Frequently Asked Questions
Composting Questions:
Q Do I need to register for the Composting Workshops?
A No. The workshops are free to the public and reservations are not required. Our workshops last about an hour. Low cost compost bins are available for purchase by Riverside County residents. We prefer that you pay for items with a personal check because we do not carry cash. Credit cards are not accepted.
Q Why Shouldn’t Compostable Material be Landfilled?
A Organic materials put into landfills not only take up a lot of room, but they contribute to methane gas, which is potentially explosive. Composting organic materials takes far less time, puts nutrients back into the soil, and benefits everyone.
Q What Happens During the Compost Process?
A In composting, organic material is mixed together in a pile or bin, where a cast of literally billions of tiny microbes digest the material and turn it into rich, dark, nutrient-rich compost (in fact, many people consider a compost pile to be "alive" with these organisms). Think of your compost pile as a tiny zoo.
There are two different methods of composting - aerobic, which means the micro-organisms that work in the pile require oxygen; and anaerobic, which means the micro-organisms that work in the pile do not require oxygen. Aerobic composting is generally quicker and hotter, but requires a bit more work. Anaerobic composting is cooler, takes longer, but requires less work.
During the aerobic process, the interior of the compost bin may reach temperatures as high as 160 degrees, as the billions of micro-organism set about on their task of eating and multiplying, eventually converting their "food" source to compost in as little as 4 weeks. In the anaerobic process, temperatures stay cooler, but the same process takes place in the absence of oxygen, eventually producing compost.
Q How do I Compost?
A It’s easy! Decide on a bin, gather and put together the essential materials, and keep the pile maintained. In as little as 4 weeks, you’ll have compost!
Select a bin - Bins come in all shapes, sizes and colors - you can make your own using wood, cinder blocks, and/or chicken wire, buy one of the commercial bins available at cost through Riverside County Backyard Composting Program or buy one at a hardware store in your neighborhood. If you want good compost soon, and don’t mind a little work, select an aerobic bin which is hotter and faster. If you want something simple, and don’t mind waiting, select the anaerobic bin. No matter which method you choose, compost will happen!
Gather materials - The ideal compost pile has an equal amount of (50/50) of "Browns" and "Greens" (see below).
| Browns (Carbon) Dried Leaves Straw Wood Chips/Sawdust Chopped Cornstalks Shredded Paper Shredded Cardboard Paper Towels |
Greens (Nitrogen) Grass Clippings Garden Trimmings Most Kitchen Wastes Fresh Hay Manure from non-meat eating animals |
Put materials together - mix your ingredients together in the bin, making sure to add plenty of water (don’t soak it though). If you have an aerobic bin, turn it every so often (every 6-7 days is ideal, but even once a month is okay). In as little as 4 weeks, you could have finished compost!
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Electronic Waste (E-Waste) Questions:
Q Why do I need to place my TV and Computer Monitor in a separate area at the landfill?
A As of July 2001 tv's and computer monitors have been banned from landfilling. This is due to the high level of lead in the glass portion of the tv and monitor, the Cathode Ray Tube (CRT). The new regulations require that the CRT be recycled. The Riverside County Waste Management dept. ships the CRT’s to recyclers. At this time CRT’s have a negative value. Presently there is no extra charge for this service. For more information on the management of electronic waste go to http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/Electronics/
Q I am an owner of a computer sale and repair company and have many old non-working computers to dispose of, where can I take them?
A While we don't accept business waste through our residential programs, we have tried to provide some options on our website for Business waste under the Hazardous Waste - Business menu.
I would like to direct you to a few links on our website for the recycling of electronics from your business. First, I would encourage you to contact the Goodwill Industries Thrift Store in your area. They are a registered electronics recycler with the California Integrated Waste Management Board and would probably be delighted to receive your electronic waste. They receive funds form the CIWMB for every pound of ewaste recycling.
Secondly, there are other registered recyclers you can contact from this list, some charge fees, and some don't. This program is growing and ever-changing due to the completive market for electronic waste. I would encourage you to make several calls if this is the route you are going to pursue. I can't keep track of the changes. Our list can be found on our website under the Hazardous Waste - Business: http://www.rivcowm.org/hhw/electronic_waste.html
Lastly, the CIWMB maintains an electronic management data base of companies in California that recycle electronics. http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/Electronics/Collection/RecyclerSearch.aspx
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Green Waste Questions:
Q Can cactus be dumped at the County landfills and if so what is the charge?
