HomeMy WebLinkAboutVVS Contamination Monitoring Process for Diamond Bar 2026
Contamination Monitoring Process
Valley Vista Services, Inc.
This document outlines the procedures used by Valley Vista Services (VVS) to monitor contamination
in waste streams and support compliance with California Senate Bill 1383 (SB 1383) and Title 14 of
the California Code of Regulations (CCR), including Section 18984.5. Contamination monitoring
supports diversion goals, improves waste stream integrity, and provides jurisdictions with data
needed to evaluate program performance.
Overview:
Monitoring containers for contamination is an essential component of Valley Vista Services’ collection
operations. Valley Vista Services (VVS) conducts contamination monitoring using two primary
methods: Route Reviews and Waste Characterizations.
Route reviews are typically performed for commercial containers, while residential programs are
generally evaluated through Waste Characterizations. However, each jurisdiction ultimately
determines the monitoring approach that best aligns with its program needs and community
characteristics. Route reviews are typically conducted on a quarterly basis. Waste characterizations
are generally conducted twice per year during two distinct seasons to capture seasonal variations in
waste generation, or more frequently, if requested by the jurisdiction.
VVS follows CalRecycle’s Best Management Practices for Implementing Route Reviews as guidance
for these procedures.
https://calrecycle.ca.gov/organics/slcp/collection/contamination/
CalRecycle Requirements:
Under SB 1383 regulations, jurisdictions are responsible for conducting container contamination
monitoring. Many jurisdictions delegate this responsibility to their contracted hauler through a
franchise agreement or service contract. Valley Vista Services (VVS) conducts contamination
monitoring on behalf of its client jurisdictions when authorized to do so under the terms of those
agreements. The purpose of contamination monitoring is to assess contamination within
collection programs, identify improper material separation, and provide education to customers
to improve compliance with program requirements. Additional guidance is provided by
CalRecycle to assist jurisdictions and haulers in implementing effective contamination monitoring
practices.
Route Review Process
Route reviews play a critical role in maintaining the integrity of waste streams by identifying and
reducing contamination at the point of collection. By inspecting containers and identifying
improperly sorted materials, route reviews help ensure that recyclables and organic materials are
kept free of contaminants. They also help identify instances where recyclable materials or
organic waste, such as food scraps, are improperly placed in the trash container.
Monitoring all three waste streams, recycling, organics, and trash, helps ensure that materials
are being properly separated and that diversion programs are functioning as intended.
Maintaining a clean organic waste stream is particularly important for the successful processing
of materials through composting or anaerobic digestion facilities, which rely on properly
separated feedstock to operate efficiently and meet regulatory standards.
Route reviews also provide valuable data that can be used to identify contamination trends and
guide targeted customer education efforts. To support these objectives, Senate Bill 1383 (SB
1383) requires jurisdictions to implement contamination monitoring programs, including route
reviews, as part of their organic waste collection systems.
Determine the Route and Containers for Review:
Jurisdictions have the flexibility to determine both the number and type of containers inspected
during route reviews. Under Title 14 CCR Section 18984.5, jurisdictions are required to monitor
container contamination within their collection programs; however, the regulations do not specify
a minimum number of containers that must be inspected on each route. Route reviews are
conducted to obtain a representative assessment of contamination within the waste stream and
support ongoing program monitoring and regulatory compliance. As a result, route reviews are
typically conducted by inspecting a representative sample of containers, rather than reviewing
every stop along a route. Containers may be randomly selected to ensure the sample reflects
typical disposal behaviors.
To support this approach, Valley Vista Services (VVS) generally reviews approximately 3% of
the containers on each route evaluated, which provides a practical and representative
assessment of contamination levels while maintaining operational efficiency.
Example Route Map
Source: 3rd Eye
All instances of contamination identified during route reviews are documented in the customer’s
account and communicated to the VVS Customer Service team for follow-up.
Outreach may include direct contact with the customer such as in person, by phone or email,
mailing educational materials such as a “what goes where” flyer, or broader education efforts
including social media outreach, email blasts, and recycling or organics workshops. In addition,
the auditor or driver will place a contamination tag on the container to notify the customer that
improper materials were observed.
Route review inspections may be conducted using several methods:
• Physical Inspection:
An auditor visually inspects the contents of the container prior to service on the
scheduled collection day by opening the lid. A photograph of the container contents is
taken and recorded for each route review stop.
