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2007 Press Releases

Christmas & New Year''s Holiday

(12/21/07)

Christmas Holiday:

WMAC observes Christmas Day, December 25th, as a holiday.

Garbage, recycling and greenwaste collection services will take place one day late for the remainder of the week. (i.e., Tuesday’s collection will take place on Wednesday, Wednesday’s collection will take place on Thursday.)

CVSD offices will be closed Monday & Tuesday, December 24 & 25, 2007.

New Year’s Holiday:

WMAC observes New Year’s Day, January 1st, as a holiday.

Garbage, recycling and greenwaste collection services will take place one day late for the remainder of the week. (i.e., Tuesday’s collection will take place on Wednesday, Wednesday’s collection will take place on Thursday.)

The collection of holiday trees will also take place one day late for the remainder of the week. Please visit our website at www.cvsan.org or call WMAC at (510) 537-5500 for more information regarding the schedule and collection guidelines.

CVSD offices will be closed Monday & Tuesday, December 31, 2007 and January 1, 2008.

Waste Management Driver Appreciation Awards Luncheon

(12/12/07)

Castro Valley Sanitary District (CVSD) hosted a Waste Management of Alameda County (WMAC) Driver Appreciation Luncheon and Awards ceremony yesterday December 11th at District offices.

WMAC driver Eugene Crusto was recognized for Fewest Missed Pick-Ups for Route 875 for the past six months.

WMAC driver Carlos Costa was recognized for Outstanding Customer Service for Route 402 for the past six months.

CVSD would like to thank all WMAC drivers and staff for their service in the collection of solid waste.

New BAG-A-BAG Program in Castro Valley

(12/3/07)

Effective immediately, Castro Valley Sanitary District residents (single-family and multi-family) and businesses will be able to recycle their plastic bags curbside. CVSD’s solid waste services provider, Waste Management of Alameda County, has implemented a new plastic bag recycling program at the Davis Street Material Recycling and Transfer Station. The Bag-A-Bag program will allow customers to place all plastic bags/wrap in 1 (one) bag, and place the bundled bag in their gray recycling cart or white commercial recycling bin.

Steps are as follows:

1. Recycle clean, flexible, stretchable plastic bags such as –

• Grocery / Produce

• Dry cleaning

• Sandwich / Bread

• Bubble wrap

• Thin packing plastic – used to wrap water bottles, toilet paper, magazines, etc.

2. Do NOT throw single bags into the recycling bin – they will blow away, causing litter, and can cause damage to sorting machinery.

3. Gather loose bags into 1 plastic bag and self-tie the bag. Do NOT use rubber bands, twist-ties, or tape. Tie the bag tightly to avoid individual bags from falling out.

4. Place bundled bags in your gray recycling cart or white commercial recycling bin.

Last Call for Bulky Waste Pick-Ups in 2008

(12/3/07)

CVSD single-family residents or a multi-family residence with four (4) units or less qualifies for one (1) annual on-call bulky waste pick-up per calendar year (January-December).

• Items accepted in the pick-up include: two (2) cubic yards of garbage, three (3) large furniture items, three (3) large appliances, four (4) passenger car or light truck tires, and tree pruning and branches in bundles not longer than four (4’) feet.

• Appliances, tires, televisions, computer monitors, and mattresses will be recycled or reused, respectively.

• For more information about guidelines, acceptable items, and to schedule your appointment, please call Waste Management of Alameda County at (510) 537-5500.

Volunteers Appreciated by Sanitary District

(11/27/07)

The Castro Valley Sanitary District’s Board of Directors will recognize thirty-two (32) volunteers with a Recognition Dinner on December 3rd at Don Jose’s Restaurant in Castro Valley. During 2007 volunteers provided support to many District programs such as street can maintenance, Compost Give-Away and Recycled Art Contest 2007. Additionally, members of the community enhanced District projects by serving on a variety of Committees.

Veteran''s Day Holiday

(11/1/07)

Garbage, recycling, and greenwaste collection services will remain on schedule the week of November 12-16, 2007.

Castro Valley Sanitary District offices will be closed Monday, November 12, 2007 in recognition of the Veteran’s Day Holiday.

Christmas in April Recognized - Castro Valley Area Inc.

