Office of Public Affairs
For Immediate Release: April 30, 2018
News Release #2018-12
Media Contact: Christina Files
SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) has awarded $252,833 in grants to help clean up 18 illegal dumpsites in San Bernardino, Riverside, and Lassen counties through its Farm and Ranch Solid Waste Cleanup and Abatement Grant Program.
“These grants help restore California’s agricultural lands to their intended use and reduce the burden on affected landowners,” CalRecycle Director Scott Smithline said. “The community garden cleanups included in this grant cycle will also pave the way for public education about proper management of organic waste, which is at the forefront of CalRecycle’s efforts to mitigate emissions that contribute to climate change.”
CalRecycle provides up to $1 million annually for the cleanup of solid waste dumped illegally on farm or ranch property by someone other than the property owner. The three recipients from this grant cycle are listed below:
Inland Empire Resource Conservation District in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties
The Inland Empire Resource Conservation District will receive $91,492 for cleanup on four sites within San Bernardino and Riverside counties. Three of the sites are located on community garden property where the cleanup will include revegetation, restoration, public education and outreach, erosion control, and reuse of organic waste in on-site composting.
The Huerta del Valle Community Garden, which operates a successful community garden in Ontario, recently acquired an empty lot adjacent to the Glen Avon Heritage Park in Riverside where one illegal dumpsite is located. Although the future garden site has the ideal terrain for a community garden and organic compost pile, the nonprofit is unable to afford the cleanup of the site without outside help.
“Grants like these make a big difference to small nonprofits like the Huerta del Valle Community Garden, which has a very small staff,” says Brian Robey, a Project Manager with the Inland Empire Resource Conservation District. “Every bit helps.”
This cleanup project will include the removal of cement cinder blocks, trash, car tires, and rubble.
Honey Lake Valley Resource Conservation District in Lassen County
The Honey Lake Valley Resource Conservation District will receive $50,000 for cleanup on two ranches in Lassen County. A significant amount of unwanted debris has taken a toll on the viability and use of grazing land on the properties. The project will include cleanup, property remediation, and the installation of security fencing and locks to prevent future trespassing and illegal dumping.
Coachella Valley Resource Conservation District in Riverside County
The Coachella Valley Resource Conservation District will receive $111,341 for the cleanup of twelve illegal dumpsites on privately owned ranch and farmland. Debris includes trailer parts, vehicles, trash, metal, cement pieces, tractor tires, hundreds of poles from grapevines, mattresses, and furniture.
Cities, counties, resource conservation districts, and federally recognized Native American tribes may apply for funding under this program. Property owners who desire funding to clean up their property may work with one of these entities. A site may be eligible for funding if it is zoned for agricultural use, unauthorized solid waste disposal has occurred, and the site is in need of cleanup to abate a nuisance, a threat to public health and safety, or a threat to the environment.
For more information contact, the Office of Public Affairs, opa@calrecycle.ca.gov
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CalRecycle's mission is to protect California's environment and climate for the health and prosperity of future generations through the reduction, reuse and recycling of California resources, environmental education, disaster recovery, and the transition from a disposable to a fully circular economy.