Press Release

Simi Valley, January 19, 2010 - As much as we enjoy the sunny weather - and as easy as it can be to forget that it DOES rain in Southern California - the recent showers that have pounded our area have created some challenges for residents and businesses.

As we all start to clean up after the storms, Waste Management encourages you to remember these tips to keep your property clean and green!

1. Clean out your storm drains: When it rains, your storm drains need to let it pour! When cluttered, your storm drains can become blocked by the deluge and cause flooding, possibly resulting in damage to your property or at the very least a big inconvenience!

2. Dispose of clutter from storm drains properly: Much of the material we find clogging our drains is old leaves left from the fall season as well as other plant life. Make sure that when you remove this debris from your storm drain, it goes in your green waste bin so that we may properly dispose of it.

3. Put the right materials COMPLETELY in the greenwaste container: Stray branches from both before and after storms should be put in the green waste bin. Any branches added to the bin must be cut down to size so we can take them with us at collection time.

4. Remove possible contaminants from harsh weather: Common household items such as oil or other chemicals that are left in your driveway or outside can easily be blown away or in to drains, polluting water run-off that will end up in a river, lake or ocean. Make sure trash bins are also covered to prevent any runaway trash from polluting our water!

5. Green gardening: Make sure to always follow directions when using pesticides and fertilizers, and avoid using these chemicals when rain is predicted within 48 hours. The more precise you are when applying these chemicals, the better it is for your plants and the environment.

6. Never dump in a storm drain: Not only is it illegal, but it is dangerous to both the environment and our infrastructure. Contact your local Waste Management to discuss options for any waste you feel you need help disposing or are not sure how to remove from your home. We are here to help!

“We know that when it rains, it pours - so we want to make sure all our customers are prepared for rainy days,” said Lisa Hemenway, spokesperson for Waste Management. “Unfortunately, the wet weather can do more than ruin a day in the sun; it can also cause harm to the environment!”

For more information about how to prepare your home for wet weather or about your waste disposal needs, please contact Lisa Hemenway at (805) 581-1746.

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.