Sherman Oaks, CA – The United Chambers of Commerce of the San Fernando Valley and Region Government Affairs Committee adopted a resolution requesting the LA City Council immediately rescind the monopoly granted to a limited number of trash haulers in the City of Los Angeles under Recycle LA.
According to the United Chambers, the imposition of the current law has resulted in a significant increase in costs to customers, delays in trash pickup, limitations imposed on customers as to the number of containers permitted to be used, the imposition of additional fees for the movement of containers (including opening of gates, “distance charges”), delays in responding to calls from customers, and rules regarding recycling for which there was little or no advanced notice to customers.
The motion was put forward Diana Duenas, CEO of the Encino Chamber of Commerce, who claimed several of their members had seen their bills double, despite receiving fewer containers. Long-time community advocate and former mayorial candidate, David Hernandez, spoke on behalf of the resolution. Hernandez asserted that there was insufficient notification to affected customers, and that some customers had seen their bills increase from $70/month to $400/month.
A city spokesperson responded that the notifications were part of an ongoing roll-out process, which began in July 2017 and will continue through April 2018. She claimed the problems and fee increases were created not by the Recycle LA program, but by the use of non-franchise providers, who may have bypassed health & safety, workers comp & benefits, environmental protections, and other regulations. They also stated that the City has a system in place to deal with complaints, billing disputes, etc.
Following discussion, the motion passed by a margin of 12 in favor, 0 opposed, and 2 abstentions.
The United Chambers of the San Fernando Valley and Region is a coalition of 32 business organizations including 18 Member Chambers, representing over 21,000 businesses that provide over 387,000 jobs. United Chambers deals with Valley-wide, County-wide and Regional issues and promotes the San Fernando Valley’s overall welfare, progress and economic prosperity.