7488 Bonnie.Martin@ci.oxnard.ca.us Andrea Torres Named Employee of the Year for 2012 Oxnard, CA – City of Oxnard employee, Andrea Torres, has been selected as the City of Oxnard’s Employee of the Year for 2012. She will be honored at the Oxnard City Council Meeting on Tuesday, February 5, 2013. Mayor Tim Flynn, Councilmembers, and staff, will present Torres with a check for $500, along with a special plaque inscribed with her name and picture. The plaque will be displayed in the lobby of the Council Chambers. Torres was selected from a pool of eligible candidates who were all previously chosen as employees of the quarter in 2012. Employees of the quarter are selected throughout the year, culminating in the announcement of the employee of the year. Andrea started her career with the City of Oxnard’s Environmental Resources Department on June 9, 1982. She now holds the position of Acting Supervisor with the same department. Throughout her years with the city, she’s continued to provide exceptional public service. She was nominated by a group of employees that she supervises on a daily basis and they all agree that she is doing a fantastic job. Andrea works closely with her staff and is always accommodating to their needs. She treats her fellow co-workers with respect and constantly maintains a cheerful and calm demeanor. Andrea is always searching for new, innovative and cost-effective ways to get the job done. She is a true leader and major part of the continued success in the Oxnard community.
March 4, 2016 by Nancy Vergara Date: 1/28/2014 Press Releases Contact: Environmental Resources Division (805) 385-8060 On The Road to Zero Waste – February Recycling Opportunities Abound As City Transitions to Del Norte Operations During the entire month of February, Oxnard residents are invited to join the City in a variety of special recycling promotions at the City-owned Del Norte Regional Recycling and Transfer Station (Del Norte). The recycling promotions are being offered in recognition of the February 1, 2014 Del Norte transition date, at which time the City of Oxnard takes on the direct responsibility of the facility’s management, operations and maintenance from a private company. Del Norte, also known as the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), is the central hub of the City’s solid waste management and resource recovery system, where trash and recyclables are received and processed. The transition will allow the City to have more control over its efforts to reduce the amount of waste going to the landfill and provide the opportunity to move forward on the road to zero waste. The February recycling promotions are available as follows: February 1 through February 28, 2014 Monday through Saturday 7 AM to 4 PM Del Norte Regional Recycling and Transfer Station 111 S. Del Norte Boulevard Free mattress recycling, Oxnard residents only with identification*, enter on Sturgis Road and proceed to the self-haul area Free oil recycling kits for residents bringing in used motor oil and filters for recycling (there is an oil recycling limit of 15 gallons in 5 gallon containers), Oxnard residents only with identification*, enter on Del Norte Boulevard and proceed to the Buy-Back Center “Cash for Cans” CRV aluminum can recycling at a special rate of $1.84 per pound (there is a limit of 100 pounds, promotion not valid for licensed recyclers) , enter on Del Norte Boulevard and proceed to the Buy-Back Center. *Oxnard identification (driver’s license or utility bill) is required for free mattress recycling and oil recycling kits. “We have been working on the Del Norte transition process for several months and are excited about entering into a new era to reduce waste and increase recycling opportunities,” states Todd Vasquez-Housley, Environmental Resources MRF Manager for the City of Oxnard. “The February promotions are our way to let the public know that we are working on enhancements to better serve them. Additional community outreach and education programs are planned as we move forward on the road to zero waste.” Vasquez-Housley further states that, in addition to doing the right thing, recycling helps conserve natural resources, saves energy and helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It also ensures that that the City is in compliance with Federal and State mandates, including reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Additional information regarding the City’s recycling and waste reduction programs is available to community members at www.CityofOxnard.org.
March 4, 2016 by Nancy Vergara Date: 2/10/2014 Press Releases Contact: Environmental Resources Division (805) 385-8060 Oxnard seeking community input on Zero Waste Plan The City of Oxnard Environmental Resources Division is seeking community input to help develop a Zero Waste strategic plan. The plan will serve as a roadmap to reduce waste going to the landfill, increase reuse and recycling opportunities, generate clean energy, and explore new policies and technologies in order to conserve natural resources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Residents, businesses, and other community organizations interested in participating in this process are invited to attend an upcoming Zero Waste environmental workshop: Saturday, February 22, 2014 9 AM to Noon Del Norte Regional Recycling & Transfer Station Education Center 111 S. Del Norte Blvd. Oxnard, CA 93030 The workshop is the first in a series of opportunities for the public to provide input. The workshop will include an overview of the current state of waste and recycling in Oxnard, updates regarding the City-owned Del Norte Regional Recycling and Transfer Station operations and management transition, a presentation about cutting-edge ideas and strategies that other communities are implementing on their path to Zero Waste and, most importantly, the opportunity for the public to provide feedback. The first 25 workshop participants will receive a free reusable tote bag or reusable water bottle. “Oxnard has a long history of reducing waste going to the landfill: residential and business recycling programs, computer and electronics recycling, proper household hazardous waste disposal, as well as many other programs,” says Todd Vasquez-Housley, Environmental Resources MRF Manager for the City of Oxnard. “Oxnard community members will continue to be a key component to making these programs work. The public’s input will help us as we explore new avenues to reduce waste. We will be looking at policy and program updates, infrastructure improvements, and new technologies to work toward a goal of Zero Waste and a more sustainable future.” Additional information will be available to the public at www.CityofOxnard.org or by contacting the Environmental Resources Division at (805) 385-8060.
