Celebrate National Drive-Thru Day this July 24, 2024, by clearing out your household hazardous waste with ease! Have you been putting off cleaning under the sink or organizing the garage? Now’s the perfect time to safely dispose of items like e-waste, paint, pesticides, household chemicals, automotive products, batteries, and e-cigarette cartridges at Orange County’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection Centers (HHWCC), completely free of charge.

OC Waste & Recycling invites all Orange County residents to participate. Simply load your unwanted items into your trunk and drive over to one of our four convenient HHW Collection Centers located in Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Irvine, and San Juan Capistrano. Upon arrival, follow the signage to the drop-off area, pop your trunk, and our trained staff will take care of the rest. It’s a hassle-free way to responsibly dispose of hazardous materials. Plus, as a special bonus, you’ll receive a FREE battery recycling bucket while supplies last.

Remember, our centers are not just open for National Drive-Thru Day but operate year-round, Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (excluding holidays and rainy days). If you can’t make it on the 24th, you can still visit any time it’s convenient for you.

For a detailed list of accepted items and more information, visit our website at https://oclandfills.com/hazardous-waste/fact-sheets before your visit. Follow us on social media @OCWaste for updates and reminders. Let’s make this National Drive-Thru Day both convenient and environmentally friendly—see you there!

When: July 24, 2024

Time: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Where:

• Anaheim - 1071 N. Blue Gum Street, 92806
• Huntington Beach - 17121 Nichols Lane, 92647, Gate 6
• Irvine - 6411 Oak Canyon, 92618
• San Juan Capistrano - 32250 Avenida La Pata, 92675

Detail: Celebrate International Drive-Thru Day with OC Waste & Recycling! Drive through our Hazardous Waste Collection Center to safely dispose of materials, and you can get a free battery bucket as well! Visit OCLandfills.com/hazardous-waste for accepted items. 

Name: Laura Perguson Job Title: Heavy Equipment Training Manager Years: 35 years

Laura's journey into heavy equipment training began long before she became an official trainer, mentoring, teaching, and training have been ingrained in her DNA. As she climbed the ranks from RSA Operator, Site Supervisor, to Training Manager, Laura's commitment to her colleagues' growth remained steadfast. She recognized the importance of passing on the knowledge she had gained from her mentors and saw firsthand the positive impact it could have on others. Throughout her career at OC Waste & Recycling, she naturally found joy in helping new operators find their footing.

Q: What sparked your interest in pursuing the role of Heavy Equipment Training Program Manager?

A: I had mentors sharing their knowledge when I was new to operating, so it became a passion of mine to help others too. It’s what we do here at OCWR, we work with our co-workers. We are all teachers here. When this position opened, it would give me the ability to really work closer with our employees. Focusing on helping new and current operators build their skills and confidence. Creating a safer environment and helping all of our employees at a chance to advance in the department/county and to gain their skills where they never would possible be able to achieve elsewhere. The department needed someone to focus on training operators and I thought I would be great at it as it was already what I was doing currently.

Q: What are some good qualities to have as a trainer?

• Promote positivity
• Adaptability to different personality
• Building confidence in the employees
• Knowledge and technical skills
• Keeping safety first

Q: When you look back, what's the most important thing you've learned about training others in heavy equipment operation?

A: Safety feels like it’s always the go to answer and it is. But my feelings on that are, “If the safety first is achieved, then skills come later”. Also, big is to build their confidence, before having them operate on the real machines or being assigned to work in the active working areas of the landfill. Another important safety factor is, coming into the training program, it needs to be all about the positivity! This could break a person down if it is not practiced or encouraged, they will not be in a safe mind to operate safely. 

Q: Can you recall a specific achievement or moment in your career that made you realize your passion for guiding others in heavy equipment operation?

A: My passion is operating equipment, manipulating the machine to do what my mind had pictured, seeing the outcome after I was finished with the project was a good feeling of accomplishment. It’s really all my gained experiences throughout my career that has given me the opportunity to do what I am doing today.

Q: Anything you’d like to share for people looking to train others?

A:  Naturally, there is a passion in all of us who operate equipment and to not sit back and watch anyone struggle during their training years. We do not like to see our co-workers struggle and we can help by mentoring and sharing with each other is part of what our team is about. Reach out to those that are new and trying to figure it out. Good communication is key to success. Never forget where you came from, we were new once too. Reach out and be helpful or you can apply for one of the three new training positions recently created for OCWR. Look for the recruitment to come out soon.

Laura's journey is a testament to the profound impact of mentorship and training at OC Waste & Recycling operations. Through her unwavering commitment to safety and education, she has not only shaped the careers of countless operators but also fostered a culture of continuous learning and growth at OC Waste & Recycling.

As she continues to chart new territories in her role as Heavy Equipment Training Program Manager, Laura remains driven by her passion for empowering others and making a lasting difference. 

