California Green Business Program

The City of El Segundo has recently received a grant from the California Green Business Network, which provides a certification program that will help businesses become more environmentally sustainable and responsible.

Please click the following documents for more details regarding this program.

• Green Business Certification Program Letter
• El Segundo Green Business Program Flyer
• El Segundo Green Business Network Members

Please visit GreenBusinessCA.org to register and learn more about benefits.

Rebates

• Southern California Edison
• South Bay Environmental Services Center
• Southern California Regional Energy Network (SoCalREN)
  
  

Energy-Saving Tips 

• Install energy-efficient appliances
• Replace standard light bulbs with LED light bulbs
• Turn off or unplug lights, monitors and appliances when not in use
• Run air conditioning system only in high temperature weather (over 80 degrees F) and use ceiling and room fans instead when possible
• Run heat system only in cold temperature weather (under 65 degrees F)
• Use sealants around doors and windows, weather stripping and insulation to make your home more efficient
• Plant leafy trees along your house to create natural shade and sun protection

Wasteful Usage

• Report wasteful incidents that take place on City property online or call the City Property Hotline: Park Maintenance Superintendent  310-524-2716
• School Property Hotline: Director of Operations 310-615-2650  x1504
• Report online code enforcement for private property

Stormwater Pollution

• Report online or during business hours, call the Wastewater Division at 310-524-2754; during non-business hours, call the Watch Commander at 310-524-2255

Report damaged trees online or email Parks Maintenance Superintendent

EDCO Customer Service Concerns or call 310-540-2977

General Hauler Concerns

• Contact your hauler or property manager 

Strange Odors

• ESFD Spills/Release Reporting
• AQMD
• Chevron or fenceline reporting website 
  
• Hyperion Wastewater Treatment Plant: Call LA Sanitation 24-hour Customer Care Center at 1-800-773-2489 or fill out the Sewer Odor Form to report the location.

 Noise Pollution from LAX

• Los Angeles World Airports
  

• AQMD
  

Clean Air Choices

^{The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) Clean Air Choices program provides a one-stop resource for information on the benefits of using clean technologies on the road and in your home.  Find incentives and resources for the transition to clean vehicles at the Clean Air Choices web page at Clean Air Choices (aqmd.gov)}

• South Coast AQMD Advisory updates
• Subscribe to South Coast AQMD air quality alerts, advisories and forecasts by email. It will allow you to receive notifications of air quality advisories, forecasts, and notifications when air quality is poor in your area.
• View current air quality conditions by region in an interactive map
• Check the Hourly air quality forecasts and the "Cleanest Time of Day" to help plan outdoor activities when the air quality is better.
• See a map of South Coast AQMD Forecast Areas and what To Do When Air Pollution Reaches Unhealthful Levels.
• For real-time air quality information, maps, notifications and health alerts in your area, download South Coast AQMD app . It is the most accurate place to receive daily air quality information that can be tailored to your specific location. The app provides real-time and forecasted air quality information using data from regulatory monitors, hundreds of low-cost sensors, and state-of-the-art models with scientifically validated methods developed by air quality experts. The app can also be set to notify you when air quality reaches a particular level.

Chevron Fenceline

Green House Gas (GHG) Reducing Practices & Tips

• Reduce use of air conditioning systems
• Reduce vehicle idling
• Use transportation that incorporates carpooling and/or no fossil fuels (i.e. walk, bike, scooter, electric vehicle, bus, train)

Water Conservation Notice - June 2022

On May 24, 2022, the California State Water Resources Control Board adopted emergency regulations severely limiting outdoor water use in all communities throughout the state, irrespectively of individual circumstances. Mandatory restrictions are now in effect.

Click here to learn more about these regulations and to view the current list of mandatory water use restrictions.

Water Waste

Help protect our water resources by reporting waste (broken sprinklers, running hoses) or pollution issues around town:

Wasteful Usage Occurrences - Ways to Report 

• Report wasteful incidents that take place on City property online or call the City Property Hotline: Park Maintenance Superintendent  310-524-2716

• School Property Hotline: Director of Operations, 310-615-2650, x1504
• Report online Code Enforcement for Private Property

Stormwater Pollution Occurrences

• Information and background
• To report an issue during business hours, call the Wastewater Division at 310-524-2754; during non-business hours, call the Watch Commander at 310-524-2255

Water Quality Report

• SoCal Water Smart
• Metropolitan Water District
• West Basin Municipal Water District

Check your water usage footprint here

Even when we are not in an official drought situation, we can expect the drought/deluge cycle to continue. Watering your plants and lawns efficiently is still crucial for water reliability. First, it's not necessary to water lawns and plants every day. As a general rule, more plants die through over-watering than under-watering.