• Camera Monitoring:
Auditors may review footage captured by the 3rd Eye camera system to identify and
document contamination observed during collection.
• Driver Observations:
Drivers may also inspect containers during service. If contamination is observed, the
driver will tag the container and document the incident on the customer’s account.
Operations will then forward the report to Customer Service for appropriate follow-up
with the customer.
Revised 3/ 2026
Record Keeping:
Auditors are required to maintain written or electronic documentation for all route reviews, including
photographic evidence. Accurate recordkeeping is a critical component of the route review process
and supports regulatory compliance and program evaluation.
Each jurisdiction is responsible for submitting an annual report that includes, at a minimum, the
following information:
• The total number of route reviews conducted
• Photos of each container reviewed.
• The number of notices, violations, and/or targeted educational interventions issued to
customers to address and prevent future contamination
Auditors utilize a standardized route review log to document all route review activities. Supporting
materials, such as route maps, review logs, and photographs, are stored in a designated shared file
location. All records must be maintained in an organized manner and be readily accessible upon
request by client jurisdictions or authorized consultants.
Driver Inspection Tag Sample:
Contamination Outreach for Route Reviews:
1st Occurrence: An Oops Tag is placed on the bin or container where contamination is observed to
notify the customer and provide guidance on proper material separation. The VVS Customer Service
team will also contact the customer by phone and/or email to inform them of the contamination,
provide educational materials on proper sorting, and answer any questions.
2nd Occurrence: An Oops Tag is again placed on the bin or container identifying the contamination
and reinforcing proper disposal practices. Customer Service will follow up with the customer by phone
and/or email to review the issue, provide additional guidance, and help prevent future contamination.
3rd Occurrence: An Oops Tag is placed on the bin or container identifying the contamination.
Customer Service will contact the customer by phone and follow up with an email that includes
detailed information and photos documenting the contamination observed. To further support
compliance and proper sorting practices, Customer Service may also coordinate an on-site visit to
provide in-person education and training for the business.
In some cases, and as permitted by the jurisdiction, a contamination fee may be applied after the
third occurrence within a specified period established by the city. Any such fees are implemented
in accordance with the terms of the applicable franchise agreement or municipal program
requirements.
Oops Tag Example:
Waste Characterization Process
Waste characterization is the systematic process of identifying and quantifying the types and
amounts of materials present within a waste stream. This process involves sorting, weighing,
and categorizing materials into defined groups such as solid waste, green waste (organics), and
recyclables. Waste characterizations are most commonly conducted for residential collection
routes to better understand waste composition, identify contamination trends, and evaluate the
effectiveness of recycling and organics programs.
Sampling Plan:
The sampling plan establishes the procedures used to define waste streams and determine
appropriate sampling frequency and sample sizes to produce representative results. Waste
characterizations are generally conducted twice per year during two distinct seasons to capture
seasonal variations in waste generation, or more frequently if requested by the jurisdiction.
The waste streams evaluated typically include:
• Solid Waste: General municipal solid waste (MSW) excluding recyclables and
organics.
• Green Waste/ Organics: Yard trimmings, leaves, branches, and other biodegradable
organic materials.
• Curbside Recycling: Commingled or sorted recyclables collected at the curb.
For each waste stream, samples typically ranging from 500 to 800 pounds are collected
from loads originating from a specific service area or route. This sample size allows for
adequate sorting and analysis while maintaining a representative portion of the overall waste
stream. Incoming loads are randomly selected during normal facility operations to ensure
the samples reflect typical disposal behavior and provide a representative assessment of the
waste stream. Loads from different service areas are not combined, which helps maintain
the accuracy of the data and ensures the results are representative of the specific route or
jurisdiction being evaluated.
Sample Collection:
Sample collection is conducted on the tipping floor using appropriate equipment such as forklifts,
loaders, or manual collection methods to ensure materials are handled safely and efficiently. Samples
are collected in a manner that preserves randomness and represents the overall waste stream. Once
collected, the materials are placed into clearly labeled containers or sorting areas and transported to
a designated sorting station where they are prepared for detailed analysis and categorization.
Sample Sorting & Categorization:
The sorting process will be conducted using a stable sorting table equipped with clearly labeled
bins for each material category to ensure accurate categorization and data consistency.
