HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025 EnviroLink Newsletter 07232025EnviroLink | Published in 2025 EnviroLink | Published in 2025 EnviroLink | Published in 2025City of Diamond Bar City of Diamond Bar City of Diamond Bar
Valley Vista Services Customers
Starting Sept. 1, 2025, Valley Vista Services (VVS) will be the residential waste
and recycling service provider and Waste Management (WM) will start providing
service to commercial customers. Residents and commercial customers can
expect the same services at reduced rates for the first year. Customers enrolled
in special services and discounts do not need to reapply.
Waste Hauler Transition
Door-to-Door Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection
Residential customers are entitled to two free door-to-door Household
Hazardous Waste (HHW) pickups per calendar year. Accepted HHW items
include paint and paint products, household cleaners, automotive waste,
garden chemicals, fluorescent tubes, thermometers, household batteries,
and electronic waste.
Free Additional Recycling and Organics Carts
Standard service includes one trash, one recycling, and one organics
(food waste and yard waste) cart. You may request one additional
recycling cart and one additional organics cart at no extra cost by calling
VVS at 626-855-5501.
Senior and Disability Discounts
Discounted rates are available for customers who are 60 years of age
or older or who have a disability. To be eligible for the discount, the
applicant must be the account holder and live at the service address. A
valid photo identification or current DMV-issued disability certification is
required as proof of eligibility.
Bulky Item and Electronic Waste Collection
VVS provides four free pickups of up to four items per pickup, per year.
Pickups must be scheduled 48 hours before your regular service day.
Curbside Used Oil and Oil Filter Collection
Free curbside motor oil and filter recycling is available to VVS customers.
To participate, place used motor oil (in a clean, screw-top container) and
oil filters (completely drained and sealed in a clean zipper-locked bags)
curbside next to your carts on your regular collection day.
Valet (Backyard) Service
VVS provides free valet service to customers who are physically
unable to set out their carts for service, and have no one residing in
the home to help them. The service involves a VVS driver rolling out
the customer’s carts to the curb, and returning them to their original
location after they have been emptied. To qualify for this service,
customers must have a legally or medically recognized disability that
prevents them from being able to move their carts, and they must be
the account holder.
Free Sharps Containers Upon Request
VVS offers free Sharps containers, upon request, for customers to
safely collect and dispose of used needles, syringes, lancets, and
other injectable medical products. Filled containers can be mailed
to MED-Project, a nonprofit approved by the state to operate a safe
and free Household Sharps Take-Back Program, using a free mail-back
package that can be ordered online at https://med-project.org or by
phone at 844-633-7765.
Holiday Tree Collection
Free live holiday tree collection is available two weeks after Christmas,
from Dec. 26 through the second Sunday in January, on regular service
days. After this period, trees will be need to be called in as a bulky
item pickup. Trees placed out for collection must not be bagged or
wrapped, and they must be free of stands, decorations, lights, and
tinsel. Also, trees taller than 7 feet must be cut in half.
Refuse Cart Overage
For two weeks starting Dec. 26, VVS customers may place additional
regular household trash out for collection at no extra cost. Eligible
material is limited to household waste that belongs (but does not fit)
in your regular trash cart. Other waste such as bulky items, hazardous
or electronic waste is not eligible for pickup as part of this special
service. Customers must call in both free additional overages. If not
called in, additional fees may apply.
Consumers pay a California Redemption Value (CRV) fee when they purchase beverages and receive
CRV refunds when they redeem containers at a recycling center or retailer. CRV-eligible beverages
are packaged in aluminum, glass, plastic, and bi-metal. The CRV refunds are 5 cents for containers
less than 24 ounces and 10 cents for containers 24 ounces or larger.
As of Jan. 1, 2024, the program expanded to include wine, distilled spirits, wine coolers, or distilled
spirit coolers in boxes, bladders or pouches. The redemption value for these additions is 25 cents
per container.
Local recycling centers and participating retailer that buy back empty CRV beverage containers
include PRC Collection, Inc. (21080 Golden Springs Drive), Ambar Recycling (2825 S. Diamond Bar
Blvd.). For more information, visit www.diamondbarca.gov/crv.
Beverage Container Recycling Updates
Disposing of Household Hazardous Waste
Household hazardous waste (HHW) has properties, such as ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, and toxicity, that make
it dangerous to human health and the environment, and therefore cannot go in the regular trash. Common household
hazardous waste includes wet paint, chemical cleaners, aerosol containers, fluorescent bulbs, and electronics (TVs,
printers, and phones, etc.).