(10/17/07)

Castro Valley Sanitary District will recognize Christmas in April at its Board of Directors meeting on Tuesday, November 6, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. with Resolution No. 3152. James Pacheco, President and Past Founder, will accept the Resolution on the non-profit organization’s behalf.

Christmas in April Castro Valley Area Inc. renovated and repaired the homes of the elderly and individuals with issues such as permanent disability due to domestic abuse, Alzheimer’s disease, and other disabilities that have limited their mobility.

Projects included kitchen renovations, window replacements, rain gutter repairs, electrical code upgrades, and wheelchair ramp installations.

Christmas in April successfully submitted an application and was awarded $4,000.00 in funding from the District’s Community Development Project Grant, allocated December 6, 2005.

The District recognizes Christmas in April Castro Valley Area Inc. for its acts of service to the community and for helping those individuals in Castro Valley who are in the greatest need of assistance and in doing so, brings them hope and encouragement.

Castro Valley Sanitary District Residents Receive Cash for Trash

(10/17/07)

Castro Valley Sanitary District (CVSD) held an Open House and Awards Ceremony for its 11th Annual Recycled Art Contest on Tuesday, October 16, 2007. The District awarded a total of $4,925.00 in an effort to promote reuse and recycling in the community. $2,925.00 in awards were distributed to individual contest winners. Prize winning students received equivalent cash awards for their schools totaling $2,000.00.

All 130 entries made with salvaged materials were on display during the Open House and Awards Ceremony. Select winning entries will remain on display through 2008 and some will be photographed for the District’s 2008 Recycled Art Contest Calendar and Annual Report. The calendar will be distributed to over 55,000 residents and businesses this December.

CVUSD Schools Receive over $9,000 in Grant Funding

(10/15/07)

Castro Valley Sanitary District Board of Directors approved Palomares Elementary School’s donation request for Storages Benches, made of 100% post-consumer recycled content for an outdoor classroom. Funding for the benches, $2,225.00, comes from a Recycled Product Purchase Preference (RPPP) grant.

Palomares Principal Melodie Stibich:

“On behalf of Palomares Elementary School, I would like to thank the District

for their kind and generous donation! Our students and staff will get much use out of the storage benches!”

Also approved was a donation request from Castro Valley Adult School for $6,934.80 for Benches and Raised Beds, made of 100% post-consumer recycled content, and soil for a drought-resistant garden.

The Sanitary District encourages groups to apply for its grant funding. Applications are available at the District office at 21040 Marshall Street in Castro Valley, or by calling (510) 537-0757. Groups with projects that encourage recycling, or looking to purchase products made of recycled content are encouraged to apply.

Green Ribbon Schools Program

(10/15/07)

Castro Valley Sanitary District is excited to announce the Green Ribbon Schools program which will reward and recognize schools that “go green.”

Castro Valley schools may now select activities from a menu of waste reduction and recycling options. Credits will be given for each completed activity and schools will be certified as a Green Ribbon School after enough credits are earned.

Castro Valley Sanitary District will reward and recognize all Green Ribbon Certified Schools with:

1. An annual cash award of $2,000 for the first 3 years and $1,000 per year for all subsequent years.

2. An award plaque and banner or flag for display.

3. Recognition at a CVSD Board of Directors meeting.

4. Media promotion in the Castro Valley Forum and District publications.

The District is excited about this new program and looks forward to continuing to work with our schools to go green. For more information or to request an application for your school contact (510) 537-0987.

Got Bulky Items?

(10/3/07)

Before dumping your bulky items, consider reuse and recycling options!

• A Castro Valley Freecycle Group has been established on www.Freecycle.org for those who wish to keep their items out of the landfill. Please visit the website for guidelines and disclaimers i.e. everything posted must be free.

• For the most up-to-date and comprehensive reuse and recycling information utilize the Recycling Wizard at www.StopWaste.Org/recycle.

• Construction and Demolition materials occupy up to 21% of our landfill space. For recycling guidelines within CVSD, visit www.cvsan.org/c&d.htm.

Another option is for CVSD single-family residents or a multi-family residence with four (4) units or less; you qualify for one (1) annual on-call bulky waste pick-up per calendar year (January-December).