A You can bring the cactus to the county landfill and pay for green waste disposal. The minimum charge for green waste disposal is $11.00 and additional fees will be charged $44.37 per ton for loads over 800 lbs.
There are green waste processors throughout the county that charge lower fees than the county landfill. For a current list of green waste recyclers visit Earth911 or for other recycling related links try: http://www.rivcowm.org/recycling/recycling_resources.html or our Resource Links page.
Q Where do we dispose of a lot of very large tumble weeds we have in our yard and more that are in the streets around our house?
A We will accept them at the landfill for disposal. http://www.rivcowm.org/landfill_info/landfill_fees.html
If you are looking for assistance in having them removed from your property or you feel that they are a road hazard, then you might contact the county department of Transportation Land Management http://www.tlma.co.riverside.ca.us/trans/index.html you might also contact your county supervisor office to see if there is a community clean-up schedule for the area you are referring to.
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Q I am a diabetic, what container do I need to put my used syringes in and where do I take them when the container is full?
A Most refuse haulers will not accept your sharps/needles. You will need to bring them to a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event. We take them for free and will give you an approved collection container (also free) - while supplies last. This program is designed to protect everyone from accidental sticks from needles throught the whole waste transportation & handling process. Needles should never be put in the TRASH, it is illegal!!! Please see our schedule of HHW collection events. http://www.rivcowm.org/hhw_schedule.htm
You can make your own Approved Sharps Container from an empty, hard sided sealable container from home, such as a laundry detergent or bleach bottle. FREE Biohazard labels will be mailed to you upon request (951) 486-3200. Before transporting, secure the lid of the container with tape. Place the container in the vehicle with you and when you arrive at the HHW event, the inspector will have you drop the whole container in a barrel. He will give you a new approved container (while supplies last) or Biohazard Labels so you can make your own container.
Q Why do I need to place my TV and Computer Monitor in a separate area at the landfill?
A As of July 2001 tv's and computer monitors have been banned from landfilling. This is due to the high level of lead in the glass portion of the tv and monitor, the Cathode Ray Tube (CRT). The new regulations require that the CRT be recycled. The Riverside County Waste Management dept. ships the CRT’s to recyclers. At this time CRT’s have a negative value. Presently there is no extra charge for this service. For more information on the management of electronic waste go to http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/Electronics/
Q What is Household Hazardous Waste?
A Some jobs around the home may require the use of products containing hazardous components. Such products may include certain paints, cleaners, stains and varnishes, car batteries, motor oil, and pesticides. The unused or leftover contents of such consumer products are known as “household hazardous waste.”
Americans generate 1.6 million tons of household hazardous waste per year. The average home can accumulate as much as 100 pounds of household hazardous waste in basements or garages or storage closets. When improperly disposed, household hazardous waste can create a potential risk to people and the environment.
Q Can I dump my old paint cans? Do you accept partially used paint in containers?
A Both water base and oil base paint are regulated hazardous waste in California. It is unlawful to dispose of paint and paint products in the trash. Empty paint cans can be thrown in the trash as long as no liquid is present.
We will accept up to 5 gallons (accumulation of all the liquid paint you bring) per trip to the HHW events. If the paint is completely dried-up in the can, remove the lid and dispose of in your regular trash. It is only hazardous when it is wet or moist. If you just have a little paint, think about painting it out on cardboard, allow to dry, then dispose of all in you regular trash. For HHW events and locations, go to our website www.rivcowm.org
Q What Are the Dangers of Improper Disposal?
A Household hazardous wastes are sometimes disposed of improperly by individuals pouring wastes down the drain, on the ground, into storm sewers, or putting them out with the trash. The dangers of such disposal methods may not be immediately obvious, but certain types of household hazardous waste have the potential to cause physical injury to sanitation workers; contaminate ground water at landfills; contaminate septic tanks or wastewater treatment systems if poured down drains or toilets; and present hazards to children and pets if left around the house.
Q What do I do if I see someone dumping hazardous waste?
A If you see the dumping of hazardous waste at one of the County Landfills, report it to the landfill staff on site. If you see this activity outside the landfill, in your neighborhood, or on the side of the road call the District Attorney’s Environmental Crimes Investigating Task Force at (951) 358-5055
Q Where can I dispose of household hazardous waste material such as paint, paint remover, varnish, cleaners, etc...
A You can bring these various materials as well as Universal wastes to the Household Hazardous Waste collection events (see schedule: http://www.rivcowm.org/hhw_schedule.htm ) As a resident of Riverside County, you can bring them to any HHW collection events.