For more information, including options for proper HHW disposal, visit www.diamondbarca.gov/hhw.
Preventing Fires in Trash and Recycling Trucks Adopting a
Precycling
Lifestyle
Recycling is an important part
of sustainable living. However,
it has its limitations, and
therefore should come second
to preventing waste in the first
place. This practice is known
as precycling, and it means
making smart, conscious
choices while shopping. It
means choosing items made
from recycled or recyclable
materials, avoiding products
with excessive packaging, and
asking yourself whether you
really need the item. Precycling
also means looking for ways to
extend the life of your goods by
repairing them, modifying them,
or creating new uses for them.
Fires in trash and recycling trucks are caused when certain hazardous materials are improperly disposed of in
the trash or recycling cart. These items often include battery-operated devices and compressed gas cylinders.
When these items get crushed, compacted, or exposed to heat inside waste collection trucks, they can catch
fire posing serious safety threats to waste collection workers and emergency responders, and polluting the air
with smoke and toxic fumes.
For information on safe disposal of electronic waste, visit www.diamondbarca.gov/ewaste.
Ban on Plastic Bags
It has been 10 years since the use of single-
use plastic carryout bags has been prohibited
statewide. Starting Jan. 1, 2026, new legislation
under SB 1053 will tighten these restrictions even
more, requiring that all carryout bags be made
of recycled paper, and eliminating the thicker,
reusable plastic bags currently allowed. There has
never been a better time to make the switch to
reusable bags for all your shopping needs. For
tips on how to keep your reusable bags clean,
click on the QR Code or visit
www.diamondbarca.gov/greendb.
Calendar of Environmental Events
5City of Diamond Bar
August 9 Paper Shredding and E-Waste Collection Event 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
AQMD Parking Lot – 21865 Copley Dr
Los Angeles County Public Works offers year-round workshops and
webinars aimed at gardening enthusiasts looking to start composting,
growing gardens in small spaces, and creating lush and healthy gardens
while conserving water. Webinars run approximately an hour, are
free to join, and open to all county residents. Advance registration is
recommended but not required. To learn more and reserve a spot, visit:
https://cleanla.lacounty.gov/smartgardening.
Smart Gardening Programs
Fire-Resistant
Landscaping Workshops
Protect your home and community by attending a free
Fire-Resistant Landscape Workshop hosted by the Walnut
Valley Water District. Led by Douglas Kent, author of
“Firescaping,” these sessions provide practical strategies
tailored for Diamond Bar and neighboring cities to
enhance a property's fire resistance. This workshop is
offered every April and October. Registration details will
be posted on the District’s website at
https://walnutvalleywater.gov.
6 1
November 15 America Recycles Day 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
AQMD Parking Lot – 21865 Copley Dr
January 17 Used Oil Filter Exchange 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
AutoZone – 303 S Diamond Bar Blvd.
March 7 LA County HHW Collection 9 a.m.-3 p.m.Gateway Corporate Center – 1300 Block of Bridge Gate Drive
April 25 Earth Day Celebration 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
AQMD Parking Lot – 21865 Copley Dr
July 11 Used Oil Filter Exchange 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
AutoZone – 303 S Diamond Bar Blvd.
2025
2026
Presorted Standard
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit #3339
Chino, CA
Postal Customer
******************ECRWSSEDDM*****
nnect with Us
MayorMayor Pro TemCouncil Member..........Andrew Chou Council MemberCouncil Member
City Manager .........................Dan Fox
@diamondbarca
@DiamondBarCity
@diamondbarca
City of Diamond Bar21810 Copley Drive • Diamond Bar, CA 91765-4178 (909) 8390-7015 • greendb@diamondbarca.gov
www.diamondbarca.gov/greendb
For more information about everything environmental in Diamond Bar, scan the QR code or visit diamondbarca.gov/greendb
This newsletter is printed on 100% recycled paper.
2025 City Council
Chia Yu Teng..............................
..................... Steve Tye
..................... Stan Liu............. Ruth M. Low
EnviroLink | Published in 2025 EnviroLink | Published in 2025 EnviroLink | Published in 2025City of Diamond Bar City of Diamond Bar City of Diamond Bar
Waste Management Customers
On-Call Bulky Item Pickup
WM offers bulky item pickup to all residential customers. Each multifamily unit receives four bulky item pickups with up to four items per pickup per
calendar year at no additional charge. WM will collect items on your regular collection day.