• Items accepted in the pick-up include: two (2) cubic yards of garbage, three (3) large furniture items, three (3) large appliances, four (4) passenger car or light truck tires, and tree pruning and branches in bundles not longer than four (4’) feet.

• Appliances, tires, televisions, computer monitors, and mattresses will be recycled or reused, respectively.

• For more information about guidelines, acceptable items, and to schedule your appointment, please call Waste Management of Alameda County at (510) 537-5500.

Columbus Day Holiday

(10/1/07)

Garbage, recycling and greenwaste collection services will remain on schedule the week of October 8-12, 2007.

Castro Valley Sanitary District offices will be closed Monday, October 8, 2007 in recognition of the Columbus Day Holiday.

Music for Minors II Recognized - Music Enrichment

(10/1/07)

Castro Valley Sanitary District will recognize Music for Minors II at its Board of Directors meeting on Tuesday, October 2, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. with Resolution No. 3151. Independent Elementary School docent Christina Sabatelli will direct twelve 3rd and 4th grade students in the presentation of three songs at the Board Meeting: “This Pretty Planet” by Tom Chapin, “Ecology Round” by Joanne Hammil, and “4Rs Rap” by Keith Gutierrez.

Music for Minors II purchased instruments and materials for the music resource center, promotional materials, and volunteer training utilizing $5,000.00 in funding from the District’s Community Development Project Grant, allocated December 6, 2005. Many songs and training integrated musical activities with environmental themes.

Executive Director Carol Zilli reported:

“Music for Minors II (MFMII) wishes to thank Castro Valley Sanitary District for its generous grant that enabled us to train and support adult music docents who brought music to about 1000 children in 6 new Castro Valley schools who otherwise would have not had that enrichment. That was our first year of offering this training locally, and funds also helped us to establish our first music resource center at Proctor School filled with musical instruments and materials for hands-on classroom use by the children. MFMII has also provided performance opportunities for the schools we serve at the new Center for the Arts in Castro Valley.

CVSD has been a tremendous support of MFMII''s expansion in the Castro Valley area. Currently we are offering our third year of training community volunteers through the Castro Valley Adult School in the fall so that more children in more schools can be enriched musically and learn the importance of respecting one another and the environment through music.”

New Solid Waste Contract Request for Proposal Released

(09/12/07)

Castro Valley Sanitary District is soliciting proposals from entities interested in contracting with the District to provide solid waste, recyclable materials and organic material collection and processing services, including landfill disposal services. The current contract is set to expire April 30, 2009 and the process will allow the District to consider a new waste hauler to commence at that time. The District released a Request for Proposals (RFP) on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 at 2:00 pm. Proposals are due back to the District by Wednesday, November 14, 2007 at 1:00 pm.

All entities interested in submitting a proposal can obtain a copy of the RFP at the Sanitary District for a non-refundable fee of $100. A mandatory pre-proposal conference will be held on October 1, 2007 at 1:00 pm at the District office located at 21040 Marshall Street in Castro Valley.

For questions or further information, please call CVSD at 510-537-0757.

H.A.R.D. to be Recognized - Recycled Content Recycling Containers

(08/30/07)

Castro Valley Sanitary District will recognize Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (HARD) at its Board of Directors meeting on Tuesday, September 4, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. with Resolution No. 3145.

HARD selected and purchased post-consumer recycled content recycling containers for the anticipated bocce ball courts in Castro Valley utilizing $5,000.00 in funding from the District’s Community Development Project Grant, allocated December 6, 2005.

HARD’s Business Manager John Gouveia stated, “The Hayward Area Recreation and Park District is very pleased to be the recipient of a recycling grant from the Castro Valley Sanitary District. Protecting and preserving the environment for future generations is something that can be done through the commitment and cooperation of those of us in the present. HARD is fortunate to have a partner such as CVSD to help us make that commitment a reality.”

Attention Community Groups: Are you looking for a fund raising opportunity? Consider hosting an electronic waste collection event.

(08/29/07)

CVSD would like to assist your community group to host a successful and profitable e-waste collection event in Castro Valley. District staff is available to assist with coordination and promotion and may even publicize the collection event in District publications such as the Pipeline newsletter, WMAC bill inserts or the 2008 Recycled Art Contest Calendar.

