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Oceanside to crack down on people stealing trash
By: DAVID STERRETT - Staff Writer | ∞
OCEANSIDE ---- The City Council gave unanimous support Wednesday to a proposed law cracking down on people who take garbage from trash cans and recycle bins in Oceanside.
The law, introduced Wednesday, is designed to let residents know it's stealing to remove items from curbside bins. If approved on a second reading, expected soon, the law would give Oceanside police and code enforcement officers the power to ticket violators.
The council also approved an $18 million contract to build a bridge over the San Luis Rey River at Pacific Street and directed staffers to consider increasing senior transportation programs.
During Wednesday's quick meeting, several council members and residents said they often see people scavenging through trash cans for materials they can recycle for money.
The city's trash haulers lose revenue when people steal the recyclable material, and it leads to higher trash rates for residents, city officials said.
"The goal here is to stop folks who are making a business out of ripping the city off," said Councilwoman Shari Mackin. "This has been a very hot topic lately."
Stealing aluminum and plastic cans has long been a problem in Oceanside, but it has become more common recently, said Ester Beatty, a senior management analyst.
She said the city's trash hauler, Waste Management Inc., estimates people steal about 10 percent of the 359 tons of recyclable materials residents and business put out each year
The theft costs Waste Management between $30,000 and $40,000 a year in lost revenue, and the losses are passed onto residents through higher rates, Betty said.
She said the city has had a law against scavenging since the late 1980s, but the new law "adds more teeth."
Beatty added that to stop the problem, residents should call the city when they see people taking recyclable material, and they should try not to put their cans on the curb too early.
Resident Carolyn Krammer told the council she doesn't put her recyclables on the street until the morning anymore.
"Soon as dark hits, pillaging starts in the neighborhood," Krammer said. "I do hope the city enforces this law."
The city will not have to hire any new employees, but will have code enforcement and police officers respond when residents report people stealing materials.
David Manley, the city's code enforcement manager, said his department has already started trying to stop people from rummaging through residents' trash.
"We've had some success catching people already, and the stealing has stopped on those streets," Manley said.
He said code enforcement officers issue a ticket when they catch someone in the act and the violators usually receive a fine of about $100 or $200.
Resident Sylvia Peters said she plans to call code enforcement, because every week a couple of people go through all of the recycle bins in her neighborhood and leave trash thrown around the street.
"My neighbors and I are afraid to say anything to them because we don't want them to do something to our properties," Peters said. "We all just stand around and watch."
Peters said the new law is a good start, but the city needs to look at changing how it runs its recycling program. Instead of having residents sort recyclable material into three different baskets, Peters said the city should give residents one bin for papers, plastics and glass. The city should then have the material sorted at a central facility.
Peters said having a recycle can with a top would make it tougher for people to steal.
City officials and representatives of Waste Management said they were studying such changes to the recycling.
Waste Management didn't propose the new law, but the company supports it, said Ken Ryan, the district manager for the trash hauler.
"Anything that helps recycling in Oceanside, we are all for it," Ryan said.
Californians recycled an all-time high 12.4 billion beverage containers in 2005, according to the state department of conservation.
State law makes each plastic, glass or aluminium container worth at least 4 cents when recycled.
Locally residents can get 69 cents for every pound of plastic bottles and $1.30 per pound of aluminum cans, Betty said.
Without recycling, it takes 100 years for aluminum cans, 700 years for plastic bottles and 1 million years for a glass containers to degrade in a landfill, according to the state conservation web site.
The site states it only takes 90 days for a recycled aluminum can to make it back on the shelf.
"I hope the public doesn't miss the important message," Councilman Rocky Chavez said. "It's important we recycle for the environment.
"The solution to the stealing is neighborhood watch programs and letting the city know," he said.
Contact staff writer David Sterrett at (760) 901-4067 or dsterrett@nctimes.com. To comment, go to nctimes.com.
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Finally wrote on Aug 2, 2006 11:19 PM:I stopped putting out my cans and recyclables years ago, because homeless would steal them from my boxes. I have been saying for years that is a lot of money waste management isn't getting. Probably hundreds of thousands. Although OPD has been good about running folks off when I call them and complain, but OPD has better things to do then be trash monitors. It will cut down on identity theft as well.
