Winter 2021 Environmental Programs E-Newsletter

Beginning January 2022, Senate Bill 1383 requires all California residences, multifamily complexes, and businesses to separate organic waste from other trash and participate in an organic waste collection program. The City of Irvine is working with its waste hauler to provide organic waste collection programs for residents and businesses to comply with the requirements of this legislation. The City is anticipating the residential program will be rolled out in mid-2022, and more program details will be provided in the near future. For more information, please visit the SB 1383 page. 

Donate unused, sealed plastic utensils and condiment packets as part of the City of Irvine Utensils and Condiments Drive. The City is partnering with Second Harvest Food Bank Orange County to collect sealed, unused takeout utensil packs and unopened condiment packets that many of us receive but do not need, and put these items to good use.

Drop off your donations through December 15 at the following Irvine locations:

• Irvine Civic Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza
• Great Park Visitors Center, 8000 Great Park Blvd.
• Lakeview Senior Center, 20 Lake Road
• Portola Community Center, 900 Tomato Springs
• University Community Center, 1 Beech Tree Lane

For more information, visit cityofirvine.org/ep.

Waste Management will collect and recycle Holiday trees for three consecutive weeks starting December 26 at no additional charge. Trees will be collected at the curb and picked up by special flatbed trucks, or you may cut your tree and place the pieces in your green waste cart with the lid completely closed.

Multifamily residences without curbside service may take their trees to be recycled at no additional charge to:

Sunset Environmental
16122 Construction Circle West
Monday through Friday, 6 a.m.–5 p.m.
Saturday, 6 a.m.–3 p.m.

Trees will be accepted between December 27, 2021 and January 15, 2022 only. Please note that trees will not be accepted on New Year’s Day. Bring a driver’s license or utility bill to show proof of Irvine residency.

Use your powers of observation and trusted internet resources to solve garden problems, identify plants, and deal with pests. Learn the steps Master Gardeners take when answering questions on their hotline.

Please note: This webinar workshop will be held through Webex January 12 at noon.

Register with Irvine Ranch Water District to attend.

In partnership with the City of Irvine, Waste Management is hosting a free paper shredding event Saturday, January 22, at the Lakeview Senior Center. Irvine residents can safely and securely dispose of up to five banker-size file boxes (dimensions: 24 inches x 12 inches) at a mobile shredding unit on-site. The event is first-come, first-served, and will end when truck capacity is reached. Customers who wish to watch their paper be shredded will need to park in a designated area away from the truck and staff.

Saturday, January 22, 9–11 a.m.
Lakeview Senior Center
20 Lake Road, Irvine

The City of Irvine was chosen as one of three cities to participate in the Cool City Challenge to create a climate moonshot strategy — an ambitious, exploratory, and ground-breaking approach to reach communitywide and inclusive sustainability.  The City of Irvine has partnered with over 25 community organizations and registered over 200 volunteers who are interested and committed to climate action in Irvine. Cool Block teams will meet, discuss, and implement sustainability concepts on topics related to energy efficiency, water conservation, emergency preparedness, social justice, and more. Learn more about the Cool Block Challenge and volunteer to become a Cool Block Leader.

Join us for a special program launch event in mid-January. Visit cityofirvine.org/coolcity for details.

Enroll your business in the Irvine Green Business Program — it’s the gift that keeps on giving!

The City of Irvine is offering a free Green Business Assistance Program designed to help businesses operate sustainably and receive public recognition for their efforts. Becoming a Certified Green Business means implementing practices that reduce energy and water consumption, prevent pollution, divert waste from landfills and assist staff in creating a cleaner, healthier environment for their employees.

Visit the Green Business program website to see which businesses are certified in the program, and nominate a business for certification by contacting environmental programs.
environmentalprograms@cityofirvine.org.