Q I have some vitamins and other pharmaceuticals I want to dispose. How do I properly dispose of them?
A Simply remove your personal information from the containers, mix the contents with kitty litter or coffee grounds, and place in the trash. We are following the federal guidelines. For more information on disposal of medication see our website: http://www.rivcowm.org/hhw/medications.html Medications are not accepted at Household Hazardous Waste events.
Q I can't find any information on disposing of batteries. What is the proper procedure?
A Most batteries are Universal Waste and cannot be disposed of in the trash. Some automobile batteries are hazardous waste and must be taken to a HHW facility. If the batteries are from your home - single use, we will accept through the Household Hazardous Waste program http://www.rivcowm.org/hhw_schedule.htm at the ABOP facilities.
If the batteries are rechargeable, you can take them to any Radio Shack or Rite Aid retail stores
If the batteries are from a business or non-profit organization, we will not be able to accept them at the HHW and you will need to have them picked-up (http://www.rivcowm.org/hhw/CESQG_Program.html ) or ( http://www.rivcowm.org/hhw/transporters.html )or use a pre-pay mail back service (http://www.rivcowm.org/hhw/Universal%20Waste%20Mail-back%20Services.pdf )
Q I have heard we should not throw flourescent bulbs in the garbage. And what about light bulbs?
You are correct and you can no longer dispose of fluorescent lamps in the trash. Fluorescent light tubes or bulbs are included in Universal Waste and need to be disposed of properly. We take residential fluorescent lamps at all of our Household Hazardous Waste collection events. For more info. go to: http://www.rivcowm.org/hhw_schedule.htm
Incandescent light bulbs can be put in regular trash.
If the lamps are from a business or organization, you will need to arrange disposal through a mail back, drop-off, or pick-up program. We have several options and processors listed on our website www.rivcowm.org, under "Hazardous Waste - Business"
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Landfill Questions:
Q Why do they ask me where my trash is from?
A State law requires us to report where the waste comes from. When a customer tells us where the waste is from, the weight of that load is assigned to that jurisdiction (city or county). It is important to assign the waste to the proper jurisdiction, as they can be fined up to $10,000 per day if their waste reduction goals are not met.
Q If I have a mixed load of trash, what rate am I charged?
A The charge is based by the majority of weight for that type of refuse.
Q What is the difference between the El Sobrante landfill and other Riverside County landfills?
A El Sobrante is owned and operated by a private company. Riverside County staff operates the fee booth only. The remaining landfills are owned and operated by Riverside County.
Q Why do I have to get out of the car when my car is being "tared”?
A The Tare weight of the vehicle is the empty weight of the vehicle. If you are in the vehicle, then the weight for the vehicle is not correct. All occupants of the vehicle must be out to get a correct weight. It is to the customers benefit to make sure that the vehicle has a full tank of gas when you getting tared, so it will be the heaviest that your vehicle will weigh.
Q What is the difference between a landfill and a transfer station?
A "Solid waste landfill" means a disposal facility that currently accepts solid waste for land disposal.
"Transfer or processing station" or "station" includes those facilities utilized to receive solid wastes, temporarily store, separate, convert, or otherwise process the materials in the solid wastes, or to transfer the solid wastes directly from smaller to larger vehicles for transport, and those facilities utilized for transformation.
Q I would like to dispose of a couple of old campers I have. They have no axles in them, they are not registered and have propane refrigerators which can be removed and Anza landfill is my closest landfill will they take them or will they pick them up?
A Our county department does not transport waste, we just operate the landfills. The transfer stations at Anza, Pinyon, and Idyllwild will not take automotive parts. You will need to go to Lamb Canyon Landfill. The minimum load fee is $8.00 for up to 800 pounds. Anything over 800 lbs will be charged at a rate of $34.37 per ton. You will be weighed on the way in and weighed on the way out and charged for the difference. You will need to dump liquid waste at a dump station (if any), remove appliances, and propane. If you need directions and hours of the Lamb Canyon landfill, please refer to our website www.rivcowm.org .
Are you aware that there are Household Hazardous Waste Collection, Tire Amnesty, and Electronic Recycling Events from time to time. Please check the web site or call the office for more info. Thanks
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Other Questions:
Q What is an ‘Uncovered Load’?
A An UNCOVERED LOAD is a load of solid waste that has not been secured properly or completely covered to prevent articles from falling out while the vehicle is in motion. Examples of uncovered loads include:
Loads containing appliances that have not been tied down or otherwise properly secured;
Loads that contain loose waste, bags or boxes that could fall or spill from the vehicle;
Loads that are not properly secured or completely covered to prevent waste from spilling out;
Loads containing garbage cans without lids or coverings;
Loads containing green waste not tied down or covered;
Loads containing construction or demolition material that have not been tied down or covered
Q What is ‘Tare’ weight?