In celebration of International Women in Engineering Day, we are thrilled to recognize the contributions of the five exceptional women engineers at OC Waste & Recycling (OCWR). These women not only bring expertise and innovation to their positions but also serve as inspiring role models for future generations of engineers. Today, we spotlight the journeys of Emily Jackson, Sahar Parsi, and Yuki Zhou, showcasing their achievements and insights.

Meet Emily Jackson, our Senior Civil Engineer at headquarters in Santa Ana. Emily has devoted over 33 years to the County. Her career began in chemistry within OCWR's regulatory division, but shifted to engineering when she recognized her passion for it. In her 30s, she pursued a civil engineering license with the support of her managers and colleagues, proving that it’s never too late to pursue a career change and excel.

Sahar Parsi, Civil Engineer at Olinda Alpha Landfill site in Brea and a County employee for 10 years, knew from high school that she wanted to be an engineer, influenced by her family's engineering background. After moving to the United States, she seized the opportunity to pursue formal education in engineering, driven by her early experiences in the field. 

Yuki Zhou discovered her love for STEM early on, particularly enjoying math and science classes in school. Her internship at OCWR that she earned in 2022 solidified her passion for making a positive impact on the environment and public safety through engineering. She is now a Civil Engineer Associate at Prima Deshecha Landfill.

Here are insights from our engineers:

Emily Jackson on overcoming challenges: Earlier in my career, I faced pushback and gender biases. To overcome these challenges, I remained composed, persisted in pursuing opportunities, and stood up for myself when necessary. Over the years, I have encountered fewer misconceptions as more women working in all industries have become the norm. 

Key skills contributing to their success:

• Analytical thinking
• Problem-solving
• Communication
• Collaboration
• Persistence
• Critical thinking

Yuki Zhou on the most fulfilling aspect of engineering: The most fulfilling part of being an engineer is contributing to environmental and public safety improvements, seeing my designs come to life, and continuously exercising mental flexibility in problem-solving.

Advice to women considering engineering careers:

• Emily Jackson: Explore different types of engineering, gain practical experience through internships, seek guidance from engineers, and persevere despite challenges.
• Sahar Parsi: Follow your passion, hone your communication skills, and embrace teamwork, which is crucial in STEM careers.
• Yuki Zhou: Persist in pursuing your goals, accept failures as part of growth and keep moving forward despite uncertainties.

For careers at the County of Orange visit www.governmentjobs.com/careers/oc.

Join us at the County's first-ever Climate Action Plan (CAP) public forum on Tuesday June 25 at Irvine Heritage Park Library. Together, we can identify areas to reduce our carbon footprint and support our most vulnerable communities.

We want to hear from you on how Orange County can better enhance local services and support more environmentally friendly resources in YOUR neighborhood.

As a resident, business owner, or employee, your perspective is invaluable in prioritizing climate reduction measures and sustainable programs in the County. The CAP, once established, will serve as a comprehensive guide for Orange County cities to implement their own climate-friendly actions.

When: Tuesday, June 25, 2024, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Where: Irvine Heritage Park Library, 14361 Yale Avenue, Irvine, CA 92604

For more information, please email GreenOC@ocwr.ocgov.com.

Join us at the County's first-ever Climate Action Plan (CAP) public forum on Monday June 24 at Brea Community Center. Together, we can identify areas to reduce our carbon footprint and support our most vulnerable communities.

We want to hear from you on how Orange County can better enhance local services and support more environmentally friendly resources in YOUR neighborhood.

As a resident, business owner, or employee, your perspective is invaluable in prioritizing climate reduction measures and sustainable programs in the County. The CAP, once established, will serve as a comprehensive guide for Orange County cities to implement their own climate-friendly actions.

When: Monday, June 24, 2024, 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Where: Brea Community Center, 695 East Madison Way, Brea, CA 92821

For more information, please email GreenOC@ocwr.ocgov.com.

Join us at the County's first-ever Climate Action Plan (CAP) public forum on Wednesday June 26 at County Administrative South Building. Together, we can identify areas to reduce our carbon footprint and support our most vulnerable communities.

We want to hear from you on how Orange County can better enhance local services and support more environmentally friendly resources in YOUR neighborhood.

As a resident, business owner, or employee, your perspective is invaluable in prioritizing climate reduction measures and sustainable programs in the County. The CAP, once established, will serve as a comprehensive guide for Orange County cities to implement their own climate-friendly actions.

When: Wednesday, June 26, 2024, 5:30pm - 8:00pm

Where: County Administrative South Building, 601 N. Ross Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701

For more information, please email GreenOC@ocwr.ocgov.com.

