Collection event nets tons of waste

Laguna Beach, partnering with trash disposal company Waste Management, gathered 13 tons of unwanted items such as paint, batteries, light bulbs, flat screen televisions and laptops during its second annual waste collection event March 21, according to a news release.

Residents dropped off 3 1/2 tons of paint, 3 tons of electronic waste and 980 pounds of batteries at the Act V parking lot in Laguna Canyon. Crews also shredded 2 1/2 tons of paper.

Depending on the type of material, some items will be processed and recycled in California while other items will be sent out of state to be treated and recycled.

Residents who were unable to attend the event can still use one of the city’s free recycling programs.

Waste Management’s “At Your Door” special collection service offers a hazardous-waste pickup one time per year. A pickup may be scheduled by calling (800) 449-7587.

Waste Management also offers residents three bulky-item pickups per year. Up to 10 items may be collected each time at no extra charge by calling (949) 642-1191.

Items can also be dropped off for free at any of the county’s four hazardous-waste collection centers, including facilities in Irvine and Huntington Beach.

More information regarding the city’s recycling programs is available at lagunabeachcity.net.

—Bryce Alderton

Twitter: @AldertonBryce