Although the OII Landfill closed in 1984 and is under remediation, during its years of operation the 190-acre site received household and municipal waste, along with industrial wastes. This was considered an appropriate way to handle waste, in keeping with the practices of the day.
Today, the California-native vegetation on the Landfill cover is over five years old and creating habitat for birds, butterflies and other wildlife. The energy created on site by landfill gas is used to operate the landfill treatment systems. The technical staff looks at ways to recycle the treated wastewater from landfill leachate extraction, and continually look at equipment and operations improvements that create efficiencies and contribute to a "green" approach.
In the years ahead, NCI will continue to "go green" and become more attractive and beneficial for surrounding communities.
Help Reduce Landfill Waste:
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!
Here are some ways you can reduce waste:
Change the way you shop!
Most of your household trash is likely to contain packaging or single use items. Buy products in bulk or larger containers rather than multiple small containers, or in reusable / recyclable containers. Buy concentrates. Buy fresh produce without packaging. Avoid double packaging. Avoid single-use products such as disposable razors, diapers and lighters.
Use recyclables!
Look for the recycling symbol on paper and plastic products. One ton of paper made from 100 percent recycled paper saves the equivalent of 3 cubic yards of landfill space.
Home Composting
Compost organic yard and kitchen waste materials at home to create you own soil amendments, instead of purchasing garden compost by the bag. Ask your local nursery about home composting or worm composting bins that are compact, odor-free and easy to use. You'll end up with the nicest garden on the block!
Grass recycling
Leave grass clippings on the lawn after mowing. Clippings biodegrade and help your lawn retain moisture (helps you reduce water use and save money, too!).
Reusable grocery bags
Use cloth or reusable bags when you go to market, or return plastic and paper bags to your grocer for recycling (look for your grocer's recycling bin for bags).
Diapers
Use reusable (washable) diapers or use a diaper service.
Repair or donate
Before you toss out an item, check to see if it can be repaired and reused, or, donated to a charitable organization for reuse.
Reusable and "live simply" lifestyle
Take a look and see what you can reuse! Avoid unnecessary packaging. Use washable mugs instead of disposable paper or plastic cups. Reusable products save money, too!
Get rid of junk mail!
Write to the Mail Preference Service to reduce unwanted mail. You may register for the free "do not mail" service-good for five years-by mailing your name(s) and home address and signature in a letter or on a postcard to:
Mail Preference Service
Direct Marketing Association
P.O. Box 643
Carmel, NY 10512
(212) 768-7277, extension 1888 (for information only)
Visit the Direct Marketing Association website for more information: http://www.dmaconsumers.org/cgi/offmailinglistdave.
Visit the California Integrated Waste Management website for more information on reducing bulk mail: http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/WPW/Home/JunkMail.htm.
Want to learn more about waste reduction?
Visit the California Integrated Waste Management website for information about waste prevention, reduction and recycling: http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/WPW.
