JOINT RELEASE: 13.2 Tons of Bulky Goods Collected at Lake Forest 'Dump Day' Event
LAKE FOREST, CA – More than 13.2 tons of bulky waste were collected at the City of Lake Forest’s Dump Day event on Saturday, April 23, 2022, held at Saddleback Church. Mattresses, couches, tables, and chairs were among the items collected during the sustainability event. In addition, 1.95 tons of items were collected by Goodwill and Saddleback church to help those in need. The Dump Day event was organized to further Caltrans’ goal of keeping California highways litter-free as part of the Clean California initiative – Governor Newsom’s $1.1 billion multi-year investment to clean up and beautify California – and was held in collaboration with the City of Lake Forest, Senator Dave Min, Caltrans, Clean California, Goodwill of Orange County, CR&R and Saddleback Church. The Lake Forest event was one of many Dump Day events held throughout California by Caltrans to celebrate Earth Day.
“While we need to take big steps to fight climate change, there are also small, everyday choices and direct local actions that we can take to make a difference in our communities and work toward a more sustainable future,” said Senator Dave Min. “This public-private partnership successfully redirected tons of waste from local landfills to Goodwill Orange County. It is in this spirit of collaboration that we are reminded of the importance of being good stewards of our planet as we celebrate Earth Day and good neighbors to those empowered by Goodwill’s life changing programs.”
“These Dump Day events provide an opportunity for residents to conveniently dispose their bulky items safely, properly and at no cost,” says Caltrans Deputy District Director of Maintenance and Operations Bobi Hettick. “Dump Days support Clean California’s goal of engaging the community to prevent trash from reaching our roadsides.”
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates 4.9 pounds of trash are generated per person per day and all the items collected by Goodwill of Orange County will be refurbish and resold in their local thrift stores or on ShopGoodwill.com, diverting these items from landfills. In 2021, Goodwill diverted than 50 million pounds of goods from local landfills through its secondhand goods retail locations and expansive recycling programs. As a nonprofit employment social enterprise, all donations and purchases in Goodwill of Orange County thrift locations support its mission to help people with disabilities and other barriers find and keep jobs.
“We are thankful to the many partners and many donors that made this donation event such a success,” said Vanessa Banuelos-Dawson, Donations and Sustainability Manager for Goodwill of Orange County. “Every donation we received makes a big impact right here in our community. Every donation is kept out of the trash, given a second life either in our stores or through our recycling programs, and supports Goodwill’s Workforce Development and Disabilities Services programs. Not a bad second act for your old couch or desk!”
“It was great to see so many agencies come together to accomplish so much,” said Lake Forest Mayor Robert Pequeno. “Residents were able to properly get bulky items out of their homes and garages, and Goodwill and Saddleback Church were able to collect the items that are still usable for people who need them. We want to thank Senator Min, Caltrans, Goodwill, and Saddleback Church. Events like this reduce the amount of trash improperly dumped along the freeways or on City property.”
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