OC Residents and Boaters Invited to Properly Dispose of Expired Marine Flares for Free 

Orange County, CA (June 13, 2024) – OC Waste & Recycling (OCWR) announces a one-day collection event for boaters and residents to safely dispose of marine flares at no cost on Saturday, June 22, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 592 Superior Avenue, Newport Beach, CA 92663. The disposal of expired flares is crucial to mitigate health and safety risks associated with their presence. OC residents and boat owners are encouraged to participate in this important public service initiative. 

According to Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW), an estimated 174,000 outdated flares are generated each year by recreational vessels in California. With this large number of unneeded flares generated annually in California, there is a strong need for public education and awareness about proper disposal as well as good disposal options. Marine flares and signal devices are categorized as explosives, posing challenges in their proper disposal. Currently there are no permitted facilities in California that can accept, treat and/or dispose of non-military explosive waste streams. 

OCWR welcomes boaters to utilize this limited special opportunity. Participants are invited to transport expired flares in their vehicle trunks. Upon arrival at the drive-through event, designated staff will efficiently collect items from vehicles and securely store them for disposal.  

“I invite Orange County residents and boaters to help us keep our oceans clean, and safely dispose of your marine flares at our convenient drive-through event hosted by OC Waste & Recycling,” said Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley, Fifth District. “With 32 miles of coastline in the Fifth District, we must serve as excellent stewards of our coast to protect our oceans, vital marine ecosystems, and coastal way of life here in Orange County. I hope residents and boaters do their part and take advantage of this special opportunity to properly dispose of marine flares this month.”   

Event Details 

• Date: Saturday, June 22 

• Time: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

• Location: 592 Superior Avenue, Newport Beach, CA 92663 

• Accepted items: Residential boater marine flares and smoke signals from Orange County residents. 

• Unaccepted items: No military-grade flares or household waste will be accepted. 

"We are excited to organize this free collection event, contributing to the safe removal of hazardous flares from boats and preventing their entry into landfills, having the expired and unspent flares disposed of properly," stated Tom Koutroulis, Director of OC Waste & Recycling. "The disposal of marine flares often involves significant costs and regulatory hurdles. We are glad to offer this essential service to boaters across the County, to continue protecting public health and the environment." 

It's important to note that only marine flares will be accepted at this disposal event. Items such as electronic flares, military-grade flares, and household hazardous waste such as paint, oil, e-waste, or batteries will not be accepted. For guidance on the proper disposal of household hazardous waste, visitors are encouraged to visit www.oclandfills.com/hazardous-waste. General recycling inquiries can be addressed at OCRecycleGuide.com. 

The marine flare disposal event aligns with OCWR’s mission to ensure the safe and proper disposal of hazardous waste. Partner Dockwalkers, who are seasoned boating safety experts will be distributing complimentary boater kit coupons and flare discount coupons courtesy of The Coastal Commission. OC Healthcare Agency will also be present onsite to provide information on their free Bilge Pad Exchange program. For additional information, including resource recovery and waste disposal details, visit OClandfills.com. 

About OC Waste & Recycling (OCWR) 

OCWR serves the County’s solid waste disposal needs by providing waste management services, operating public landfills, protecting the local environment, investing in renewable energy enterprises, and promoting recycling to ensure a safe and healthy community for current and future generations. The department manages one of the nation's premier solid waste disposal systems, three compost greeneries, all serving residents and businesses in the County’s 34 cities and unincorporated areas. OCWR’s three active landfills reflect environmental engineering at its best. Learn more by visiting the OCWR website at OCLandfills.com.  

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Join us at the County's first-ever Climate Action Plan (CAP) public forum on Tuesday, June 18 at OC Sailing and Events Center. Together, we can identify areas to reduce our carbon footprint and support our most vulnerable communities.

We want to hear from you on how Orange County can better enhance local services and support more environmentally friendly resources in YOUR neighborhood.

As a resident, business owner, or employee, your perspective is invaluable in prioritizing climate reduction measures and sustainable programs in the County. The CAP, once established, will serve as a comprehensive guide for Orange County cities to implement their own climate-friendly actions.

When: Tuesday, June 18, 2024, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Where: OC Sailing and Events Center, 34451 Ensenada Place, Dana Point, CA 92629

For more information, please email GreenOC@ocwr.ocgov.com.

Join us at the County's first-ever Climate Action Plan (CAP) public forum on Monday June 17 at Los Olivos Community Center. Together, we can identify areas to reduce our carbon footprint and support our most vulnerable communities.

We want to hear from you on how Orange County can better enhance local services and support more environmentally friendly resources in YOUR neighborhood.

As a resident, business owner, or employee, your perspective is invaluable in prioritizing climate reduction measures and sustainable programs in the County. The CAP, once established, will serve as a comprehensive guide for Orange County cities to implement their own climate-friendly actions.

When: Monday, June 17, 2024, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Where: Los Olivos Community Center, 101 Alfonso, Irvine, CA 92603

For more information, please email GreenOC@ocwr.ocgov.com.