You can save water (and money) with the following watering tips:

• Check your sprinklers to make sure they aren’t over-spraying by watering the pavement around your yard
• Ensure that all the sprinkler heads are working properly -- no geysers
• Set your automatic timers to water your yard after 7:00 p.m. or before 6:00 a.m. so that the sun doesn’t evaporate all that water usage
• Collect rainwater in barrels to use in yard
• Collect extra shower water—when you are running it to wait for it to warm up, stick a 5-gallon bucket in the flow—and use that on outdoor plants.
• Turn off the tap while brushing teeth
• Take short showers or showers instead of baths
• Replace turf and water-hungry plants with native, drought tolerant elements

Rain Barrel Distribution

Register to receive your free rain barrel at one of the distribution events for West Basin Municipal Water District residents. By using rainwater in your garden, you can be water efficient and help reduce the amount of water that flows into storm drains. You must be a resident in West Basin Municipal Water District's service area to participate.

“As we navigate through these dry summer months, the City of El Segundo and our partners in water would like to encourage our residents and stakeholders to consider our state’s current dry climate conditions.  By voluntarily making every drop count, we can sustain California’s water for generations to come.  Join us in accounting for every drop by conserving whenever possible and following these simple, water saving tips at the links provided below:”

Water Conservation and Efficiencies programs and workshops
Water Saving Tips - 1
Water Saving Tips - 2

Public Comment period has been extended to October 24, 2022 

Please note that for Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional facilities in the Dominguez Channel watershed that are five (5) acres or larger, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board (LA Water Board) have issued Notice of Opportunity for Public Comment, Staff Workshop and Public Hearing information, that may impact your business related to proposed stormwater runoff regulations identified in the draft Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional (CII) Permit which has been published recently. Stakeholder meetings were held by the USEPA and LA Water Board in December 2021 in which regulatory background information and potential requirements and compliance options were presented. The comment period on the CII Permit closes on October 24, 2022 for both agencies. City of El Segundo staff is reviewing the CII Permit and will provide comments. For more information, please click here. 

For a summary of the proposed actions, please click on the links below:

Revised USEPA Public Notice

Draft LA Water Board CII Permit

New information: AB 1276 - Regulation of Single-Use Food Ware Accessories and Standard Condiments

On August 16, 2022, City Council held a public hearing to introduce an ordinance to amend El Segundo Municipal Code Chapter 5-8 to implement state Assembly Bill 1276, which regulates single-use food ware accessories and standard condiments and designates the City as the associated enforcement agency. AB 1276 prohibits restaurants and food facilities from providing single-use utensils, accessories, and condiments unless requested by the consumer. 

Single-use food ware accessories include forks, knives, spoons, sporks, chopsticks, straws, stirrers, condiment cups and packets, splash sticks, or cocktail sticks.

“Standard condiment” means relishes, spices, sauces, confections, or seasonings that require no additional preparation and that are usually used on a food item after preparation, including ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, soy sauce, hot sauce, salsa, salt, pepper, sugar, and sugar substitutes.

The Ordinance was adopted by the City of El Segundo on September 6, 2022. To see a copy of the Ordinance, please click here.

AB 1276 Fact Sheet

More information on AB 1276 can be found on the California Legislative Information Website

SB 1383 – Organic Waste and Edible Food Disposal Requirements – Effective January 1, 2022 

Beginning January 1, 2022, California Senate Bill (SB) 1383 requires all businesses and multi-family properties to arrange for organic waste recycling services (i.e., food waste and green waste). As required by the State, these regulations were adopted in an Ordinance by the City of El Segundo in December 2021. To see a copy of the Ordinance, please click below:

• SB 1383 - Organic Waste and Edible Food Disposal Requirements 

For a summary of this mandatory Ordinance, please click here. 

For a Power Point Presentation of SB-1383 click here.