A Empty weight of the vehicle
Q What is a ‘Gross’ weight?
A Total weight of the vehicle and the trash that is being dumped.
Q How many pounds are in a ton?
A 2000 lbs per ton
Q Why do we accept out of County trash?
A Only incidental amounts of out of county trash is accepted. El Sobrante may accept out of county trash with a contract through Waste Mgmt Inc.
Q What is ADC?
A Alternative Daily Cover is used in place of the dirt with which landfills are required to cover the trash at the end of each business day. Since most ADC materials weigh less and take up less air space than Clean Fill Materials, their use saves landfill space.
Q What is "Cover Material”?
A Clean fill dirt or ADC is used at landfills as required to cover the trash at the end of each business day.
Q If I have complaints, what do I do, who do I call, and how do I start?
A Please call our main phone at (951) 486-3200 Please include the name of the landfill, date and time of the transaction, and anyone you contacted about this issue.
Q Do you accept dead animals?
A Small dead animals are accepted, but they are charged a Hard to Handle fee. This charge is for Immediate Burial.
Q Can I send you my questions that are not covered in this FAQ list?
A Yes, If you have questions you would like to see posted in the FAQ’s please send your questions to ssigmon@co.riverside.ca.us . For answers to your immediate questions please call the main office at (951) 486-3200.
Q How can I dispose of some tires?
A The easiest way to properly dispose of tires is to take them to a retail tire store like Firestone or Goodyear, or a local auto mechanic. Call before you go to make sure they will accept the tires. There will probably be a small charge for handling/disposal.
Tires can always be brought to the Badlands, Blythe and Lamb Canyon landfills. There is a $1.00 charge per tire for standard vehicle tires & up to 9 tires. For more then 9 tires and/or larger then standard vehicle tires you will be charged $96.85 per ton with a minimum charge of $20.00. Tires cannot exceed 4 feet in diameter and/or 200 lbs each.
While I don't know how many tires you may have or where you are located in the county, these are just a few options available to you. Please be aware that it is illegal to transport more than 9 tires at a time.
Q I’m trying to rent a 40 yard dumpster for one week in the city is Palm Springs area of Riverside County.
A Our county department operates the landfills and does not transport waste.Our department does not move waste, we just store it forever. Contact your trash company, waste hauler in your area or look in the telephone directory under 'waste, trash, or salvage'. Please try the following companies:
Burttec Waste Industries (760) 340-2113
Waste Management of the Desert, Inc. (760) 329-5030
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Payment Questions:
Q What types of payment are accepted at the landfill gates?
A Cash and ATM debit cards are the only two types of payment accepted at the gate.
Q Where do I pay my ‘Balance Due"?
A You can either pay the remaining balance due in cash at the fee booth of the landfill where you disposed of the trash, or you may make your payment at the main office located at 14310 Frederick Street, Moreno Valley. Or the office will bill the customer for the amount owed. The customer may pay before or after the bill is received. If you choose to pay before you receive the bill, please note the Ticket number on the check and/or please send a copy of the ticket for which the balance due is owed. Please include the name of the person that owes the balance due on the check. This will assist the office staff in clearing a balance due in the office.
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Recycling Questions:
Q Do I have to rinse out my cans and bottles before throwing them into the Recycling bins?
A No. Simply empty cans and jars of all food and debris then place them in the curbside container. Make sure as much of the food debris is cleaned out as possible. For example, make sure the pickles and juice are emptied from the glass jar. Peanut butter, Mayonnaise, and Margarine should all be scrapped clean from the sides of the container, but you don’t need to wash out the container. Please don’t waste valuable drinking water on recycling of glass, plastic, and metal. The recycling process will kill germs and eliminate small amounts of food debris left on recoverable materials.
Q I would like to recycle some electronics in the Idyllwild area, where do I take them?
A You can recycle electronics at the Lamb Canyon landfill, but not at the Idyllwild Transfer Station at this time.We will accept up to two CRT's (TV, Monitor) for free at the landfill from residents. Additionally, we have Household Hazardous Waste Events and accept electronics along with hazardous waste – please check the web site or call for the latest information. Riverside County residents can bring in the above materials for FREE.
Q I have a 5 gallon container of used motor oil that I would like to recycle, but I’ve heard I need a special container, is this true?
