Clovis is checking inside residents’ trash cans: What to expect

CLOVIS, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – Trash can inspections have begun in the City of Clovis as part of a statewide policy to make sure the right waste items are going in the right cart.

According to materials sent out by the City of Clovis, city employees will complete routine inspections to check carts “for contamination.” The action is to make sure the City of Clovis complies with state law SB 1383 , which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

According to the City of Clovis, if an inspector determines that contamination is found a city employee will leave a notification tag on a resident’s cart. This tag serves as an initial notice and contains what city officials say are “educational materials” to ensure residents are familiar with what item goes in which trash can.

According to the flyer, if a second notice is required, a City of Clovis employee will contact residents directly to help them understand what is accepted in each cart.

If more than two notices are issued, the flyer states that Clovis “may have to enforce penalties for noncompliance.” However, in a statement to YourCentralValley.com, the City of Clovis says that while the state does outline penalties “Clovis is not currently fining residents that are found to be out of compliance with SB 1383.”

The city’s statement reveals that the mailer is part of an ongoing effort to educate the community on the new state law. Officials add that it is unlikely that any more inspections will be taking place in 2024 as inspectors have completed the residential route reviews for this year.

We want residents to know that if a City employee happens to be conducting a route review in their area, it is not a cause for concern, and that these reviews are not unique to Clovis. State law now requires municipalities throughout the state to conduct route reviews, and our primary goal here in Clovis is to inform and educate residents on the new requirements.

Taylor Danielson, City of Clovis

Clovis is not the only area in the Central Valley that will be taking part in enforcing SB 1383. Fresno County has also confirmed to YourCentralValley.com that inspections of waste bins and carts for residential and commercial customers will be starting there as well.

YourCentralValley.com has also reached out to the City of Fresno to ask about their response to SB 1383 but no response has been received.

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