2000 Trash Cutter Awards Program Case Studies

San Luis Obispo County Integrated Waste Management Authority: Best Rural Waste Reduction Program 

• Program Description
• Costs
• Benefits
• Contact

Program Description

The San Luis Obispo County Integrated Waste Management Authority (IWMA) and its member jurisdictions, private haulers, and landfills offer a comprehensive integrated waste management program for its community. The school-based education program sponsors environmental field trips for schools, helps initiate vermicomposting programs, and offers grants to elementary and secondary schools in the region. 

The source reduction program subsidizes over 2,000 worm bins and over 3,000 compost bins. The recycling program coordinates phone book and Christmas tree recycling programs, has placed over 130 recycling bins in downtown locations, assisted local jurisdictions with implementing weekly curbside collections programs, and maintains a recycling hotline and website.

Costs

This program is paid for from a $3.00 per ton surcharge which costs residents about $.20 per month. 

Benefits

The IWMA worked with member jurisdictions, private haulers, and landfills to achieve the high diversion rate. This cooperation resulted in the IWMA receiving an award in 2000 from Keep California Beautiful for Public/Private Partnership.

IWMA supports a broad approach to the protection and preservation of the environment. It is an active participant in the interagency pollution prevention committee and served as the chair for the previous two years. The IWMA has also participated and funded local events such as Earth Day and the Garden Festival.

For Further Information Contact:

San Luis Obispo County
Integrated Waste Mgmt Authority
870 Osos Street
San Luis Obispo, CA  93401
(805) 782-8530