A new program is being initiated in the City of Alhambra to thwart the practice of scavenging recycables from curbside pick-up containers.

The Alhambra Police Department and
Allied Waste Services, the City’s
contract residential waste disposal
company, will be teaming up to
address the specific problem of theft
of recyclable materials from curbside
pick up containers. 

This pilot program will begin 
March 18, 2008, and will focus the
collective resources of the partnership
on eradicating this problem throughout
the City. 

Alhambra Police responded to 138 calls of theft of recyclables or scavenging in waste dumpsters during the calendar year 2007. 

The Alhambra Municipal Code prohibits scavenging and theft of recyclables within the City boundaries.  Aggressive enforcement of the municipal code with respect to theft of recyclable materials is one of the primary elements of the program.  Educating the public about Alhambra’s anti-theft of recyclables ordinance is also part of the program.  This is an innovative approach to couple public and private resources in a continued effort to improve the quality of life for Alhambra residents.