Hotels wrote on Aug 2, 2006 11:24 PM:I hope the city and the county make hotels recycle too, I work in hotels all over the county and you should see the thousands of cans, bottles and plastic thrown away every day! They recycle cardboard, but not nearly as valuable as cans and bottles. You should see the waste it will amaze you. SD Hyatt Manchester downtown SD and La Jolla Hyatt the worst!
Jay wrote on Aug 2, 2006 11:56 PM:I'm glad the City of Oceanside is on top of this major crime spree. In my 35 year experience walking the streets of this town I'm usually watching for muggers, murderers, rapists, gang members, drug dealers, prostitues and such. The City and OPD have had little succes with these crimes. I can rest easy that they have finally found something that they can handle.
This is silly: wrote on Aug 3, 2006 12:05 AM:Don't these lawmakers have better things to do? I know. Let's pass a law that says we have to read the bible in school. That would make sense.
Jill wrote on Aug 3, 2006 4:35 AM:I watch a woman that deliveres paper in a Vista neighborhood take trash out of a bin while doing her route.
Obviousman wrote on Aug 3, 2006 7:09 AM:I only wish that the biggest problem that Oceanside needs to address is people stealing trash!
LOL wrote on Aug 3, 2006 7:42 AM:I new there was a good reason OPD got a pay raise. Its becuase they whur going to have to go after the Notorious Recycbles Gang.
Stay Real wrote on Aug 3, 2006 7:57 AM:Is this what it comes down to TRASH!!?, there are bigger & worse things going on in this city, think about it.
Dumpster Diving wrote on Aug 3, 2006 8:08 AM:I never saw it so prevalent until I moved here and, while it's certainly not the most important item on the city's agenda, it's incredibly creepy and should be stopped.
JP wrote on Aug 3, 2006 8:18 AM:Great headline! And it's so true, one man's trash truly is another man's treasure.
There already a City Code vilation for this wrote on Aug 3, 2006 8:52 AM:This is a waste of time. There is already a law on the books
To Jay wrote on Aug 3, 2006 8:55 AM:Why is it that people like you have to run off at the mouth, but we never see you at any community meetings to solve these problems you mention. You are part of the problem if you aren't part of the solution. Get involved instead of running your jib on the sideline!
The city pass alot of laws wrote on Aug 3, 2006 8:58 AM:The passed new laws and has many other acitivities they deal with all the time. The NC Times decides to write a story on this one and you all act like its the only thing they are working on. Get real! Why is it some people like to complain about nothing! Is this a sampling of the idiots Oceanside has for its citizenery?
LOL when did you last go to the PD wrote on Aug 3, 2006 9:00 AM:WHy must you make a joke of this problem in Oceanside. When have you ever gone to the PD for a ride along to see what is exactly going on. How small problems like this are connected to bigger problems or can be come bigger. Nope you make foolish commnets like that and show your real agenda, hatred and troublemaker!
unbelievable wrote on Aug 3, 2006 9:15 AM:So let me get this staight. If I am recycling at home, and I take the cans, bottles and plastics (for which I payed CRV) to a recycle center, I am stealing from the city.... because that's what happens to that stuff when people take it out of the trashcans. Ever thought about the fact that some people use/need that money to buy food for their kids or themselves? We are so wealthy that we don't bother thinking about the CRV we pay for recycling materials. It's way easier to thow them away and whine about people who do have to think about it. Is it annoying if someone goes through your trash? Yes. If you're worried about identity theft buy a shredder and whatch what you dump. Don't have a shredder? Take your recycle materials to a recycle center and use that money to buy one.
Trash to treasure wrote on Aug 3, 2006 10:30 AM:Wow, in OC they only take the trash! Here in Mexcondido they take the whole bin whether for recycle or trash! You have to clearly mark the bins with your address or else they will steal it in the dark of night. That is because with multiple families living in single family residences, they generate more trash than one bin can hold. Extra bins cost money and generally they will only let you buy another recycle bin which puts a premium on the blue trash bins. Why pay when you can steal, trash and all. You never know what might be in the bin you steal, might be something you can re-sell and make money to boot!