The District has hosted five successful e-waste collection events since 2002. Their most recent event was held this past July at Canyon Middle School. Under Senate Bill 20/50, the District will receive approximately $8,900.00 in State reimbursements to cover 2007 event costs. In 2006, the District received just over $8,000.00 in State reimbursements for e-waste collection.

For more information, please contact Michelle Jeffery at (510) 537-0987 or michelle@cvsan.org.

Labor Day Holiday

(08/14/07)

Castro Valley Sanitary District and Waste Management of Alameda County (WMAC) observe Labor Day, September 3, 2007 as a holiday. District offices and WMAC offices will be closed.

Garbage, recycling and greenwaste collection services will take place one (1) day late for the remainder of the week. (i.e. Monday’s collection will take place on Tuesday, Tuesday’s collection on Wednesday, etc.).

Therefore, collection will take place Tuesday through Saturday the week of September 3, 2007. Should you have any questions, please call CVSD at 510-537-0757.

Residents Recycle More than 65,000 Pounds of Electronics, Household Batteries and Fluorescent Light Bulbs

(07/25/07)

Alameda County residents showed their mettle as responsible consumers of electronics last month by bringing more than 65,000 pounds of unwanted electronics, household batteries and fluorescent light bulbs to Castro Valley Sanitary District’s (CVSD’s) 5th annual free E-Waste Collection Day.

Within the course of only five hours on Saturday, July 14th, 840 residents, most of whom live in the Castro Valley Sanitary District, brought their of unwanted computers, monitors, televisions, laptops, computer peripherals (printers, keyboards, scanners, mouse and speakers), cell phones, household batteries and fluorescent light bulbs to the Canyon Middle School parking lot.

“Batteries, fluorescent light bulbs and electronics contain significant amounts of hazardous materials, so it’s important to dispose of them properly. We are pleased to be able to provide free recycling services of these hazardous materials to the community,” said District General Manager, Roland Williams.

The accumulation of e-waste is a growing problem that has gained national attention. In California alone, hundreds of thousands of computers, monitors, televisions and other electronic items are replaced every year. Electronics, batteries and fluorescent light bulbs contain materials such as metals, plastics and glass that are valuable but can be hazardous if not disposed of properly.

Letter to the Editor: Green Waste, Recycling and Garbage pick up in Castro Valley - Committed to Quality Service

(07/24/07)

Castro Valley Sanitary District (CVSD) Board of Directors takes its commitment to providing quality service to the community very seriously. CVSD is responsible for providing solid waste collection services to the residents and businesses of Castro Valley and is committed to high standards of service. We regretfully acknowledge that our current franchised waste hauler, Waste Management of Alameda County (WMAC), has failed to meet those high standards during the past several weeks. The CVSD Board of Directors intends to do whatever it takes to ensure that all CVSD residents and businesses receive weekly collection of green waste, recycling and garbage and have taken the following steps to ensure that these services are received:

Route Audits – District staff is gathering data from all daily service routes to determine the level of service being provided by WMAC.

Supplemental Hauler – CVSD has hired a supplemental waste hauler, Alameda County Industries, to provide supplemental services of missed green waste, recycling and garbage pickups by WMAC.

The CVSD Board of Directors live in Castro Valley and are experiencing the same disappointment with solid waste services as much of the community. The Board has met weekly since the labor lock-out began with WMAC and, the action of route audits and a supplemental hauler are designed to bring back the high level of service everyone has come to expect from the Castro Valley Sanitary District and its contractors.

Thank you for your continued support and consideration.

Castro Valley Sanitary District Board of Directors:

Dennis Waespi

Ralph Johnson

Timothy McGowan

Daniel Akagi

Harry Francis

CVSD to put additional garbage trucks on the streets of Castro Valley

(07/24/07)

The Castro Valley District (CVSD) has vowed to have all garbage, recycling and green waste picked up, one way or another. The CVSD has signed a contract with Alameda County Industries, Inc. (ACI) of San Leandro to go behind Waste Management of Alameda County, Inc. and pick up any missed containers. “We just want to make sure the garbage, recycling and green waste are picked up”, said CVSD Board President, Dennis Waespi.

CVSD has been conducting audits of Waste Management garbage collection routes since the labor lockout began July 3, 2007. The CVSD has collected data showing that Waste Management has missed an enormous amount of pickups. “Service has been inconsistent with many customers not receiving pickup since the end of June, about three weeks ago”, stated Roland Williams, CVSD General Manager.

