Monthly Environmental News
Expanded New Recycling services effective November 1
The City has negotiated a contract with Recology Cupertino, formerly Los Altos Garbage Company that will result in a 75% diversion of waste from landfill by November 2014. Currently the State of California requires a minimum of 50% diversion and as of 2009, Cupertino had diverted 60% of all its waste collections. A key component of this Agreement is to maintain Cupertino’s role as a leader in recycling in Santa Clara County.
Notable new recycling features in the Agreement include the collection of:
- Food waste (compostable materials) from residents along with plant trimmings for processing into compost (Recology will provide each household a free seal-tight pitcher, in which to save food scraps until they are wrapped in paper bags or newspaper and placed with plant trimmings in the organics bin for collection);
- Food waste (compostable materials) from restaurants, grocery stores and other businesses in Cupertino;
- Compostable Materials include:
- organic materials generated from tree trimming, shrubbery pruning, vegetative garden wastes, dead plants, weeds, leaves, grass clippings, and non-food vegetative matter
- all food-soiled paper, such as napkins, towels, plates, tissue, cups, and take-out containers including pizza boxes and waxed cardboard boxes
- All food products and bones such as chicken, turkey, fish, beef, and pork
- Coffee grounds, paper tea bags and paper filters
- Dairy products
- Pasta, bread and dough products
- All fruit and vegetables
- Paperboard milk cartons;
- Unlimited single-stream recycling and food waste from multi-family town homes, condominiums and apartments (services will be equivalent to single family homes).
- Dry cell batteries and cell phones for recycling will be collected from drop-off bins that will be placed at multi-family dwelling management offices;
- Cooking oil from residents when placed at curbside, on the regularly scheduled service day, in a 1-gallon clear plastic container with a closed screw-top lid (only available for residents receiving curbside cart service).
Watch for additional information on these expanded services prior to the start date, November 1, 2010. Recology will promote these expanded recycling programs through its newsletter, website, quarterly utility bill inserts, newspaper ads, and through the City’s website and access channel.
The Citywide Garage Sale Is Coming
Cupertino's annual Citywide Garage Sale will be held September 25 & 26 at individual homes and private locations within the City. The City is inviting residents and community organizations to register, starting August16th, and will provide free advertising and a garage sale "How-to" kit, for all registered sellers. Sale participants manage their own garage sales and keep the profits. There is no fee to participate. After August 15th, participants may register on-line at the City’s website, www.cupertino.org/garagesale or by calling 408.777.3354. The last day to register to be listed on the City’s advertisement is September 10. The City's goal in sponsoring Cupertino’s Citywide Garage Sale is to prevent usable items from being thrown away, if they can be re-used by someone else—and to have fun!
Annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event Scheduled for October 30
The County-wide HHW Program will hold its annual Cupertino disposal event on Saturday, October 30th this year. This event previously occurred in August. The date was changed in response to residential requests to hold the event after the Citywide Garage Sale. The October date will allow garage sale participants to dispose of unwanted household hazardous materials that they discover while getting ready for their sale. The drop-off is free for Cupertino residents. Online appointments are required and may be made at www.hhw.org or by calling 408.299.7300.
Important Contacts for Reporting Storm Drain Violations
To report an illegal discharge or dumping incident that occurred in Cupertino, contact the City of Cupertino at the following phone numbers:
Monday –Thursday 7:30 am – 5:30pm 408.777.3354 or
Monday – Friday: 6:00 am – 3:00pm 408.777.3269
Fridays – 7:30 am – 4:30 pm 408.777.3354
After Hours – 408.299.2507 (Santa Clara County Communications will notify the City’s on-call staff)
Water Conservation
With summer here —the peak water-usage season—the Santa Clara Valley Water District has resumed its water conservation campaign to remind the community to save 20 gallons every day.
Although our local water supplies increased this year, thanks to a wet rainy season and community conservation efforts, uncertainty continues to plague our imported water deliveries from the Sierra Nevada, which meet half of Santa Clara County’s water demand.
With little inconvenience, water conservation can help save hundreds or thousands of gallons per month. Try doing one thing each day to save water. Every person can make a difference!
Water Conservations Tips:
• Fix those leaks! To help detect hidden leaks, turn off anything that uses water and see if your water meter is still moving. If it is, there could be a leak somewhere.
• Install water-efficient devices such as high-efficiency toilets, high-efficiency clothes washing machines, low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators.
• Only run your washing machine or dishwasher with full loads.
• Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth and shaving.
• Water in the early morning. Many irrigation experts feel the best time to water is between midnight and 6 a.m. because evaporation is kept to a minimum.
• Water your lawn only when needed, generally once every three days during the summer.
• Check sprinkler timers and reduce watering times if necessary.
• Check sprinkler heads, valves and drip emitters once a month. Make sure heads are aimed correctly.
• Apply a layer of organic mulch around plants to reduce moisture loss and stop weeds.
• Ask your local nursery for the types of plants that will save you water. Water wise plants can be beautiful as well as practical.
• Use a broom, rather than a hose to clean pavement.
• Use a spray nozzle with a shutoff handle so water doesn’t flow continuously.
The water district offers programs and rebates to help residents and businesses save water and money. To learn more or to sign up for a free water wise house call, visit www.valleywater.org or call 408.265.2600.