The Riverside County Waste Management Department is taking control of traffic at the County operated landfills.
One of the changes is the implementation of the new Traffic Direction Program. In the past, the Department had assigned the task of traffic direction to a site laborer. The Department recognized the need to focus on these positions and increase the expectations of personnel assigned to this task. The new Traffic Control Program was implemented as a result of the focused study.
The new Traffic Control Program is tasked with defining policies and procedures to enhance safety and enforce site rules, while also providing well trained employees that can quickly recognize safety hazards, respond and correct the situation, and prevent serious accidents in the future. The policies include the implementation of Caltrans Uniform Traffic Control Devices and Riverside County Transportation Department Standards. This implementation includes roadway signing and geometry.
The new program is managed by a Program Coordinator and is staffed with two Operations and Maintenance Supervisors, four Crew Lead Workers, and twenty-two Landfill Safety Monitors. All staff is cross-trained to also work in the Department’s Waste Recycling Program (*WRP).
Customers using Riverside County landfills can expect tighter control of traffic and stricter enforcement of site rules. Customers must follow the direction of Landfill Safety Monitors or risk being banned from the landfill.
Landfill Safety Monitors are also trained and authorized to summon law enforcement for situations involving dangerous or intoxicated motorists for citation or arrest. Landfill users that have obvious signs of intoxication are not permitted to enter the landfill site. Alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs are also not permitted.
In addition to enhanced training, Landfill Safety Monitors are provided with the authority necessary to enforce and report safety infractions not only with the public but Department staff as well.
The County Landfills have implemented an Emergency Stop System (ESS ) to enhance the safety of all personnel at the sites. Equipment Operators and Landfill Safety Monitors are equipped with an Emergency Stop System Equipment that allows them to stop operations immediately when they witness a potential accident. The immediate response to these types of incidents can help prevent an accident that can result in property damage, injury and death.
*Waste Recycling Park (WRP) – Consumers can drop off computer monitors, Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) devices, televisions, electronics, tires, metal items, appliances, lawn mowers, etc. for recycling at the Waste Recycling Park. Example of metal items – swing sets, health equipment, bicycles, auto parts, fencing, piping, structural steel, shelving, etc.