Bulky items include couches, washers, dryers, refrigerators, and electronic waste. Items that do not qualify for this service are car bodies, construction
and demolition waste, tires, hazardous waste, or any single item that two workers cannot pick up. Advance notice is required to schedule a bulky item
pickup by calling the WM Customer Care Center at 800-266-7551 at least 24 hours before a regular collection day.
Temporary Services
WM offers various temporary containers bin sizes—from 3 to 40 yards— for residential cleanup or construction projects. Encroachment permits from the
City are required if placing containers in the public right-of-way.
Organics Waste
Recycling is
Mandatory
In 2025, Senate Bill (SB) 1383 entered
its fourth year as a mandatory state law in
California. This legislation was passed to
address two urgent environmental issues:
climate change and food insecurity.
SB 1383 requires Californians to reduce
organic waste sent to landfills. Organic waste,
such as food scraps, yard trimmings, and
food-soiled paper, generates methane when
it breaks down in landfills. This greenhouse
gas traps heat up to 84 times more effectively
than carbon dioxide, making organic waste a
major contributor to climate change.
For more information or help with separating
material for proper recycling or reuse, contact
the Environmental Services Team at 909-839-
7015 or greendb@diamondbarca.gov.
Construction and Demolition (C&D) Projects
All construction and demolition projects
require a City permit. Projects involving
structures or improvements of 1,000 square
feet or more must also include a C&D Debris
Management Plan as part of the permit
application.
California Green Building Standards Code
(CALGreen) and municipal ordinances
require at least 75% of all C&D debris to be
diverted from landfills through reuse or recycling.
To ensure compliance, the City collects a
refundable deposit ranging from $250 to $5,000
based on project size and scope. This deposit is
returned once the applicant provides documented
proof that they achieved the required diversion
rate through proper disposal at an approved
facility.
hazardous waste, or any single item that two
workers cannot pick up. Advance notice is required
to schedule a bulky item pickup by calling the WM
Customer Care Center at 800-266-7551 at least
24 hours before a regular collection day.
All C&D materials must be transported by a
City-franchised or permitted hauler. Individuals
who plan to haul the debris themselves must
obtain a self-haul permit, comply with reporting
requirements, and deliver materials only to
authorized recycling or disposal facilities.
To learn more, residents should contact their waste
hauler or the City’s Environmental Services Team at
909-839-7015 or greendb@diamondbarca.gov.
Although organics diversion is an effective approach to decreasing greenhouse gas emissions from
landfills, the real opportunity is in preventing that waste from happening in the first place. Adopting
a few simple practices can significantly cut your household’s food waste while lowering your grocery
bills and reducing your environmental footprint. These practices include creating a weekly meal plan
and corresponding shopping list before heading to the store so you buy only what you need and will
use, and using different cooking techniques to repurpose leftovers in soups, casseroles, stir-fries,
sauces, baked goods, or smoothies.
Reducing Food Waste
Understanding Dates on Food Products Bagging
Organic Waste
Now Allowed
Starting Sept. 1, 2025, VVS customers
can use clear plastic bags to collect food
scraps before placing them in the organics
cart. This change aims to make separating
food waste a cleaner and more convenient
process. Remember to tie bags tightly to
minimize odor and pests.
Confusion over date labels on food products often leads
to unnecessary food waste. Despite common assumptions,
most date labels on food products do not indicate safety
but rather peak quality. This means that although a
product’s quality (best flavor and texture) may deteriorate
after the date passes, it may still be safe to be consumed.
A better practice than checking date labels is using one’s
senses and good judgement to assess food’s safety. To
learn more, visit the California Department of Food and
Agriculture website at
www.cdfa.ca.gov/is/foodrecovery/fooddatelabeling.
STAGE 2DROUGHT
Stage 2 Watering Restrictions in Effect
California continues to face water supply challenges due to a persistent strain on water supplies. In response to this, Walnut Valley
Water District declared a Stage 2 Water Shortage in January 2022 that is still in effect today. During a Stage 2 drought, the goal is to
reduce overall water use by 20 percent through various outdoor water conservation restrictions. To view the list of water conservation
restrictions, visit https://walnutvalleywater.gov/sustainability/drought-resources.
