January 2025 Diamond Bar EnviroLink Newsletter

Holiday Tree Recycling Program

Residents can recycle their holiday trees through the City’s curbside collection program, available from Dec. 26 through Jan. 11.

Program Details:

• Waste Management Customers- Place your tree at the curb on your regular collection day from Dec. 26 through Jan. 11. Please note that flocked trees (those with artificial snow) cannot be recycled and will be disposed of as trash during regular sweeps.
• Valley Vista Services Customers- Place your tree curbside on your regular collection day during the program period. For flocked trees, please contact Valley Vista at 800-422-6454 to schedule a bulky item pick-up, as these trees are considered trash and cannot be recycled.

Recycling Preparation- Before placing your tree curbside, please remove all decorations, tinsel, and stands to ensure efficient collection and recycling. Trees do not need to be placed in plastic bags. We appreciate your time in properly preparing your trees for an efficient collection.

Used Oil Filter Exchange

Did you know that used motor oil and filters contain harmful contaminants that can harm human health and the environment when improperly disposed? By recycling these items, you prevent this pollution threat and conserve valuable resources and energy.

If you change your vehicle’s oil at home, you can take advantage of a free used oil filter exchange event taking place 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18,?at Autozone, located at 303 W. Diamond Bar Boulevard.

Each Diamond Bar household is eligible to receive two replacement oil filters with a maximum cost of $15 each. You can also get a free used oil recycling kit that includes an oil container and funnel.

SMART Gardening Virtual Workshop

Los Angeles County Public Works holds Virtual SMART Gardening workshops on various topics. ?Register for upcoming webinars, that teach you how to garden, handle food, and yard waste.?

Course selection include:

• Introduction to Composting- Jan. 13, 6-7 p.m.
• Water-Wise Gardening- Jan. 23, 5-6 p.m.
• Small-Space Gardening- Jan. 15, 3-4 p.m.
• Seed Started Gardening- Jan. 29, 6-7 p.m.

Poster Contest

Arbor Day 2025

The Arbor Day Poster Contest is back! We are looking for posters that celebrate trees and how they play a role in the community. Winners will be honored at the City’s Earth Day Celebration taking place 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 19, at the AQMD parking lot located at 21865 Copley Drive with a gift card. The contest is open to Diamond Bar students and residents in grades 4 and 5 (Tier 1) and 6 and 7 (Tier 2). The deadline to submit a poster is Friday, Mar. 28. For contest rules and entry forms visit the City website.?

Sustainable Solutions Poster Contest

We invite students, groups, and classes to submit academic and research-based posters. These posters should describe a current environmental problem and propose potential solutions that the public can engage in, or that businesses and local governments can implement. All posters submitted will be displayed at our Earth Day event. Poster submissions will be accepted from students grades 6-12. Posters must be 36 inches by 48 inches or smaller. Winners will be recognized with certificates during the event. The deadline is Friday, Mar. 28. For contest rules and registration form visit the City website.

For questions about either contest, contact Environmental Services at 909-839-7015.?

Sustainable New Year’s Resolutions

Start the new year with small, impactful changes that benefit both you and the environment!?

Here are a few easy but impactful resolutions to help you live a more sustainable lifestyle in 2025:

• Reduce Single-Use Plastics-?Carry a reusable water bottle, shopping bag, and utensils to avoid disposable items. Go for products with minimal or recyclable packaging when you shop.
• Eat More Plant-Based Meals-?Incorporating plant-based meals into your diet, even just once a week, can significantly reduce your carbon footprint. Try "Meatless Mondays" or explore new plant-based recipes.
• Use Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products-?Switch to natural cleaning solutions, like vinegar, baking soda, and castile soap, or choose eco-friendly cleaning brands to reduce chemical impact on the environment.
• Walk, Bike, or Carpool More Often-?Aim to drive less by choosing alternative modes of transportation when possible. Walking, carpooling, or using public transit reduces greenhouse gas emissions and saves on fuel costs.
• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Repurpose-?Before tossing items, think about how they can be reused or repurposed. Glass jars can be storage containers, and old clothes can be donated or turned into cleaning rags.

Each small step makes a difference. Here’s to a greener, healthier, and more sustainable new year!

Save the Date

• Used Oil Filter Exchange? Jan. 18, 2025, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. ? Autozone- 303 W. Diamond Bar Boulevard
• Household Hazardous Waste Collection? Mar. 1, 2025, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Gateway Corporate Center-1300 block of Bridge Gate Drive
• Mulch Madness Mar. 15, 2025,?8 a.m.-12 p.m.? Diamond Bar High School- 21400 Pathfinder Road
• Earth Day? Apr. 19, 2025, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.? AQMD Parking Lot- 21865 Copley Drive