For recent high school graduates, the transition from classrooms to careers can feel daunting. But what if there was a pathway that not only jumpstarts your journey but also offers experiences and endless possibilities for growth? Enter the OC Career Academy, a program by OC Waste and Recycling (OCWR) tailored for ambitious individuals like you, eager to start their careers.

Meet Paul Venegas and Alejandro Garcia—two of our team members at OCWR. From Landfill Laborer to Supervisor, their experiences showcase the immense potential for personal and professional development within OCWR's dynamic environment.

Paul Venegas, now Landfill Maintenance Crew Supervisor at Frank R. Bowerman Landfill, vividly remembers his beginnings with OCWR. "If you ever had a desire to give back to our community, but for whatever reason were unable to, this is your opportunity," he shares. 

Paul's journey began as a Landfill Laborer over two decades ago, driven by a desire to contribute to his community. Over the years, he has witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of OCWR's initiatives, from recycling programs to innovative composting efforts. "Here at OCWR, we work to keep our County clean while also giving back with our compost and recycling program," Paul stated.

Alejandro Garcia, a former Landfill Laborer now Landfill Equipment Operator Trainee, shares Paul's enthusiasm for the opportunities available within OCWR. "This is definitely a job you can look forward to the future because it's not a dead-end job," Alejandro affirms. With just three years under his belt, he has already seen remarkable growth and progress, a testament to the endless possibilities within OCWR.

Why Working at the Landfill Is Rewarding:

1. Community Impact: As a member of the OC Career Academy, you'll play a vital role in shaping a cleaner, greener future for Orange County. Your work in waste management and recycling directly contributes to building a healthier environment for generations to come.
2. Personal Growth: The OC Career Academy is a journey of personal and professional development. With mentorship and hands-on training, you will acquire valuable skills and experiences that will set you apart in today's competitive job market.
3. Endless Opportunities: Whether you're interested in landfill maintenance, resource recovery, or exploring other opportunities, OCWR provides a supportive environment for growth and advancement. 

Ready to Launch Your Career?

Don't wait any longer to kickstart your journey with the OC Career Academy. Apply today visiting OC Career Academy (ocgov.com) for an application and emailing OCCareerAcademy@OCGov.com. Take the first step towards beginning your career.

Start your engines and prep your gear because we're gearing up for another exciting journey to the OC Landfill! Whether you're streamlining your space, embarking on a home makeover, or simply clearing out the clutter, one golden rule: secure your load! It's not just a matter of caution; it's the law, and it's your key to a smooth and secure journey. 

OC Waste & Recycling, in collaboration with the California Highway Patrol (CHP), is back on the road to champion the importance of properly securing your cargo during transit. Taking those extra moments to buckle down and cover your load isn't just a safety measure; it's an important gesture that safeguards you and fellow travelers alike. 

Before you hit the pavement, let's delve into the art of load safety, transforming your journey into a seamless and safe expedition. 

1. Harness Your Cargo: Envision yourself gearing up for an epic quest – fasten your sizable items as though they were precious treasures. Utilize ropes, straps, and nets to secure them firmly, preventing any unwelcome jostling during transit. 

2. Mastery of the Cover: Your covering should fit snugly like a custom-made suit, ensuring it remains steadfast against the elements, be it wind or weather. Consider it the ultimate accessory for your cargo – sophisticated, secure, and impervious to the elements. 

3. Find Your Balance: In the realm of load security, equilibrium is paramount. Arrange lighter items beneath heavier ones to create a balanced and sturdy load. Similar to constructing a solid house of cards, a well-balanced load guarantees everything stays in place, regardless of the road's twists and turns. 

4. Seal Any Gaps: Prior to hitting the road, scrutinize your truck or trailer bed for any gaps, tears, or apertures. These openings serve as escape routes for debris. Seal them up diligently, ensuring your cargo remains intact throughout the journey. 

5. Say Goodbye to Loose Ends: Visualize your load as an esteemed guest – it should be neat, orderly, and ready for the limelight. Before departing the landfill, meticulously inspect your truck or trailer bed to eliminate any loose material. Leaving debris in your wake is akin to leaving a mess at an upscale soirée – it's simply not done. 

Remember, this isn't merely about adhering to regulations; it's about embracing a new way of travel – one that fuses safety, accountability, and finesse. So, buckle in, secure your load with finesse, and hit the road with confidence and style! Your landfill escapade awaits – make it secure, stylish, and utterly unforgettable! 🚚✨ 

Join us at the County's first-ever Climate Action Plan (CAP) public forum on Thursday, June 27, at Mile Square Park. 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: Thursday, June 27, 2024, 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Where: Freedom Hall at Miles Square Regional Park, 16801 Euclid St, Fountain Valley, 92708

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

Flyer

2024 CAP Forum Flyer- English

2024 CAP Forum Flyer - Spanish

2024 CAP Forum Flyer - Vietnamese

Join OC Waste & Recycling (OCWR) in partnership with the CA State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways and the CA Coastal Commission for a one-day collection event. OC residents and boaters are invited to safely dispose of marine flares at no cost. This event will occur on Saturday, June 22, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., located at 592 Superior Avenue in Newport Beach, CA. 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.

