Waste Management’s Modernization and Expansion project for the Simi Valley Landfill and Recycling Center includes many benefits to the community, including expanding recycling capabilities and creating open space for wildlife habitat conservation. Over the next few months we’re going to highlight components of the project to give you a better sense of the benefits of having WM in Simi Valley. The ECC will help increase local recycling capabilities and ensure household hazardous waste is taken out of Ventura County for processing.

You may not realize it, but many of the products you use on a regular basis actually contain potentially hazardous materials that cannot be thrown away with regular trash or poured down the drain. Paint, automotive products and even medications are known as household hazardous waste (HHW) items. HHW along with electronic waste (e-waste) such as computers, TV’s and other electronics must be safely disposed of to protect the local environment. If the chemicals in these items were released into the environment, they could contaminate our air, water and possibly the food we eat. To help manage these materials, several communities offer free HHW and e-waste drop-off to local residents every month or every other month with some by appointment only. However, the amount of waste we generate – especially in this electronic age – means we need a more permanent option. ENVIRONMENTAL COLLECTION CENTER As part of our proposed Modernization and Expansion project, Waste Management will establish the Simi Valley Environmental Collection Center (SVECC), a convenient location for Ventura County residents to drop off unwanted items, including: Motor oil, oil filters, brake fluid Used antifreeze Paint, paint thinner, turpentine Pesticides or herbicides Household batteries or car batteries Pool chemicals Electronic waste (computers, printers, televisions, VCRs, cell phones, fax machines, stereos, and electronic games) Mercury thermometers or thermostats Used needles or sharps Unwanted or expired prescriptions The SVECC building will be a part of our proposed LEED-certified facilities and will be built using recycled and sustainable building materials. In addition, the SVECC will help improve local recycling options by being open to the public more often, without an appointment. Items brought to the SVECC will be processed and transported out of the area for further recycling. Waste Management is committed to being a leader in environmental stewardship and offering valuable services that meet the community’s needs. For more information about our sustainability initiatives or the Modernization and Expansion project, please contact Lisa Hemenway at (805) 581-1746 or lhemenway1@wm.com.