March 4, 2016 by Nancy Vergara Date: 2/20/2014 Press Releases Contact: Environmental Resources Division (805) 385-8060 On the Road to Zero Waste Community Environmental Workshop When: February 22, 2014 Time: 9:00 A.M. to Noon What: Zero Waste environmental workshop and facility tours for residents, businesses and other community organizations Who: City of Oxnard, Environmental Resources Division Where: Del Norte Regional Recycling and Transfer Station Education Center, enter on Del Norte Boulevard 111 S. Del Norte Boulevard Oxnard, CA 93030 Why: The City of Oxnard Environmental Resources Division is seeking community input to help develop a Zero Waste strategic plan. The plan will serve as a roadmap to reduce waste going to the landfill, increase reuse and recycling opportunities, generate clean energy, and explore new policies and technologies in order to conserve natural resources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The workshop is the first in a series of opportunities for the public to provide input. Photo Op: Stakeholder meeting; facility tours; 1.13 ton pile of trash representing the average annual waste produced each year by each City of Oxnard resident.
March 4, 2016 by Nancy Vergara Date: 3/11/2014 Press Releases Contact: Environmental Resources Division (805) 385-8060 Oxnard seeking community input on Zero Waste Action Plan Second Workshop scheduled for March 22, 2014 The City of Oxnard Environmental Resources Division is seeking community input to help develop a Zero Waste Action Plan. The plan will serve as a roadmap to reduce waste going to the landfill, increase reuse and recycling opportunities, generate clean energy, and explore new policies and technologies in order to conserve natural resources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Residents, businesses, and other community organizations interested in participating in this process are invited to attend the upcoming Zero Waste Action Plan Workshop: Saturday, March 22, 2014 9 AM to Noon Del Norte Regional Recycling & Transfer Station Education Center 111 S. Del Norte Blvd., Oxnard, CA 93030 The workshop will feature a working session for community members to evaluate and select waste reduction and recycling programs and policies, and define Oxnard’s Zero Waste Vision. “Guiding Principles” selected by participants at the first workshop held on February 22 will also be presented. The first 25 workshop participants will receive a free reusable tote bag or reusable water bottle. Individuals wishing to participate in the planning process, but are unable to attend the workshop, are encouraged to visit the City’s website for more information and take the Zero Waste Action Plan online survey. Additional information is available at www.CityofOxnard.org or by contacting the Environmental Resources Division at (805) 385-8060.
March 4, 2016 by Nancy Vergara Date: 4/7/2014 Press Releases Contact: Environmental Resources Division (805) 385-8060 City of Oxnard’s Del Norte Regional Recycling & Transfer Station Offering Customer Convenience with New Credit Card Payment Option Beginning Monday, April 7, 2014, customers using the self-haul and disposal services at the City of Oxnard’s Del Norte Regional Recycling & Transfer Station will have the option to pay disposal fees with cash or by credit card. The new credit card option will provide added convenience for customers. Del Norte, also known as the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), is the central hub of the City’s solid waste management and resource recovery system, where trash and recyclables are received and processed. On February 1, 2014, the City of Oxnard transitioned the management, operation and maintenance of the MRF from a private company to the City. For more information, contact the Environmental Resources Division at (805) 385-8060.
March 4, 2016 by Nancy Vergara Date: 5/5/2014 Contact: Environmental Resources Division (805) 385-8060 City to Host Zero Waste Working Group Meeting on May 22, 2014 Seeking stakeholder input on its Zero Waste Action Plan, the City of Oxnard’s Environmental Resources Division hosted two well-attended community workshops earlier this year, addressing waste reduction programs and sustainable resource use. Based on feedback from workshop participants, Guiding Principles were established and components of a Vision Statement were developed. Stakeholders also requested more information on existing and future programs. The City will present this information at the upcoming Zero Waste Action Plan Working Group Meeting: Thursday, May 22, 2014 6 PM to 8 PM Del Norte Regional Recycling & Transfer Station Education Center 111 S. Del Norte Blvd., Oxnard, CA 93030 Interpretation into Spanish will be available at the meeting. The City’s Zero Waste Action Plan will serve as a roadmap to reduce waste going to the landfill, increase reuse and recycling opportunities, generate clean energy, and explore new policies and technologies in order to conserve natural resources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Individuals interested in the planning process, but unable to attend the working group meeting, are encouraged to visit the City’s website for more information and check out the videos from the first two workshops, held on February 22 and March 22, 2014, at www.CityofOxnard.org. For additional information, the public may contact the Environmental Resources Division at (805) 385-8060.