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There’s No Free Trash. The big news is that the City Council voted to put a measure on the November ballot amending Municipal Code 66.0127, otherwise known as the (so-called) People’s Ordinance! For the last 10 years, the LWVSD has been working on a fix for the unfair situation created by this outdated ordinance, which provides benefits from the general fund for only a portion of city residents. The League believes that consumers must expect to pay some of the costs of waste management, and that the government should maintain an equitable system of taxation and benefits. LWV supports Zero Waste policies that reduce the generation of trash and promote reuse and recycling.

Over the past couple of months we spearheaded a reform task force, developed educational materials, met with almost every Council Member’s office, and testified in person before the Rules Committee and the City Council.

Now the real work begins! Between now and November we have a lot of educating to do— and you can help us! When you hear misinformation, use our Fact Sheet and White Paper to help set the record straight.

The most common misconception of residents receiving no-fee trash collection is that their property taxes cover the cost of collection. However, trash collection services are not listed as a special tax on property bills. The $54 million annual cost is actually paid through the General Fund, which is typically used for public safety, park & recreation, libraries, transportation, and stormwater management. The General Fund includes tax and fee revenue from all San Diego residents, not just from those who get no-fee service.

In order to curb methane emissions, San Diego must use all available tools to increase waste diversion, recycling, and reducing organic waste in landfills. The current system of unlimited residential trash disposal actually encourages waste. Variable-rate pricing, also known as “Pay as You Throw” (PAYT) programs, provide incentives for residents to recycle, compost and reduce the amount of waste generated. These programs are the single most effective method for reducing residential waste going to the landfill.

By amending the so-called People's Ordinance, voters will take a big step toward achieving San Diego’s long-term commitment to equity, the environment, and responsible government.

Our SEAC Environmental Justice Subcommittee is up and running! We are focusing on the

intersection of climate change and health, health equity and environmental justice. Our next subcommittee meeting will be on August 12th at 11am, when we will be having an informal chat with San Diego CalBRACE (California Building Resilience Against Climate Effects). That organization is working on the public health impacts of climate change here in San Diego. Email Ruth if you would like to join in this conversation.

Our next SEAC meeting will be on Tuesday, September 20th at 1pm. Our guest speakers will be Health Planning and Program Specialists from CalBRACE, who will talk about their Climate and Health Adaptation Plan for San Diego County. The CalBRACE project is building resilience to the health impacts of heat, wildfires (including smoke), drought, and other climate-related hazards. They support climate and health adaptation planning, actions, and evaluation. I hope you will join us for this important discussion!

Zero Waste Tips Best Practices for Eco-Friendly Events - Plan a Zeewee or Zero Waste Event!

• When planning a community event, choose a location that is near public transit. Encourage invitees to use public transit, carpool, walk, or bike. Another fun idea is for guests to rent a party bus or limousine which can pick up many guests at one convenient location.
• If providing food, send out RSVPs so that you will know how many people to expect and prepare accordingly.
• Skip the swag! Nobody needs any more tote bags, water bottles, pens or frisbees.
• Instead of printing handouts to distribute information, put QR codes on info sheets on the tables. Your invitees will always have access to the information you want them to keep handy.
• Place recycling and compost bins throughout the area, and provide garbage cans that are marked “for the landfill,” encouraging guests to rethink their disposal method. Make sure everyone knows which items are recyclable, and to only use the compost bins for purely organic matter. You can use this as an opportunity to educate attendees and explain zero waste policy. Use Bio-bags to line your bins.
• If the venue does not offer recycling and composting, find a local composter and recycling vendor, and drop off waste or hire a waste management service to pick it up.
• Reuse your own materials. In addition to canopies and folding tables, reuse welcome signs, table cloths, banners, and staff shirts.
• When possible, request real (reusable) plates, cups and silverware. If not possible, shop for compostable disposable products when selecting cups, plates, napkins or utensils.
• Menu plan around food that is in season and local! Serve foods that require less water to produce. Emphasize vegetarian cuisine and avoid meat.