Oakland, CA – Today, Mayor Libby Schaaf reported the total tons of waste collected at three recent “Bulky Block Parties” across the city – free events where Oakland residents legally disposed large unwanted items such as mattresses, couches, tires, and even a few kitchen sinks.
More than 1,200 residents participated and dropped off 157 tons of waste – for free.
If all 98 appliances collected were stacked on top of each other, the metallic tower would stand roughly 33 feet higher than Oakland’s City Hall; if all 324 mattresses collected were stood end-to-end, the stack would rise seven times higher than City Hall.
“Clearly, Oakland residents love a free Bulky Block Party,” said Mayor Schaaf. “We also love our city and want to keep it clean for all residents in all neighborhoods, and especially for our families and children who live in the areas unfairly impacted by the scourge of illegal dumping. If residents can’t get out to the dump, then we’ll bring it to them – on the last Saturday of every month.”
Citing the results of the Bulky Block Party experiment, Mayor Schaaf announced the next event would be held on Saturday, Nov. 24 – the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The next Bulky Block Party will be held on the last Saturday of every month starting in January 2019.
“I want to thank the hardworking staff of Oakland Public Works and all our partners for going the extra mile to make the Bulky Block Party a successful event that serves our community,” OPW Director Jason Mitchell said. “We all love a party, but we also love a job well done. With these events our crews will continue to deliver both.”
The Mayor was also joined by Alameda County Supervisor Nate Miley who announced an “Adopt-a-Hot Spot” pilot program to focus on known illegal dumping hot spots.
The new pilot is planned to run for 6-12 months and targets 89th and G and 98th and Railroad – two of the city’s most hard-hit neighborhoods experiencing chronic illegal dumping. The pilot’s focus will center on education, eradication and enforcement.
“I’m happy to collaborate with the City of Oakland because illegal dumping knows no boundaries,’’ said Miley.
Oakland’s Men of Valor Academy will monitor the area as part of education and eradication effort. Alameda County District Attorney Nancy O’Malley will conduct the enforcement effort.
“Illegal Dumping poses a serious hazard to the health of all residents living in these communities and causes irreparable harm to the environment,” said District Attorney Nancy O’Malley. “The level of dumping that we are witnessing at the spots selected for this pilot program exposes all who live here to toxic chemicals, presents a fire hazard, and is often a breeding ground for disease-spreading vermin. I am proud to partner with the City of Oakland and Supervisor Miley to address this growing and alarming public health and environmental crisis.”
Information about curbside Bulky Pickup service is online at www.oaklandrecycles.com/bulky-pickup-services . Homeowners may contact Waste Management directly to schedule a bulky pickup by calling (510) 613-8710.
Renters are entitled to one bulky pickup per living unit per year. To access the service renters can ask their property managers to schedule a pickup. Property managers are required by law to provide access to Bulky Pickup service to tenants. Property managers may also sign a waiver allowing their tenants to schedule pickups directly with Waste Management.
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