The plan is to have ACI pick up garbage not collected by Waste Management three days after the scheduled collection day. An example is: if your normal pick-up day is Monday and Waste Management does not collect the material, they will have two days to come back and do so. If not collected, ACI will come by and pick up the containers on Thursday. This supplementary service performed by ACI will commence on Wednesday, July 25, 2007.

Residents are asked to leave their garbage, recycling and green waste carts out at the curb until they are collected. CVSD will pay for the supplementary work by ACI from District reserves and will seek remedies for payment from Waste Management.

Castro Valley Customers to set out all containers

(07/13/07)

The Castro Valley Sanitary District (CVSD) is informing all residents of Castro Valley to set out all three solid waste containers on normal pickup days. Those containers, garbage, recycling, and green waste, are to be collected by Waste Management of Alameda County, Inc. beginning Monday, July 16, 2007. The CVSD Board of Directors directed staff to issue a letter to the waste hauler stating that full service is to be restored or the District may seek other options.

CVSD has been conducting waste audits every day since Waste Management of Alameda County, Inc. locked out its drivers on July 3, 2007. “The audits have shown that service is inconsistent and our customers are really frustrated”, said Roland Williams, General Manager of Castro Valley Sanitary District. The CVSD letter also states that daily reports are to be provided to the District of anticipated route service and a follow-up report of what actually happened on the routes. “Castro Valley Sanitary District is steadfast in its commitment to its customers and will do whatever it can to have Waste Management provide the full service as soon as possible”, Williams said.

The Board of Directors will be holding its second special meeting on Monday, July 16, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. to review audits of Monday’s service and determine action if Waste Management does not perform. If you experience a lapse in your service please contact WMAC at (510) 537-5500.

Solid Waste Service & Labor Action

(07/03/07)

On July 3, 2007, Waste Management of Alameda County deployed Temporary Substitute Workers to provide collection service in Alameda County. These temporary substitute workers are being used while Waste Management of Alameda County (WMAC), Castro Valley Sanitary District’s franchisee for solid waste service, and the local union attempt to resolve labor issues.

The District is committed to having WMAC provide regular services, but as of today, it is our understanding that Greenwaste will not be serviced. The District is sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused.

“Castro Valley Sanitary District is committed to its customers and will do whatever it can to have Waste Management provide the best service possible during this time”, said Roland Williams, General Manager of Castro Valley Sanitary District. The District will be conducting audits of the service routes to determine that service is continuing and customers are not being missed. If you experience a lapse in your service please contact WMAC at (510) 537-5500.

WMAC has developed a special website http://wmbayarea.wm.com to inform customers of the status of the labor matter and how it will affect garbage, recycling, greenwaste, paint, motor oil & filter, and bulky waste pick-up collection services in Alameda County, including Castro Valley Sanitary District.

Recycle Your Household Batteries, Fluorescent Light Bulbs & Electronic Waste - Free of Charge! @ Castro Valley Sanitary District''s E-Waste Collection Day 2007

(06/28/07)

Batteries, fluorescent light bulbs (universal waste) & electronics (e-waste) contain significant quantities of toxic materials and must be disposed of properly. Bring your universal & electronic waste items to Castro Valley Sanitary District’s E-Waste Collection Day and we’ll recycle them for you -- free of charge.

On Saturday, July 14th from 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Alameda County residents may bring their unwanted computers, monitors, televisions, laptops, computer peripherals (printers, keyboards, scanners, mouse and speakers) cell phones (with phone batteries and accessories), batteries and fluorescent light bulbs to the Canyon Middle School parking lot, located at 19600 Cull Canyon Road, Castro Valley, CA 94552.

Collected E-Waste will be dismantled at a California Integrated Waste Management Board-certified recycling facility located in Hayward, CA. Materials will be separated into recyclable commodities such as plastic, metal and glass. Hard drives will be wiped of data or destroyed. Batteries and fluorescent light bulbs will be taken to the Alameda County Household Hazardous Waste Facility in Hayward, CA for proper disposal.

This free, one-day event is for Alameda County residents only; please bring a photo ID. Household items such as appliances (refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers), household electronics (microwaves, can openers, blenders, vacuums), books and packaging will NOT be accepted.