Rebates That Reward Smart Water Choices
Walnut Valley Water District (WVWD) offers various financial incentives to help customers
reduce water use and lower their bills. These rebates and credits target the biggest sources
of water waste in homes and commercial properties. They include turf replacement ($3 per
square foot), pool covers ($50 account credit), and smart devices such as leak detection
monitors, weather-based irrigation controllers, and high-efficiency appliances (rebate amounts
vary). Commercial rebates are also available for businesses, homeowners associations and
multifamily properties for items that include high-efficiency toilets, urinals, irrigation controllers,
and other water-saving appliances and devices. To learn more or apply, visit
https://walnutvalleywater.gov/customer-service/rebates/commercial-rebates.
Street Sweeping
Street sweeping in Diamond Bar takes place every other week
from February through November, and weekly in January and
December. This service removes windblown litter, metal particles,
and hazardous vehicle fluids that would otherwise flow into
storm drains and eventually into the ocean, harming aquatic life
and contaminating water sources. It also helps prevent clogged
drains that cause flooding during rainy months.
To help ensure thorough street cleaning, be sure to keep your
vehicle off the street during the posted No Parking time period. A
free magnet calendar showing scheduled street sweeping weeks
is available at City facilities or online at
www.diamondbarca.gov/streetsweeping.
Preventing Stormwater Pollution Year-Round
Stormwater runoff is one of the leading causes of water pollution in urban areas. Every time water flows off streets –
whether from winter storms or summer car washes at home – it carries contaminants directly into stormwater drains.
These drains empty directly into local streams and waterways, carrying oil, grease, fertilizers, pesticides, trash, and
pet waste which harm aquatic life, contribute to toxic chemicals in the food chain, and lead to unsafe swimming
conditions.
For tips on how to prevent stormwater pollution, visit https://cleancalifornia.dot.ca.gov/water.
Recycling
Used Oil
and Filters
Although used motor oil is a hazardous
waste, it can be recycled, cleaned and
used again. Diamond Bar residents who
change their vehicle’s oil at home can
get a free oil change kit, while supplies
last. The kit, which consist of a drain pan,
funnel, and filter bag, make it easy to
safely store and transport the used oil to
a certified collection center. Local centers
include AutoZone and Firestone Tires in
Diamond Bar. To request a free used oil
collection kit, contact the Environmental
Services Team at 909-839-7015 or
greendb@diamondbarca.gov.
Statewide Ban on Polystyrene
As part of its ongoing effort to combat plastic
pollution, California has banned expanded
polystyrene – commonly known by the brand
name Styrofoam – statewide. This ban stems from
Senate Bill 54 (SB 54), which required polystyrene
manufacturers to demonstrate that at least
25% of the material could be recycled
by 2025. The industry failed to meet that
target, triggering the ban.
As a result, restaurants, food vendors, and
other businesses are no longer allowed to
distribute single-use polystyrene items such
as takeout containers, plates, cups, and
trays. Polystyrene is particularly harmful to
the environment because of its lightweight
and brittle nature, and the fact it is not
biodegradable.
To learn more about polystyrene, visit
https://www.beyondplastics.org/fact-
sheets/polystyrene.
Waste Source Separation Now Required
Starting Sept. 1, 2025, residents and businesses will be required to separate their
waste and recyclables into different bins as part of the new waste hauler contracts. This
marks the end of VVS’s single-stream recycling system, which for over 10 years allowed
multifamily and commercial trash and recyclables to be mixed in one bin for sorting at
a materials recovery facility.
Under the new requirements, residents and businesses will be required to place their
trash, recyclables, and organics in separate carts and bins. To make the transition
easier, there will be a grace period before contamination monitoring and fees begin.
During this time, residents should familiarize themselves and start following the sorting
guidelines provided by their hauler.
Contamination Fees Now in Effect Under New Waste Contract
As part of the City’s effort to comply with California Senate Bill 1383 (SB 1383), a state mandate to reduce
organic waste and greenhouse gas emissions, contamination monitoring and enforcement are now built into
the new waste hauler contract with VVS and WM.
Under the system, waste haulers will periodically inspect all carts for contamination, such as food waste in the
recycling cart or trash in the organics cart. If contamination exceeds 10%, customers will receive a warning
notice. After two warnings, repeat violations may result in contamination fees as outlined in the City’s approved
rate schedule. In some cases, VVS may also refuse service until the customers follow provided corrective
instructions.
This program is not only required by SB 1383 but essential to achieving the City’s sustainability goals. A short
grace period will allow customers time to adjust before fees are actively applied.
2 3 4City of Diamond Bar