Yolo County Integrated Waste Management Division staff and Sacramento Regional Conservation Corps Staff together undertook a multi-day cleanup effort to restore the Tule Canal area, located east of Woodland along County Road 22, from litter and illegal waste dumping. Photo courtesy of Yolo County

YOLO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - In a joint effort to preserve the natural beauty of the region and protect the environment, the Yolo County Department of Community Services’ Integrated Waste Management Division teamed up with the Sacramento Regional Conservation Corps (SRCC) in February.

Together, they undertook a multi-day cleanup effort to restore the Tule Canal area, located east of Woodland along County Road 22, from litter and illegal waste dumping.

The cleanup effort yielded impressive results, with more than 3,900 pounds of waste collected. Among the waste were 29 tires, four TVs, a mattress and 165 pounds of hazardous materials, including paint, fluorescent bulbs and motor oil.

This collaborative effort underscores Yolo County's commitment to environmental stewardship and highlights the importance of responsible waste management practices for residents. Yolo County encourages residents to utilize the opportunity for hazardous waste disposal, available every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, at the Yolo County Central Landfill, 44090 County Road 28H in Woodland. The landfill also offers free disposal services daily for mattresses and TVs to all California residents and businesses.

Yolo County Supervisor Mary Vixie Sandy emphasized the multifaceted repercussions of illegal dumping in Yolo County, stating, "Illegal dumping is not only unsightly and casts a perception that people do not care enough about their community to properly dispose of waste. It also can be harmful to our wildlife and their ecosystems when hazardous waste gets washed into our waterways after a big storm. I am very proud of our team at the landfill for taking the initiative to clean up this area."

In a proactive measure to deter future illegal dumping, the Yolo County Central Landfill is pursuing funds under CalRecycle’s Farm and Ranch grant to deploy surveillance cameras along County Road 22. These cameras will monitor the fishing access area along Tule Canal and deter further illegal dumping in the Elkhorn vicinity. The landfill will collaborate with the Yolo County District Attorney's office to identify and prosecute offenders as necessary.

"As we work tirelessly to protect and preserve the natural beauty of our region, it's imperative that we address the issue of illegal dumping head-on," said Supervisor Angel Barajas. "Together with the Sacramento Regional Conservation Corps, we've shown what can be achieved through collaborative efforts. Let's continue to champion responsible waste management practices and safeguard our environment for future generations."

For more information regarding the Yolo County Department of Community Services’ Integrated Waste Management Division, visit www.YoloCounty.org/YCCL.