OCWR will be joined by OC Health Care Agency onsite, promoting their Free Bilge Pad Exchange Program.

When: Saturday, June 22, 2024, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Where: 592 Superior Avenue, Newport Beach, CA 92663

Marine Flare Flyer

ORANGE COUNTY, CA (April 24, 2024) – OC Waste & Recycling (OCWR) is excited to announce a countywide Community Compost Giveaway event on Saturday, May 4, from 7:30 a.m. to noon. This special event invites all Orange County residents and will be held at three locations: Bee Canyon Greenery (Frank R. Bowerman Landfill) in Irvine, Valencia Greenery (Olinda Alpha Landfill) in Brea, and Capistrano Greenery (Prima Deshecha Landfill) in San Juan Capistrano.

OCWR will be offering ready-to-use compost free of charge. At the Bowerman and Prima Deshecha Landfills, residents are encouraged to bring their own containers or heavy-duty yard waste bags and a shovel to load the compost. At Olinda Alpha Landfill, pre-filled bags of compost will be distributed, with each household limited to four bags, while supplies last.

“OC Waste & Recycling provides top-quality compost using green waste collected from local homes throughout Orange County. In 2023 alone, we recycled over 19,250 tons of organic waste for composting,” said Tom Koutroulis, Director of OCWR. “Through our community compost program, we aim to educate and inspire about the significance of organic recycling in preserving our local resources and the benefits of compost for healthy soil and reducing greenhouse gases.”

OCWR’s compost has been certified with the Seal of Testing Assurance (STA) by the US Composting Council, ensuring the highest standards of quality. The giveaway aims to supply residents with healthy compost suitable for backyards and home gardens.

Composting pick-up locations include:

• Frank R. Bowerman Landfill, 11002 Bee Canyon Access Rd., Irvine
• Olinda Alpha Landfill 1942 N. Valencia Ave., Brea
• Prima Deshecha Landfill, 32250 Avenida La Pata, San Juan Capistrano

Make an Impact: Celebrate International Compost Week during the first full week of May!

Kick off International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW) by picking up free compost on May 4th in honor of this global initiative. ICAW is celebrated annually nationwide and in other countries during the first full week of May. The goal of ICAW is to work together to raise public awareness on why we all should be composting our organics and using compost to create healthier soil. The program includes poster and video contests in the fall and activities and events held during the week in May. 

Compost is a full-circle process that begins in the yard waste bins and transforms into nutrient-rich soil, promoting healthier plant growth, improved moisture retention, and natural weed suppression. By working together, we’ve repurposed nearly 7,500 tons of compost and mulch for beneficial reuse in 2023. Follow @OCWaste for additional ICAW related features during the week or visit OCWR’s website at OCLandfills.com/Compost for valuable tips on composting.

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. 

Translations

• Spanish
• Vietnamese
• Chinese
• Korean

OC Waste & Recycling (OCWR) is excited to announce a county-wide Community Compost Giveaway event Saturday, May 4, between 7:30 a.m. and noon. Orange County residents are invited to Bee Canyon Greenery (Frank R. Bowerman Landfill) in Irvine, Valencia Greenery (Olinda Alpha Landfill) in Brea and Capistrano Greenery (Prima Deshecha Landfill) in San Juan Capistrano. Materials are limited at some locations and will continue while supplies last.

OCWR will be distributing ready-to-use compost free of charge. At Bee Canyon Greenery and Capistrano Greenery, residents are encouraged to bring their own containers or heavy-duty yard waste bags and a shovel to load the compost.  At Valencia Greenery, pre-filled bags of compost will be distributed, with each household limited to four bags, while supplies last.

The compost is recycled from residential green waste recycled at County landfill greeneries to preserve landfill space, protect our environment and give back to our communities.

OCWR’s compost has been certified with the Seal of Testing Assurance (STA) by the US Composting Council, ensuring the highest standards of quality. The family friendly giveaway aims to supply residents with healthy compost suitable for backyards and home gardens. Composting pick-up locations include:

• FRB / Bee Canyon Greenery, 11002 Bee Canyon Access Rd., Irvine
• OA / Valencia Greenery, 1942 N. Valencia Ave., Brea
• PD / Capistrano Greenery, 32250 Avenida La Pata, San Juan Capistrano

“Converting Landfill Gas-to-Energy” ~ A Presentation by Archaea Energy

Presenters:  

• Baffour Ennin, Archaea Energy
• Nick Bauer, Archaea energy

Wednesday, February 28th, from 6 to 8 PM at Newport Coast Community Center, Pelican Room, 6401 San Joaquin Hills Road, Newport Coast, CA 92657

Coyote Canyon Closed Landfill is operated by OC Waste & Recycling (OCWR). The proposed project will divert the landfill gas that is currently being flared and convert the gas into renewable natural gas that will supply the SoCalGas pipeline.  This approach captures and beneficially uses over 90% of the Methane and reduces site emissions. The plant will be constructed within the walls of the existing gas collection facility.

