Trash talk in Alpine County

Today's subject, folks, is trash. That's right, trash, or that stuff known by the more informed as waste material. I'm not talking about garbage; I'm talking about cardboard boxes, old newspapers, cans, bottles, broken TVs, Christmas trees, light bulbs, worn tires, used motor oil, all that stuff that we, in our consumer society have bought, but now want to get rid of. In the old days, 50 years or so ago, that stuff was just hauled away and ended up in an open dump or the junk yard or, in more advanced localities, all together in a land fill.

Except in the World War II days, the notion of recycling was an abstract idea. The war years had their scrap metal drives and paper drives, as they were called; but after that, the country went back to the same old practices.

It's not that way anymore. In a country with a population twice the size as in the 1940s, with far more waste material being generated per individual, and with a wide range of wastes having to be disposed of; things had to change.

In California, local government is charged with managing such materials. Starting in 1989, the state enacted a series of laws dealing with recycling and the safe disposal of hazardous materials. There is even a law regarding the recycling of cell phones. Targets were set for each county to recycle up to 50 percent of the waste generated in the county and to implement programs for disposal of hazardous wastes and what's called "universal waste." Elaborate systems developed as a result.

Here in Alpine County, we've attacked the problem from all angles. Under the leadership of county employee, Patty DeMaio, we carry out 22 programs ranging from public education to special collection events. Twice a year the Department of Public Works hosts a weekend community event at which residents can bring in, for free, just about anything they don't want anymore. Some things are placed in a "garage sale," a form of recycling. Other things are collected for safe disposal, including electronic equipment, used motor oil, and batteries. And tons of general waste like broken furniture, bent pipes, and worn rugs are hauled to the transfer station in Douglas County for consolidation and then taken to a carefully designed and operated landfill at Lockwood near Reno. Hazardous wastes, like paint, antifreeze, and pesticides, after being shrink wrapped for safety, go to other specially designated disposal sites. Universal wastes, which include radios, TVs, batteries, and florescent tubes are segregated also and transported to sites where they can be recycled or disposed of safely.

In the fall, the county provides space near Turtle Rock Park where residents can bring tree trimmings, brush, and yard waste to be piled and burned under controlled conditions.

Throughout the year Patty manages a recycling center at the public works yard in Woodfords where people are encouraged to bring in bottles, cans, paper, cardboard, and magazines for recycling. Much of that material is taken to the South Lake Tahoe facility where it is combined with recyclable material from that area. Some material, like cardboard, goes to Douglas County for recycling.

Sometimes Patty finds strange stuff being left at the recycling center. Once someone dropped off a cracked windshield. Other than during the two special weekend events, the county doesn't handle such things. Individuals on the east side of the mountains must take them directly to the Douglas County transfer site.

Patty says if a person has a question about what to do with waste material, they can contact her at the public works office (530) 694-2140.

She's dedicated to the concept of intelligent waste management and enjoys being a resource for others seeking answers about the disposal of waste material.

Asked what message she'd like to pass on to others, she said, "Shop smart. Buy things that last."

Bear Valley and Kirkwood, both part of Alpine County, have their own programs and work with neighboring counties to accomplish their recycling goals and hazardous waste disposal.

It has been said that one person's trash is another person's treasure.

It can also be hazardous or it can be recyclable. Whatever it is, see that it is disposed of properly.

n Bill Morgan is a Markleeville resident.