2001 Trash Cutter Awards Program Case Studies

Los Angeles County Department of Public Works:
Best Public Information Program

• Program Description
• Program Summary
• Costs
• Benefits
• Contact

Program Description

Established in 1991, the Los Angeles Countywide Smart Gardening Program not only helps residents develop attractive gardens while using less water, energy, and resources, but also teaches garden maintenance. Yard waste comprises approximately 20 percent of Los Angeles County’s residential solid waste, thus the Countywide Smart Gardening Program cooperatively promotes ongoing, comprehensive efforts to reduce yard waste at its source.

Program Summary

The success of the Countywide Smart Gardening Program is greatly due to its free workshops, regional events, public outreach, partnership with other agencies, and corporate sponsorships. On-site workshops are held at the county’s 13 compost demonstration centers to provide hands-on teaching of composting, vermicomposting, grasscycling, and water-wise gardening. These centers are located throughout the county to effectively address the needs of different communities. Backyard composting bins made of 100 percent recycled plastic are affordable at subsidized prices.

The program works closely with all 88 cities in the county to also provide off-site workshops for residents who do not live near a center or in cities that do not have a similar program. More than 100 workshops are conducted each year at community centers, senior centers, libraries, parks, community buildings, and schools on days and at times most convenient to the particular audience. Fifty-three of the workshops were held at local schools to give students an introduction to composting and vermicomposting.

Various media outlets are utilized to promote the program, including: press releases, direct mail, utility and waste hauler bill inserts, flier distribution at city halls, door hangers at each demonstration center, newspaper advertisements, community and city newsletters, and radio and television public service announcements. The program is available online at www.smartgardening.com and through the toll-free environmental hotline at 1-888-CLEAN LA. In addition, the county hosts information booths at local and regional community events such as home shows, the county fair, Earth Day events, and festivals.

Costs

The county actively solicits donated materials and in-kind services from corporate entities. Coordinating the efforts of all the jurisdictions in Los Angeles County maximizes cost effectiveness. Many cities use artwork, press releases, and brochures developed by the county to promote or conduct events co-sponsored with the county.

Benefits

Since inception, the program has reached 10 million residents in Los Angeles County. In 2000 alone, more than 3,000 residents of the county attended workshops and more than 18,000 residents approached the program’s information booth at public events. The dynamic public outreach campaign has not only enhanced residents’ understanding and awareness of environmentally friendly yard waste management techniques, but has increased residents’ practice of these techniques. In 1996, a survey found that 66 percent of the residents were aware of composing and that 15 percent of respondents were composting. In 2000, a subsequent survey found an increase in residents’ awareness and nearly 22 percent of single-family residents composting.

For Further Information, Contact:

Los Angeles County
900 South Fremont Ave.
Alhambra, CA 91803-1331
(626) 458-5167
www.888CleanLA.com