Archaea Energy, a leader in renewable natural gas production will be constructing a Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) plant located at: Coyote Canyon Landfill (Closed), 20662 Newport Coast Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92657

For additional information please visit:  www.newportbeachca.gov/RNG

ORANGE COUNTY, CA (January 10, 2024) – OC Waste & Recycling (OCWR) proudly announces the completion of a new scale booth and extensive infrastructure upgrades at Prima Deshecha Landfill (PDL) in San Juan Capistrano. The VIP Ribbon-Cutting celebration on December 6, 2023, marks a momentous step towards heightened efficiency, safety, and ecological sustainability.

 Commenced on March 7, 2022, the comprehensive project provided a revolutionary overhaul of the landfill's entrance. Transitioning from two lanes, the newly constructed scale booths now accommodate six lanes, complemented by a range of technology and safety enhancements. These include four additional scales, scale canopies, a modern office building, low emission flares, and landscaping for both aesthetic appeal and enhanced fire safety measures. 

 Valued at $22.5 million, the project features optimized traffic flow, fostering enhanced customer communication, and fortifying safety protocols. Key highlights include two upgraded gas destruction flares and supporting structures, ergonomic workspaces for staff, and cutting-edge safety enhancements. 

 The opening of the new fee booth and scales prepares the site for Zone 4 access and opening. The improvements allow OCWR to serve more customers, decrease wait times, shorten traffic queues, and centralize access to, the Capistrano Greenery, Zones 1 and 4, preparing the site for the next 80 to 100 years.

Two “Ultra-Low NOx” flares have also been installed and are currently operational, passing stringent air quality requirements testing and has already provided an increase in gas collection capacity at PDL. The new flares have a methane-destruction capacity of approximately 4,000 standard cubic feet per minute (scfm) each. This provides PDL the ability to collect and manage more landfill gas as the anticipated tonnage increases with upgraded efficiency, further reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

"This milestone embodies our teams’ dedication to refining waste management services for the community, positioning PDL for a critical role in regional infrastructure and resource recovery efforts to meet both short and long-term goals," stated Tom Koutroulis, Director of OCWR. "Prima Deshecha Landfill has been integral to our waste management strategy since its inception in 1976. The progress made reflects the County’s continued commitment to operational efficiency and environmental stewardship." 

On approximately 1,530 acres, Prima Deshecha Landfill plays a critical role in facilitating waste disposal within Orange County. With a designated 691 acres specifically intended for waste management, 18 acres for the greenery and an additional 557.1 acres under conservation easement, the landfill dedicates 233 acres to restoring native habitats within the protected area. OCWR's commitment extends beyond waste management, exemplifying a steadfast dedication to environmental conservation and habitat restoration. 

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.

Translations

• Spanish
• Vietnamese
• Chinese
• Korean

Wattles and stakes will be distributed while supplies last.

Location: County Lot, located on the corner of Santiago Canyon Rd & Modjeska Canyon Rd.

OC Waste & Recycling provided a virtual informational meeting to learn more about the proposed operational changes and the Addendum. Staff will provide a presentation describing Capistrano Greenery and the proposed operational changes and will be available to answer questions about Capistrano Greenery and state legislation on organic waste management. 

Watch the virtual meeting.

Schedule a tour at the landfill.

File a concern regarding the landfill.

Background: OC Waste & Recycling (OCWR) currently operates the Capistrano Greenery composting facility co-located at Prima Deshecha (PDL) Landfill. OCWR is proposing various operational changes to the composting facility including: 1) use of Covered Aerated Static Pile (CASP) technology; 2) increase in daily maximum tonnage from 204 to 536 tons per day (TPD); 3) acceptance of food waste feedstocks; 4) allowance for chipping and grinding activities; and 5) compost giveaway events.

Frequently Asked Questions

California Environmental Quality Act: In compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Capistrano Greenery operates pursuant to a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) approved by the Orange County Board of Supervisors on May 5, 2020. OCWR has prepared an Addendum to the MND for the proposed operational changes, demonstrating that there are no new or worsened environmental impacts. The Addendum is located on the OCWR website at www.oclandfills.com/CapoGreeneryCEQA. OCWR invites the public to provide comments. 

Documents are available at www.oclandfills.com/CapoGreeneryCEQA.

Public comment period is now closed.

Project Documents:

Copy of Public Notice Mailer