Intelligent Human wrote on Aug 3, 2006 11:10 AM:They're RECYCLING! Recycling is GOOD! The city ought to pass an ordinance that encourages businesses and people to waste less, instead of worrying only about the stupid bottom line.
let the dumpster divers get a real job wrote on Aug 3, 2006 11:39 AM:i'm sick of the dumpster divers and i'm glad OPD will be cracking down on them. i don't think it's a waste of their time at all. i was thrilled yesterday to see so many OPD officers out and about patrolling the area on a weekday, keeping our community safe.
Gloria wrote on Aug 3, 2006 11:43 AM:For the first time I saw a small pick-up truck drive by my home that was LOADED with items in the back. At first I thought they were moving into one of the houses in my neighborhood, but they weren't. I suspected that were "trash thieves," and now I know are. I wish I had read this article yesterday, for if they had been taking trash from my neighborhood, I would have done something about it! Next trash day I will be ready with a camera, pad and pen. The two men in the truck were HISPANIC, so here's another law/ordinance they have no regard for. I am ashamed to say I am hispanic, too.
city discourages recycling wrote on Aug 3, 2006 12:53 PM:The city of Oceanside needs to do a lot more in educating its members of the community about the importance and responsibility of recycling. Educated and conscious societies educate their members to take responsibility; keep their city beatified and parents in turn train their children. Unfortunately based on some comments it is apparent that most people don’t know that the city does not have a program in Oceanside to sort our recyclables. Most educated cities have sort out facilities, encourage its youths and familiars though educated seminars, fairs and city events. Oceanside on the other hand is encouraging the rummaging, and by the way they are not “homeless” they are people in pick up trucks that come down your streets have you seen the overloaded pick up trucks going down 5 to Tijuana or the Swap meet? Most homeowners don’t want strangers going through their recyclables.
Obviousman wrote on Aug 3, 2006 1:12 PM:I am truly sorry, and ask your forgiveness, but I cannot feel any emotion against someone who steals trash. OK, maybe the City of Oceanside or Waste Management don't make as much as they should have on recyclables. So what? It wasn't their recyclables to begin with.j It was our recyclables. We decided to put them out rather than taking them to the Recycling Center. So ease off, get a grip, and find something, anything more substantive to address!
Veritas wrote on Aug 3, 2006 1:36 PM:Had a chair in my driveway with a sign Free pickup. It was still there after 3days. Changed the sign to For Sale: $500 Inquire within. It was gone over night.
to-Obviousman wrote on Aug 3, 2006 2:00 PM:To Obviousman—Let me simplify this for you 1). You mention the word “STEALS” does this word in itself mean anything to you? Because it sure does to law abiding citizens. 2). The city of Oceanside looses thousands and thousands of dollars it may be up to over a Million dollars per year if they are honest about the numbers. In which case the pass the cost on to us!!! So if you don’t have a problem maybe you can fork out a million dollars to cover the tap of those of us who DO have a problem. The purpose of the city recycling program is to reduce trash so that we can save the environment. You can decide for yourself if you want to give it away but don’t decide for us.
Jay wrote on Aug 3, 2006 2:12 PM:To the unamed blogger who criticized me(most rudely) for not taking part in O'Side society/politics. Sir or madam, though I don't know you (or you, I) I can only assume your age or length of residence in O'Side but I was involved long before you were born or maybe even a resident here. As far as expressing myself on this or any other matter in this forum, perhaps you should read a little document called the Constitution of The United States. Start with the First Amendment.
O'Man wrote on Aug 3, 2006 3:29 PM:Waste Management needs to provide homeowners with something larger than a small crate to put recyclables. With a family of four mine overflows each week in which I throw away the extra cans, glass ect. Provide bigger and more secure containers to better hide my beer drinking habbits! Quit picking on the little guy and look at the bigger picture!
