City Ramps Up Efforts to Prevent Recycling Theft

Hearing the clank of bottles at night as someone roots around in your recycling container is a common experience in Concord, according to the Concord Disposal Service (CDS).

A recent spike in the theft and resale of copper and other non-ferrous materials from public and private property has prompted CDS to petition the Concord City Council for heightened enforcement of the municipal code.

In response, the council will decide during Tuesday evening's meeting whether or not to allocate a full-time, non-sworn code enforcement officer to the issue. The position would be funded entirely by CDS.

Recycling theft has become so prevelant that the city and CDS are having trouble meeting state-mandated requirements, according to Concord Disposal Service CEO Joseph Garaventa. California mandates recycling, source reduction, or composting of at least 50 percent of solid waste — a figure that will increase to 75 percent by 2020. The theft of recyclabales in Concord means that the city does not receive the financial credits associated with meeting state requirements.

Concord municipal code regarding solid waste makes it a misdemeanor "for any person, firm, or corporation in any manner to interfere with the collection, removal, or disposal of refuse by the authorized garbage and swill collectors."

Due to financial restraints, the Concord Police Department is currently unable to devote significant police resources toward enforcing this ordinance, according to the city.

CDS is offering to pay for a full-time officer to enforce the code, with a one-year term agreement. The Concord Police Department would oversee the policing of refuse theft and determine the geographical locations where enforcement will take place.

For more information on the proposal, read item 3.e in the Sept. 11 city council agenda packet.

How do you feel about refuse being taken illegally from your recycling container? Does it happen often? Do you care? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments.