Records available at the state-run Solid Waste Information System (SWIS) website confirm that the county’s Local Enforcement Agency (LEA) knows what many locals have noted: scavenging at the Idyllwild Transfer Station is a daily event, involving both well-equipped individuals with trucks who search the bins during operating hours and just after closing, and “transients” who remove the trash from the bins each night and leave it on the asphalt platform each morning.
Inspector Irene Goodman’s reports note many other issues, including litter, slow removal of refuse and appliances, asphalt needing repair, and poor signage. Many of these are routine matters that have been addressed. The scavenging, however, seems to have caused the inspector to threaten legal action against CR&R, the vendor who contracts with the county to provide services at the station, but always with hedging language: “increase of this activity shall be reported,” and “if conditions continue to worsen, further legal action may apply.”
In May, the inspector wrote: “Upon this inspection, observed unauthorized personnel to drive into the transfer station exit the vehicle and begin scavenging for items in the dumpster bins. Operator stated this activity occurs daily during active operation hours…(I) Also observed a transient come from the hill, just outside the west end of the transfer station, to utilize the transfer station’s private rest room. This also occurs on a daily basis. Scavengers at this location are no longer a special occurrence and will continue being recorded by the LEA. Increase of this activity shall be reported as a violation. Implement all necessary means to ensure scavenging is discontinued at this location… A referral will be made to local forest services regarding homeless/transient activity on the hill to the west of the transfer station.”
The inspection report from June was much the same. In July the report added “Everyday this month, scavengers were observed on site going through the dumpster bins and throwing waste on the ground. Multiple transients sleep in the yard in all areas of the transfer facility. Due to the increased transient activity, this is no longer considered a special occurrence to this Department. If conditions of the transfer station continue to worsen, further legal action may apply.”
August and September inspections noted that the situation has not improved. The Town Crier, along with many early-rising locals, has seen the piles of trash outside the dumpsters most mornings. At the end of the day this reporter has repeatedly observed several men who drive through the station just before closing, checking the dumpsters, then park their vehicles outside on Saunders Meadow Road and enter the station by walking around the fence, which has been repeatedly cut and patched. They bring long poles with hooks and remove items from the dumpsters.
On a recent visit we counted 35 bins, all with plastic lids and no way to secure them. In the early mornings we have seen the chaos that results from 35 dumpsters full of trash being emptied onto the platform during the night. We have seen photos documenting this dating back at least three years.
We also learned that the large plastic water tank that formerly sat near the green waste area was removed and rolled down the mountain side. It is property of the county. Its location is presently unknown.
The Town Crier has asked CR&R and the LEA for comment on this story. We asked them if CR&R has been cited for scavenging, if there is a time frame for compliance and what are the penalties for failure to comply. We also asked if it is possible to fence the location or use bins with lockable metal lids, and if county and contractor are aware of the missing water tank. When we hear back, we will share any responses with readers.
To read more about inspections of the transfer station visit https://www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/SolidWaste/SiteInspection/Index/2406