Bigger Cans wrote on Aug 3, 2006 5:09 PM:I to would like to be able to get the larger cans (18 gal I think) on wheels for recycling too. Family of 5 + 4 pets + 2 home based businesses = A lot of recyclables and no where to put them!
mystified wrote on Aug 3, 2006 5:16 PM:This, this is our backwater city's big problem? Can I run for Council on this platform? How about a little prioritizing. We got problems folks, people should be going to jail, some of whom worked in city hall last year. And they weren't stealing cans and bottles either.
To Gloria wrote on Aug 3, 2006 5:26 PM:You should be ashamed of yourself for being ashamed about your heritage.
Sick of It wrote on Aug 3, 2006 5:38 PM:Did Oceanside talk to a lawyer? It's doubtful, since they seem to do everything without any thought. Once garbage cans hit the curb, it's been ruled by courts many times it's not theft or invasion of privacy. That's why police are allowed to dig through trash cans without a warrant.
Obviousman wrote on Aug 3, 2006 6:25 PM:Stop the street cleaner citations. Why should we be cited if we don't want the street in front of our homes "cleaned?" Is there any evidence that a street cleaner actually cleans anything?
Sick of It wrote on Aug 3, 2006 7:33 PM:Sick of It- since you have some legal knowledge can you cite your legal authority? If in fact you are correct cite the authority in which you rely on to make this determination.
To Sick of It wrote on Aug 3, 2006 7:36 PM:That's only if they hit the curb. My trash cans actually sit on my driveway until they are picked up. That's private property.
To Obviousman wrote on Aug 3, 2006 7:38 PM:You're not being cited for street cleaning. You're being cited for violating a stated no parking zone.
David wrote on Aug 3, 2006 9:04 PM:It will just be another of the hundreds of codes that are not enforced everyday. Occasionally someone at city hall will get a hair up their rear and enforce it for a day or two and then nothing; just like the parking and noise codes.
To Sick of it: from OPD wrote on Aug 3, 2006 9:22 PM:You are wrong about the no warrant search of trash. The trash actually has to be dumped into the truck's bin(s) to be searched without a warrant. While in the cans, it needs a warrant
to OPD wrote on Aug 3, 2006 10:39 PM:Thank you for the legal clarification, you are correct it makes perfectly good sense.
Pete Nice wrote on Aug 4, 2006 9:29 AM:I'm glad my city (San Marcos) doesn't have to worry about this type of crime. I'd be horrified to find out that people are taking trash from our trash cans. Next you'll have people picking up trash at the beach & then people removing graffiti!! What is this world coming to?!?!
Meatball wrote on Aug 4, 2006 10:31 AM:I can see it now...a report of someone casing trash cans, and police staked out to end this evil crime spree.
John wrote on Aug 8, 2006 2:01 PM:Stealing trash? what kind of idiot would prevent recycleing?ya need to fix the problem Oceanside.
Kiki wrote on Aug 9, 2006 7:20 AM:And to think I actually put stuff outside hoping it will be taken by someone who needs it. I could be charged as an accomplice.
This is no joke wrote on Aug 9, 2006 9:04 AM:Yes, it is VERY annoying when someone goes through my recycle bin at 5am (!!!!!!) making a horrible racket and mess!!! The worst part of it is, there is nothing for them to take, as I recycle all my own CRV items. I do, however, worry that the loss of revenue from the recycling will affect my monthly trash fees, resulting in an INCREASE. Why should I, or any other resident, have to cover that added expense because of thievery? How is it MY fault, or responsibility, that they "need the money to feed their kids..." I need that money, too, so I recycle my OWN items, NOT my neighbors', and not everyone on the block's, either.
stupid wrote on Jul 7, 2007 11:20 PM:We already dont have enough law enforcement in this city, and now theres this BIG problem with POOR, STARVING, HOMELESS people "stealing" recyclables from streets where RICH, LUXURIOUS, UNPROBLEMED people are just looking for something to complain about. What have we come to!?!?!? ..... trying to fine a person $100-200 for trying to feed themselves... that's the right thing to do... how dare they be human...
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