COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Community outreach is the activity associated with educating and involving the community in an endeavor. In the case of solid waste and recycling, community outreach is an important element, helping to better inform the public on the benefits of recycling, and helping to involve the entire community effort in sustaining the environment.

Community outreach is a required program of the City’s Source Reduction and Recycling Element, a plan filed with the State agency enforcing the State’s 50% solid waste diversion mandate. The State requires that all cities have the means, and the plan, to involve and inform their community through outreach to the residents and businesses.

In 2001, the City of Paso Robles joined the San Luis Obispo County Integrated Waste Management Authority (IWMA).  Among the many benefits of joining are the increased public outreach programs.  One of the most requested and successful is the School Based Education Program.  The program includes field trips, guest speakers, presentations and a composting/garden program for schools.  Resources such as newsletters, books and videos are also available to schools and teachers.  Visit the IWMA's School Based Education Program page for details and contact information.