Torrance Municipal Code Art. 15 Commercial Solid Waste Collection

Every person, firm, or corporation requiring a license under this article shall pay a license tax pursuant to section 31.2.1 of Article 2 of Chapter 1 of Division 3 of this code. Such person, firm, or corporation shall also pay a regulatory license fee for operating a service for the collection, transportation, or disposal of solid waste, which shall include $625.00* for one truck, plus $137.0012 for the second, and each additional truck, trailer or semi-trailer. For purposes of this article, solid waste shall have the same meaning as that in section 40191 of the California Public Resources Code, and as it may from time to time be amended. Regular license fees may be established by the City Council by resolution.

The tax for the largest truck only (the base tax) shall be prorated in accordance with the provisions in Section 31.2.12.

No person, firm, or corporation shall collect solid waste from any commercial or multi-family premises in the City and transport it over the public streets or highways without having first obtained a Commercial Solid Waste Collection Business License from the Director of Finance or his or her designee, pursuant to this section.

In addition to the primary business license application, a supplemental application form will be required prior to issuance of the Commercial Solid Waste Collection Business License and shall include the following information:

a) A description of the compliant collection method(s) used for the collection, recovery, transfer, and disposal of solid waste, recycling, and organic waste streams for waste generated and collected in the City of Torrance.

b) A list of all solid waste facilities that material generated in the City is transported to, with the type of material going to that facility (solid waste, recycling, organics).

1. If compostable plastics are allowed in the green container, the applicant shall provide written notification from each facility receiving organic waste from the City that the facility can process and remove plastic bags when it recovers source-separated organic waste.

2. If the collection service allows organic waste to be collected in plastic bags, the applicant shall provide written notification from each facility receiving organic waste from Torrance that the facility can process and remove plastic bags when it recovers source-separated organic waste.

3. If the applicant is using a facility that processes material as a High Diversion Organics Processing Facility, the applicant shall indicate that designation in the facility list provided to the City.

c) A compliant contamination minimization route review methodology, in accordance with 14 CCR section 18982 (a)(65).

d) A description of education and outreach activities for customers serviced by the applicant hauler in the City of Torrance, including for edible food recovery.

Upon issuance of the Commercial Solid Waste Collection Business License, the licensed hauler engaged in organic waste collection shall be required to comply with the following conditions:

a) Customer Education & Outreach.

1. At least annually, licensed hauler shall create applicable education and outreach material, distribute public education materials, and conduct educational outreach and activities to their customers located in the City, at their own expense, describing the organics and recycling services to be provided, organics and recyclable materials to be recycled, instructions on how to participate, and instructions on how to properly separate recyclable materials and organics to maximize waste diversion.

2. The City reserves the right to require review and approval of all educational materials distributed to customers in the City, including but not limited to, electronic, print, and other media prior to distribution.

3. All hard copy educational materials shall comply with section 43.9.110 of the Torrance Municipal Code regarding the use of recycled content paper products, printing, and writing paper. The licensed hauler shall provide documentation and/or certification upon request by the City.

b) Waivers

1. All waiver requests by hauler’s customers must be processed through the City, in accordance with section 43.9.040 of this code.

2. The licensed hauler shall agree to cooperate and assist the City in determining waiver requests by the hauler’s customers.

c) Records and Reporting Requirements. The licensed hauler shall adhere to all reporting requirements as outlined in section 43.6.040 and provide the City a copy of all relevant information and documents quarterly, in the format requested by the City.

Before the issuance of a license for the collection, transportation, or disposal of solid waste, the licensee shall paint upon the side of each truck, trailer, and semi-trailer used therefore, the name and telephone number of the owner thereof and of the licensee, if different from the owner, all in plain black letters and figures not less than 4 inches in height on a white or green background, and the same shall be distinct and unobscured at all times while such trucks, trailers, and semi-trailers are being operated in the City.

a) Distribution of Containers. Unless an exemption has been granted by the City, as outlined in section 43.9.040 of this code, the authorized hauler must provide each commercial and multi-family premises it serves with collection containers necessary to comply with, implement, and achieve State and local diversion recycling goals, as outlined in 43.7.010 of this code. This includes, without limitation, containers that allow for the source separation of refuse, organics, and recyclables. If a hauler’s customer is out of compliance, the hauler must work with the customer to be compliant within 30 days. Failure to comply may result in fines, penalties, or revocation of this license.

b) Identification. Each container of one cubic yard or more that is used by the authorized hauler in the course of operations under the license must be marked prominently with the name and telephone number of the hauler. All containers must be maintained in clean, non-leaking, and operational conditions. If the authorized hauler’s customer provides their own bins or containers that do not meet this standard, the hauler will work with their customer to ensure compliance and condition.

Every person having a license for the collection, transportation, or disposal of solid waste shall furnish the Public Works Director or his or her designee with a list of:

a) The customers serviced categorized by service type (refuse, recycling, and organics);

b) The level of service provided to each customer, including type and weight of solid waste collected (categorized by refuse, recycling, and organics);

c) The number of containers;

d) The frequency of service (number of days per week); and

e) The final destination of each type of waste.

All such reports shall be submitted in the format approved by the Public Works Director or his or her designee on a quarterly basis.

a) Before the issuance of a license for the collection, transportation, or disposal of solid waste the applicant shall furnish evidence of insurance with the coverage type and limits as deemed appropriate by the Director of Finance or his or her designee.

b) The licensee shall maintain at all times insurance as required by the City and that coverage shall not be canceled, except with notice to the City.

Each person, firm, or corporation collecting, transporting, or disposing of solid waste from the City of Torrance shall comply with the requirements of reporting and paying the necessary fees provided in Chapter 3 of Division 4 of this Code.

Failure to complete an application, pay the necessary fees, or comply with the conditions of this code may constitute grounds for license denial, suspension, or revocation pursuant to Article 9, Chapter 1, Division 3 of this code.