For more information, please visit www.cvsan.org or call (510) 537-0757.

Pack 708 Recognized - Proctor Road Improvement Project

(05/29/07)

Castro Valley Sanitary District will recognize Cub Scouts Pack 708 at its Board of Directors meeting on Tuesday, June 5, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. with Resolution No. 3141.

Pack 708 completed an improvement project utilizing $4,000.00 in funding from the District’s Community Development Project Grant, allocated December 6, 2005.

Pack 708’s Committee Chairman Frederick C. Woods reported, “The families of Proctor School and its neighborhood as well as those who use the grounds for soccer and baseball leagues” benefited from the improvement project on Proctor Road, which “reduces erosion and run off from the site and re-introduces native/drought tolerant resistant vegetation.”

Sanitary District to Host Solid Waste Services Town Hall Meeting

(04/27/07)

In 2009, Castro Valley Sanitary District will enter into a new contract for your Recycling, Greenwaste, and Garbage services.

The District is exploring all service options and your input is vital to this process. This is your opportunity to be heard.

On Wednesday, May 9th at 7:00 p.m., at District offices, 21040 Marshall Street in Castro Valley, a Solid Waste Services Town Hall meeting will take place to receive your input as the District begins negotiating for the next solid waste contract.

You’re encouraged to attend the Town Hall meeting. However, if you are unable to attend and wish to have your comments heard, please email them to info@cvsan.org, write to Castro Valley Sanitary District, 21040 Marshall Street, Castro Valley, CA 94546, or call (510) 537-0757.

Seven Residents Win Fast Cash for Recycling Food Scraps!

(04/16/07)

Castro Valley Sanitary District rewarded residents who followed the Fast Cash for Food Scraps contest rules with $100.00 cash (or $125.00 to a participating business) and a chance to win a bi-monthly drawing for 1 year of free garbage, recycling and green waste service!

Here''s a re-cap of the Fast Cash for Food Scraps program:

* CVSD sent "Feed the Green" stickers to 16,000 households.

* Participating residents placed the stickers on their garbage carts as a reminder to recycle food scraps.

* Residents tossed food scraps, food-soiled paper and yard waste in the green yard waste cart.

* CVSD staff hit the streets before sunrise and peaked in 47 GW carts to find up to 10 participating residents. 7 winners were found.

Congratulations to the winners!

* Cecilia & Mariano Magtayo

* Carol & Whitt Jarvis

* Lavonne & Mike Evans

* Joseph Murdach

* Burton & June Rigley

* Youness Hadizadeh

* Larry & Ann Mathews

It''s not too late to win! The Sanitary District will be rewarding up to 10 residents each month for the next 9 months with Fast Cash for Food Scraps. Additionally, monthly winners will be entered to win a bi-monthly drawing for 1 year of free garbage service!

Residents must place food scraps and food-soiled paper in the green yard waste cart and the "Feed the Green" sticker (available at CVSD) on the garbage cart to be eligible. For more information, visit www.cvsan.org or contact (510) 537-0757.

Graffiti Team to be Honored

(03/30/07)

A Shepherd’s Heart Christian School will be honored at the April 3rd Board of Directors meeting starting at 6:30 p.m. with Resolution No. 3139 for their public service to the Castro Valley Sanitary District.

Led by Headmaster Don Moschella, A Shepherd’s Heart Christian School partnered with the District and assembled the “Graffiti Team”, made up by Mr. Moshcella and 10 students in 2006 as a volunteer group, and has provided more than 180 hours of service to date. The Team has cleaned and restored street cans from damage and vandalism.

The District placed 100 street cans in 1999 along major thoroughfares to reduce or eliminate litter to benefit the community of Castro Valley. Accompanying recycling pyramids were added in 2006 to encourage the diversion of beverage containers with a California Refund Value, including bottles and cans.

Compost Give-Away 2007 - Event Report

(03/26/07)

Castro Valley Sanitary District hosted Compost Give-Away 2007, March 22-24, 2007. Approximately 735 District residents attended the three (3) day event, which was held from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, Thursday-Friday and 8:00 am to 2:00 pm on Saturday at Castro Valley Adult School.

