COVID-19 hits; OCWR begins adopting protocols and Best Management Practices to enable continuous operations while protecting staff, customers and contractors.
OCWR and Discovery Cube celebrate 50 Years of Earth Day through virtual campaigns due to COVID-19. Month-long activities include social media contests, virtual family activity books and prizes for posted activities demonstrating organic waste knowledge
OCWR boosts educational outreach to help ensure proper disposal of PPE and household hazardous waste.
May
Translocation project at Prima for 450 Thread-leaved brodiaea (Brodiaea filifolia), a state-endangered and federally-threatened flowering plant species, successfully met final performance standards and was approved by regulatory agencies in 2020.
OCWR wins NACo Awards for OC Recycle Guide, a digital resource for OC residents to help them recycle properly, and the Metal Recycling Pilot Project, which proved the department’s ability to recover and repurpose rather than bury scrap metal.
Board of Supervisors approves OC Department of Education contract, through which a program will integrate recycling and proper waste management education into the OC public schools curriculum.
July
OCWR launches refreshed website
OCWR hosts public information meeting for proposed changes at Prima landfill, including development of Zone 4 preliminary plans for an organic waste recycling facility.
August
Contractors repair the main access road at the Olinda Alpha Landfill to continue the safety of customers and staff members.
September
Contractors complete construction of Orange County’s first municipal composting facility, Bee Canyon Greenery at Frank R. Bowerman Landfill.
Mattress recycling and metal recycling commences at all three landfill sites.
SWANA presents its Best Safety Innovation national award to OCWR, recognizing our OC Safety program for its ability to help track and monitor both training and safety incidents.
Local Enforcement Agency hosts virtual public meeting for Bee Canyon Greenery
October
Supervisor Donald P. Wagner serves as keynote speaker at Bee Canyon Greenery ceremonial Grand Opening.
OCWR hosts public meeting for Olinda Alpha Solid Waste Facility Permit to continue operations through 2036.
Silverado Fire sweeps through Bowerman Landfill, forcing a five-week shutdown of the facility.
Bowerman Landfill opens November 30 following completion of critical remediation efforts resulting from the Silverado Fire.
Crews complete construction of a solar-powered misting system at Prima, enhancing the Good Neighbor approach to odor mitigation.
December
Yorba Linda City Councilmember Beth Haney elected chair of the OC Waste Management Commission for 2021; Aliso Viejo Councilmember Dave Harrington elected vice chair.