A I have not found any specific wording for limitations on the types of containers that you can use to transport your oil to a certified collection center (ccc). Please see the description below for details. I don't know what your container is, but as long as it does not leak, can be secured with a lid, and is clean, there is not reason why the ccc should turn you away. We have free containers that we give away through our rural Household Hazardous Waste program. If you would like to pick-up a container at our office in Moreno Valley, please let me know and I will have one brought from storage and set it aside for you.
You should always disclose if you think your oil may be contaminated before giving it to a recycler. They should refer you to a Household Hazardous Waste or ABOP Collection where you can recycle the oil and filters. For more information and events visit http://www.rivcowm.org/Recycling/HHW-events.htm for locations in your area.
The California Integrated Waste Management Board oversees the Used Motor Oil Grant program and would be very interested in know if there is a certified site that is requiring users to purchase the store's oil containers in order for the resident to participate in the recycling program. The CIWMB website is www.ciwmb.ca.gov. However, in the description below, you will see that they can determine what types of containers they can accommodate:
Tips on Collecting Your Used Motor Oil
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Once you are finished draining the oil from your car’s crankcase, pour the used motor oil into a clean, leak proof container with a screw-top lid or use a drip pan that serves as both a collection and holding container. Check with your local collection center to determine what types of containers they can accommodate. Some collection centers may want you to leave behind the container for disposal if they are not set up to empty it immediately on site. Containers specifically designed to hold used motor oil can be purchased at your local automotive supply store. |
Certain everyday household containers can also be used for used motor oil collection, including milk and water jugs or the original motor oil bottles. DO NOT use a container that previously held household chemicals, such as cleaners, solvents, fuels (gasoline), paint or bleach.
Make sure the chosen storage container has a secure lid so motor oil will not spill or leak.
Keep the collection containers clean.
Always clearly label the container “Used Motor Oil”.
Keep collected used motor oil out of reach of children and pets at all times.
Q I live in an apartment complex in the La Quinta/Indian Wells area and would like to recycle my bottles and cans. But the complex does NOT have any recycling containers in my complex, aren’t they required to provide them and recycle?
A Thank you for your inquiry into recycling. There are a few locations for recycling in your area. These are the portable facilities located in grocery store parking lots. The sites have attendants that weight the material, then they print a receipt and you can take the receipt into the store for cash.
20/20 Recycling Center, 87-630 Highway 111, La Quinta, 800-969-2020
Tomra Recycling, 50-929 Washington St., La Quinta, 951-980-1203
Mobile Recycling Inc., 74-895 Highway 111, Indian Wells 714-891-7766
For more listings please visit our website: http://www.rivcowm.org/recycling_resources_02.htm
Or the California Department of Conservation: www.bottlesandcans.com
The second part of your inquiry refers to recycling for businesses and multifamily dwellings. At this point, it is not required that businesses sort and recycle their waste, so very few do. There are many issues involved with getting the State to require a business to recycle waste. Many businesses have already evaluated their waste stream and found that recycling costs less than disposal, and they have made the effort to implement changes in operations to achieve recycling.
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Trash Questions:
Q If I have a complaint about my trash hauler, who do I contact?
A Contact the Department of Environmental Health at (951) 955-8982
Q Why haven’t you picked up my trash?
A The Riverside County Waste Management Department is not affiliated with Waste Management, Inc., the waste hauler. The Waste Management Department operates and maintains the landfills within Riverside County, with the exception of the El Sobrante Landfill, which is owned by Waste Management, Inc. Your waste hauler should be contacted directly regarding refuse and curbside recycling collection service.
Q Why do I have to separate my trash? Isn't it all landfilled anyway?
A The landfill is the final destination for waste. All of the trash that goes to the landfill is stored there forever with the exception of scrap metal, electronics, and tires. Recycling happens at your homes and offices. Waste haulers pick up your waste at the curb and take it to a recycling facility or the landfill . There is no waste sorting or separation at the landfill for all the waste that comes in daily.
Q Who is my trash hauler?
A An unincorporated, County Area resident should call the Department of Environmental Heath at (951) 955-8982 to determine which hauling company picks up their trash.
Q Who picks up the trash that is illegally dumped?
A By franchise agreement, the trash haulers are required to pick up illegally dumped refuse (the size of a trash bag or more) along the right of way of County roads (roads offered to the County and accepted for vesting title, whether they have been accepted for County maintenance or not). If you see any refuse along the side of the road, please call the Department of Environmental Health at (951) 955-8982, so that they can notify the correct hauler.
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