The event was held at the Castro Valley Adult School’s Seven Hills Road parking lot, near the gated garden area. Parking spaces in front of the garden were used to store pallets of Castro Valley Gold organic compost (created with greenwaste originating in CVSD) from Grover Compost Facility, located in Modesto, CA. Two (2) parking spaces immediately adjacent to the garden held the event booth where residents signed-in and completed a survey. Adult School students provided vehicle-loading assistance during school hours and Sanitary District staff assisted residents in the afternoon and on Saturday.

Participating residents received brochure packets containing information on food scrap recycling and the District’s up-coming Earth Day event, Go Green. CV Clean!

CVSD would like to thank all volunteers and staff for their service at Compost Give-Away 2007.

What Should Businesses in Alameda County do with Sensitive Documents?

(03/19/07)

Bring them to a Free Drop-Off & Shredding Event!

Castro Valley Sanitary District will now be accepting sensitive documents from ALL Alameda County businesses as part of its April 25-27, 2007 free drop-off and shredding event at Castro Valley Sanitary District offices 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Businesses are encouraged to pledge to clean out their files, and register online at www.cvsan.org/earthday07 for drop-off services. The participating business will complete a very brief survey with an estimate of how much they will be bringing for shredding and recycling, and on what day.

All businesses that mail in their Pledge Card or register online by Friday, April 13, 2007 will be eligible for free indoor recycling containers, provided by Castro Valley Sanitary District.

In addition to secure document destruction provided by SureShred, businesses may also bring cardboard, bottles, cans & paper for free recycling, services provided by Waste Management of Alameda County.

For more information, visit www.cvsan.org/earthday07 or call (510) 537-0757. Go Green. CV Clean!

From Carrots to Compost

CVSD Residents Rewarded for Recycling Food Scraps

(03/12/07)

Are you one of the 31% of Castro Valley Sanitary District (CVSD) residents who toss food waste into the green yard waste cart? Did you think that apple core was long gone, or your bread crust, toast? Not so fast. By tossing those items into the green yard waste cart instead of into the trash or garbage disposal, you gave the once thought trash, new life. Now, your kitchen scraps are back as nutrient rich compost, ready to revive your home’s garden.

CVSD would like to thank District residents for tossing kitchen scraps into the green yard waste cart by giving each District household one (1) free bag of “Castro Valley Gold” organic compost. The 3-day event will be held at Castro Valley Adult School with vehicle loading assistance provided by their students.

Who? Castro Valley Sanitary District residents

What? Compost Give-Away 2007

When? March 22nd - 24th, Hours:

Thursday - Friday, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Saturday, 8:00 am - 2:00 pm

Rain or Shine!

Where? Castro Valley Adult School, Seven Hills Road Parking Lot

4400 Alma Avenue

Seven Hills Road Parking Lot

Why? Thank you for helping make Castro Valley a healthier, more sustainable place to live!

For more information, visit www.cvsan.org or contact (510) 537-0757.

*One bag per household. CVSD residents only. Proof of CVSD residency or WMAC bill required.

Eagle Scout Candidate Honored

(03/07/07)

Brent Kalish, Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout Candidate, was honored last night at the March 6th Board of Directors meeting with Resolution No. 3136 for his public service to the Castro Valley Sanitary District.

Brent contacted the District seeking to provide a Leadership Service Project that would benefit the community of Castro Valley. The project selected was to provide painting to three (3) sewage lift stations and Bay-Friendly Landscaping service to one (1) other lift station. Recycled paint was used from the District’s residential curbside recycling program for a portion of the project and the landscaping included drought resistant native plants.

With the assistance of volunteers from Troop 708, Brent and his team contributed a total of more than two hundred and ten (210) hours, which improved the appearance of the lift stations, and reduced the need for water used for plant maintenance. Therefore, a tremendous service was provided to Castro Valley Sanitary District, and the community at large.

$19,500.00 Invested in the Castro Valley Community \\

(02/26/07)

Five (5) projects funded by Castro Valley Sanitary District’s Community Development Project Grant, allocated December 6, 2005, reported the results and benefits from their projects. The remaining projects totaling the full $30,000.00 are still in progress.

