Rolling Hills Estates committee presses Republic Services for recycling proof as MRF rebuild continues

Republic Services told the Rolling Hills Estates Solid Waste Recycling Committee on July 13 that a fire has kept the company's mixed-waste processing facility (MRF) offline and the company offered three interim options while the MRF is rebuilt: a monthly roll-off drop-off pilot for residents, counting green waste toward the city's diversion requirement, and temporarily aligning the city's recycling target with CalRecycle's per-capita standard.

The committee pressed Republic Services for details on timing, permitting and operational steps as residents and council members reported increased complaints after a recent rate adjustment. Dawn Benton, a Republic Services representative, said the company "is currently in compliance with the 30% diversion requirement as well as the state's recycling requirement, but they don't wanna be out of compliance." Devin Kinkade, Republic's general manager for the Gardena area, said the company wanted to "show good faith" and partner with the city while the MRF is rebuilt.

Why it matters: Rolling Hills Estates' franchise agreement requires the contractor to achieve a 30% diversion through mixed-waste processing. With the MRF offline, council members worried residents will see reduced services despite a recent rate increase the council approved. The committee sought firm evidence of Republic's timeline for…