Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
A barrel full of used batteries at the Shoreway Environmental Center. Photo by Magali Gauthier/The Almanac
A barrel full of used batteries at Recology in San Carlos. “Zero Waste Specialists” for Recology will be conducting spot checks of customers’ bins to monitor contamination in waste streams. Photo by Magali Gauthier/The Almanac.

Menlo Park waste checks by Recology

Recology will be randomly checking the contents of residential carts and commercial bins starting this month. Audits will last for six to eight weeks this summer and are required by the state to monitor the contamination levels of each waste stream.

“Recology’s Waste Zero Specialists will audit randomly selected collection containers on each collection route for solid waste, recyclable materials and organic materials for commercial and residential customers,” according to Menlo Park officials.

Audits will occur on mornings before Recology’s scheduled pickups. Specialists, wearing vests, may be seen flipping open the lids of containers, opening bags and documenting the materials found inside them.

If contamination is identified, the container will be tagged with an “OOPS!” note to inform customers and provide tips on sorting waste. Containers with excess contamination or hazardous materials may not be collected. If this happens, call Recology at 650-585-3900.

To learn more about proper waste disposal for compost, recycling and landfill containers visit whatbin.com.

Wildland fire drill in Los Trancos area

The Woodside Fire Protection District is conducting a wildland fire drill in the Los Trancos area June 8-13. Local residents can expect an increase in fire and emergency vehicles, and firefighters running simulated wildfire operations and training exercises. Fire officials are assuring the public that there is no cause for alarm and exercise personnel will be clearly marked and efforts also will be made to ensure minimal impact on residents.

Atherton Sounds of Summer returns

Atherton’s summer concert series Sounds of Summer is returning to Holbrook-Palmer Park on June 18 from 6-8 p.m. The first performance of the season will feature Take 2 Dance Band. Food trucks and activities will be also be available for attendees. Pets are also welcome. Holbrook-Palmer Park is located at 150 Watkins Ave. Check athertonca.gov/500/Events for the full schedule.

Most Popular

Jennifer Yoshikoshi joined The Almanac in 2024 as an education, Woodside and Portola Valley reporter. Jennifer started her journalism career in college radio and podcasting at UC Santa Barbara, where she...

Leave a comment