Cub Scouts Pack 708
Committee Chairman Frederick C. Woods reported, "The families of Proctor School and its neighborhood as well as those who use the grounds for soccer and baseball leagues" benefited from the improvement project on Proctor Road, which "reduces erosion and run off from the site and re-introduces native/drought tolerant resistant vegetation."

Music for Minors II
Executive Director Carol Zilli reported, "Thanks to the fall training program supported generously by CVSD, over 1,500 children are receiving 30 minute weekly music enrichment in singing/signing, dance and rhythmic movement, instrumentation, and listening appreciation, especially of the classics."

Castro Valley Adult School
Coordinator Judy Gestring reported, "All present and future students at the upper campus at CVAS … the students in the recycling program, and the students in the Adults with Disabilities gardening classes" will benefit from the Water Wise Garden, to be completed using matching funds from the school.

Christmas in April – Castro Valley Area, Inc.
President James Pacheco reported, "[Christmas in April] provided new cabinets, new counters, appliances, carpet, and paint" as part of their 10 project program last year.

Castro Valley Arts Foundation
Terry Liebowitz reported, "The $1,500 grant given to us to Castro Valley Unified School District helped cover the costs of the native landscaping done by East Bay Wilds at the new Castro Valley Center for the Arts. All those who drive by on Redwood Road, and those who attend events at the Center for the Arts will benefit from the project."

Circus Center Clowns Teach Students how to Reduce Waste

(02/16/07)

In partnership with Castro Valley Sanitary District and StopWaste.Org, the Circus Center acrobatic quartet taught more than 400 students and staff of Jensen Ranch Elementary School how to reduce waste by sorting lunchtime leftovers. Two shows were held on February 14th and included acrobatics, juggling and a demonstration of the new lunchtime recycling stations. The Clowns introduced the group to the "Food Scrap Chant," a catchy rime to help students remember each step of lunch waste sorting:

Pour your liquid, that’s step one.
Toss your garbage, almost done.
Dump your food without delay.
Stack your tray and out to play.

To compliment the new recycling program, Styrofoam trays were replaced with biodegradable trays made from sugar cane. The new trays can be composted in the green bin, instead of going to the landfill – another great way Jensen Ranch Elementary School has set the standard for waste reduction in schools!

Recycling and food scrap receptacles were also placed in the staff workroom. Teachers and students alike were eager to learn the new recycling program and to help Jensen Ranch achieve a 50% reduction in waste.

Sanitary District Seeks Community Advisory Committee Members

(02/09/07)

Are you looking to make a difference in your community? Are you available for nine (9) evening meetings a year over the next two (2) years? If so, Castro Valley Sanitary District has a Community Advisory Committee (CAC) that provides guidance on a variety of wastewater and recycling issues.

The District is seeking three (3) community members to fill the vacancies on the ten (10) member Committee. The Committee meets on the second (2nd) Wednesday of the month from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. to review and provide input on Sanitary District programs. For example, the CAC assisted with the development of the new Residential Curbside Services Guide. The Guide replaced an outdated "Do&apostrophe;s & Don&apostrophe;ts" brochure and helped illustrate proper curbside disposal of residential waste such as paint, food scraps and food-soiled paper.

For more information or to express interest in serving on Castro Valley Sanitary District’s Community Advisory Committee, please contact the District at (510) 537-0757 or info@cvsan.org.

How is Castro Valley Celebrating Earth Day? "Go Green. CV Clean!"

(02/05/07)

Businesses who clean out their files recycle for free! Castro Valley businesses are encouraged to pledge to clean out their files, and participate in a free drop-off and shredding event April 25-27, 2007 at Castro Valley Sanitary District offices 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Pledge cards may be found online next week at www.cvsan.org/earthday07. Recycling services will be provided by Waste Management of Alameda County, and secure document destruction provided by SureShred. Volunteers are needed to "Adopt-a-Spot" and Clean Up!

Do you know of an area in Castro Valley that could use some beautification? Your club, pack/troop, volunteer organization, team, or school is needed to "Adopt-a-Spot" in Castro Valley for the Saturday, April 28, 2007 Clean-Up event.

Castro Valley Sanitary District can provide you with the materials needed to organize and complete the project, such as planting, graffiti or litter removal, or other project. Tell us your idea! Please contact (510) 537-0757 or naomi@cvsan.org by February 15, 2007.