To minimize contamination and maintain a clean work area, tarps are placed underneath the
sorting table to capture residual materials and prevent cross-contamination between samples.
Below are the material categories:
Material Categories:
Category Type Materials Included
Paper Cardboard (OCC), Mixed Paper, Newsprint, Office Paper
Plastics PET (#1), HDPE (#2), LDPE (#4), Film, Plastic #3-7 Other Plastics,
Metals Aluminum Cans, Tin Cans, Steel, Other Scrap
Glass Clear, Green, Brown
Organics Food Waste (solid waste), Wood, Green Waste (for green stream)
Residuals Non-recyclables, contaminants
Special Items Textiles, E-waste, HHW, Diapers, etc.
Weighing & Data Recording:
All sorted materials will be weighed using calibrated scales to ensure accuracy and consistency
across all samples.
Weights must be recorded to the nearest 0.1 lb. for each material category. Data will be
documented using standardized data sheets or digital tablets to maintain uniformity and
accuracy.
Each record should include:
Ticket number
Origin or route
Date and time
Material weights by category
Observations such as contamination, odor, presence of sharps, or any hazardous waste.
Data Analysis:
Collected data will be analyzed to determine composition, contamination, and recovery
potential.
Calculations include:
Percent Composition by Weight:
% Category = (Weight of Category / Total Sample Weight) × 100
Contamination Rate:
% Contamination = (Residuals / Total Sample Weight) × 100
Recovery Potential:
Estimate the percentage of materials that could be diverted or recycled
Comparative analysis will then be conducted against:
Previous sampling periods
Regulatory targets
National benchmarks such as those provided by the EPA or CalRecycle
Reporting
A comprehensive waste characterization report will be generated to summarize findings. The
report will include:
Methodology
Data tables and graphs
Material category breakdown
Contamination analysis
Photos
Quality Assurance & Control
To ensure data accuracy, the total weight of all sorted materials is verified by comparing the sum
of individual material categories to the original sample weight. Any discrepancies identified
during this process are reviewed and resolved prior to finalizing the data and reporting results.
Safety Protocols:
All personnel involved in sample collection and handling must follow established safety protocols and
wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, safety glasses, and steel-
toe boots. The designated sorting area must also maintain proper ventilation and be equipped with
readily accessible first-aid supplies to support a safe working environment.
Contamination Outreach for Waste Characterizations:
If Waste Characterization Contamination levels exceed 25%, Valley Vista Services will notify the
city within 15 days of the evaluation date. Valley Vista Services (VVS), in coordination with the
jurisdiction, may also implement targeted outreach and education efforts to address the issue.
With approval from the city, the following outreach strategies may be used to inform customers
and encourage proper material separation:
•Educational Newsletters: Distributed to customers and highlighting common
contaminants identified during waste characterization studies, along with guidance on
proper disposal and what materials belong in each waste stream.
•Robocalls: Automated calls to notify customers of common contamination issues and
provide reminders about proper sorting practices.
•Email & Social Media Outreach: Email communications that include visual educational
materials illustrating proper disposal practices and examples of what materials belong in
each container. Social media campaigns may also be coordinated with the jurisdiction to
promote proper sorting practices and reinforce program guidelines for residential
customers.
•Recycling or Organics Workshops: Educational workshops coordinated with the city to
provide residents or businesses with hands-on guidance about proper waste sorting,
contamination prevention, and local program requirements
Conclusion:
The contamination monitoring procedures described in this guide are designed to provide a
consistent and practical framework for evaluating waste stream contamination while maintaining
efficient collection operations. These procedures may be adjusted over time in coordination with the
jurisdiction to address program needs, regulatory updates, operational considerations, or observed
contamination trends.
Valley Vista Services works collaboratively with its client jurisdictions to refine contamination
monitoring practices, implement targeted education strategies, and improve material separation within
recycling, organics, and solid waste streams.
References:
California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle)
Contamination Monitoring Guidance
https://calrecycle.ca.gov/organics/slcp/collection/contamination/
CalRecycle Best Management Practices for Implementing Route Reviews
https://www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/Docs/Web/119772
CalRecycle Statewide Mandatory Organic Waste Collection (SB 1383)
https://calrecycle.ca.gov/organics/slcp/collection/
California Code of Regulations, Title 14
Section 18984.5 – Container Contamination Monitoring
https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/california/14-CCR-18984.5