Fresno Ranks #1 in State for Recycling Achievements
01/26/2009
Today, the City of Fresno, Department of Public Utilities (DPU), Solid Waste Division announced a significant milestone in their ongoing recycling efforts. Fresno has ranked highest in the state among larger cities by the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) for diverting 71% of their waste out of the landfill and into the City’s recycling programs. The CIWMB is the state agency that promotes a “Zero Waste” California in partnership with local government, industry, and the public. The CIWMB recently released their board approved landfill diversion rates for 2006 which are considered an official measurement in determining how well communities are doing with their recycling programs.
“We are extremely proud of our entire Solid Waste Team for implementing a successful recycling program and commend the citizens of Fresno for their diligent efforts in making Fresno #1,” said Fresno Mayor, Ashley Swearingen. The City of Fresno has significantly stepped up their recycling outreach efforts during the past eighteen months and will continue to strive towards the future goal of Zero Waste.
DPU Director, Rene Ramirez praised both the City Council and community for their roles in this achievement. “The Council adopted a bold resolution in June of 2007 committing the City to the aggressive goal of a 75% Waste Diversion Rate by 2012 and a Zero Waste goal by 2025. With help from a recycling minded community we are well on our way to meeting these impressive goals,” said Ramirez.
The following are examples and contact information for some of the City of Fresno’s top performing recycling partners and recipients of the Mayor’s Recycling Awards.
United Carpet: The company recycles about 500,000 square feet of carpet and padding each year. Environmentally friendly wood also is used as flooring for hundreds of homes.
Contact: Julie Kerkochian #225-5100
Fresno Chaffee Zoo: The zoo collected and recycled nearly 280,000 pounds of green waste and 92,000 pounds of other materials last year.
Contact: Ken Boriack #498-5957
Whole Foods Market: The grocery store makes recycling easy by allowing old cell phones and batteries to be dropped off at the store. Several nonprofit agencies also receive produce and other food from Whole Foods Market.
Contact: Shawn Marshall #241-0300
Fresno Ag Hardware: Along with recycling fluorescent tubes, cardboard and packing material, the store discusses ways to recycle during its monthly staff meetings.
Contact: Kevin Seubert #224-6441
Mayor’s Zero Waste Award
E&J Gallo Winery: Not a single seed, leaf or vine is wasted in the E&J GalloWinery's effort to achieve zero waste. The winery's diversion rate is an impressive 92% with a water purification system which further enhances Gallo's conservation efforts.
Contact: Rod Burns #458-2458
Prestige Surface Works: The countertop maker installed a closed-loop water system that recycles 100% of the 200 gallons of water used each minute by the company's stone-cutting equipment. Sediment that is captured in the system's filters is combined with other waste material and used as a filler or as a road base by Caltrans.
Contact: Diko Chekian #497-8920
Individual Recycling Award Winner
Linda Nimer: The Wawona Middle School teacher has published the book, "Recycling Begins With Me ... But everyone should help!" Nimer also was a Environmental Protection Agency award winner in 2007.
Wawonna Middle School #248-7310
|
2006 City Landfill Diversion Rates
Official Rankings
CA Integrated Waste Management Board |
|
|
Population |
|
Total |
2006 Diversion |
|
Rank (2008) |
City |
Population |
Rate by % |
|
6 |
Fresno |
486,171 |
71 |
|
20 |
Huntington Beach |
201,993 |
71 |
|
4 |
San Francisco |
824,525 |
70 |
|
5 |
Long Beach |
492,642 |
69 |
|
13 |
Stockton |
289,927 |
67 |
|
32 |
Hayward |
149,205 |
65 |
|
27 |
Ontario |
173,690 |
64 |
|
15 |
Fremont |
213,512 |
64 |
|
12 |
Riverside |
296,842 |
64 |
|
31 |
Salinas |
150,898 |
61 |
|
9 |
Santa Ana |
353,184 |
60 |
|
3 |
San Jose |
989,496 |
60 |
|
8 |
Oakland |
420,183 |
59 |
|
34 |
Pasadena |
148,126 |
58 |
|
28 |
Garden Grove |
173,067 |
57 |
|
26 |
Rancho Cucamonga |
174,308 |
57 |
|
11 |
Bakersfield |
328,692 |
57 |
|
17 |
Irvine |
209,806 |
56 |
|
10 |
Anaheim |
346,823 |
55 |
|
2 |
San Diego |
1,336,865 |
55 |
|
19 |
San Bernardino |
205,493 |
54 |
|
14 |
Chula Vista |
231,305 |
54 |
|
18 |
Glendale |
207,157 |
53 |
|
7 |
Sacramento |
475,743 |
52 |
|
16 |
Modesto |
209,936 |
48 |
|
1 |
Los Angeles |
4,045,873 |
Not yet approved |
Source: California Integrated Waste Management Board at
www.ciwmb.ca.govCONTACT: Public Affairs Office (559) 621-7777 or Ann Kloose, Department of Public Utilities (559) 269-5453
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