Simi Valley Landfill provides Simi Valley, Moorpark, Ventura and Thousand Oaks Recycling at Waste Management

Simi Valley, CA, June 10, 2008 - Simi Valley Police Department, Waste Management and Anderson Rubbish Disposal have partnered together to encourage local residents to report any illegal scavenging incidents to the City. In the City of Simi Valley, it is illegal to scavenge trash or recycling items placed for weekly collection. Scavenging laws are in place to protect the environment and to keep residents safe.

Under the 1993 Simi Valley City Ordinance 792, "It is unlawful for any person, other than a person holding a license or franchise for the collection of discards, to take, remove, or appropriate for his/her own use any discard which has been placed for collection or removal, whether the discard is so placed in regular containers or no," including bulky items such as appliances and furniture.

"Scavengers are putting themselves in danger by rummaging through the residential and commercial trash and recycling containers. This becomes a nuisance and does not promote a good image of the community," said Mike Smith, Market Area General Manager for Waste Management of Ventura County.

WM and Anderson Rubbish encourage all residents and the business community to shred all documents containing personal information such as credit card numbers and Social Security numbers to prevent identity theft. Shredded paper can be recycled and placed in your designated recycling containers.

"Scavenging is increasing and simply put, is against the law. Simi Valley takes pride in being one of the safest communities in the nation and we intend to keep it that way," said Ron Chambers, Captain of the Simi Valley Police Department.

Residents should not approach individuals who are scavenging, and instead should call their local law enforcement agency. If the person is driving, please note the make, model and color of the vehicle, as well as the license plate number. In addition, please provide the date and time the incident occurred.

Waste Management provides Ventura County with recycling, trash hauling and solid waste disposal through G.I. Industries and the Simi Valley Landfill and Recycling Center. Waste Management has owned and operated G.I. Industries since 1998 and the SVLRC site since 1983 and employs more than 230 people in Ventura County. The SVLRC provides approximately 60% of Ventura County's daily refuse disposal needs. The company operates a “green power” program at the site that generates enough power for 2,500 homes, and clean-burning LNG powers 38 of its trucks. Waste Management is a significant contributor to area community groups. For more information visit our website: www.keepingventuracountyclean.com.

Press Release