Certain businesses and multi-family complexes of five units or more may qualify for waivers from these mandatory programs; however, only those who have requested and received a waiver from the City can avoid mandated participation. To apply for exemption, complete the SB 1383 Waiver Request Form and email to the City of El Segundo's Environmental Consultant at raebeimer@caa.inc. 

For more information regarding the standards for exemption, please click here. 

EDCO

Visit the EDCO website  for information about: 

• Recycling
• Green waste
• Household hazardous waste
• Free paper shredding , e-waste and mulch events
• Environmental Times Newsletter

• Licensed Business Waste Haulers

If your residence does not provide sufficient organic waste recycling or you wish to acquire more organic material for use in your garden, consider using ShareWaste, an application that allows people to connect with community members for the purpose of donating/receiving organic waste for composting.

Have a lemon or orange tree in your yard that produces more citrus than you can consume? Consider donating your surplus through our local CASE (Community Alliance to Support and Empower) food pantry or Food Forward. CASE serves the El Segundo community directly and shares collection opportunities on social media pages. Food Forward is a nonprofit organization bringing fresh surplus fruits and vegetables to people experiencing food insecurity across eight counties in Southern California. You can register your fruit tree for picking or pick yourself under the guidelines to donate surplus fruit. You might also consider connecting with Cropswap, a farm-to-phone marketplace application which connects consumers and businesses with local selection from sustainable farmers in a local economy.

Solid Waste Reduction Practices

ESEC Single-Use Plastics Educational Packet 

Always keep in mind these practices of “The 4 Rs - REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE, ROT”

The first R, REDUCE, reminds us to think about making less of what we purchase, what we throw away, and how we shop. You can practice reducing the amount of waste in your household by choosing to buy products that do not create excess waste and have to be added to landfills. Some tips include:

• When shopping, choose to not buy single serve products.
• Buy products that have very little packaging, or at least packaging that can be easily recycled.
• Stop buying bottled water—just refill reusable bottles or use glasses when at home.
• Bring reusable bags on every shopping errand.
• Kick the plastic baggie habit altogether: use reusable bags and containers in lunches, at picnics, and for storing leftovers.
  

The second R, REUSE, reminds us to use items more than once before putting them in the trash. This practice saves money and creates less waste in our landfills. Instead of throwing things away that you might not use anymore, why not give them to someone else or donate to charities?  You can also reuse items like straws, cups, plates and cloth napkins instead of using disposables. Again, if you kick the plastic baggie habit and switch to reusable bags and containers in lunches, at picnics and when storing leftovers, that will be a notable cost and waste savings.

The third R, RECYCLE, reminds us that it is important not to throw everything in the garbage. There are lots of things like bottles, cans, cardboard and paper that can be used to make other products. You might be surprised to learn that recycled products can be used to make all kinds of things; for example, a recycled soda bottle can be used to different plastic items, like combs. Check out the list of all the household items that can be recycled through residential pickups in El Segundo.

Certain items cannot be recycled or tossed into landfills due to their toxicity, such as:

• Batteries and all items that use batteries such as toys, flashlights, etc.
• Christmas light strands
• Electronic devices such as cellphones, computers, audio and video equipment, etc.
• Old chemicals such as lubricants, paints, and cleaners
• Mercury containing equipment (like thermostats and light ballasts) and mercury containing items such as old thermometers and Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)
• Acids & drain cleaners
• Antifreeze, brake fluids, transmission fluids, gasoline, oil & oil filters
• Paints & thinners
• Lawn & garden chemicals, i.e. fertilizers and pesticides
• Solvents & degreasers
• Poisons & pesticides
• Pool chemicals
• Expired or unused medications
• Sharps (syringes, needles) and other medical waste
• Aerosol cans, including inhalers
• Household cleaning products

These items must be disposed of through a hazardous waste handling company or by bringing them to a free Hazardous Waste Collection site, one of which is conveniently hosted by our neighboring Hyperion Treatment Plant (7660 W Imperial Hwy, Playa Del Rey, CA 90293) every Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. -  3:00 p.m.

Last, but not least, think about the final R—ROT! In household terms, rot refers to compost. Composting is not a dirty business but nature’s way of recycling. Leftover fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, rinsed egg shells, leaves and yard trimmings can easily be broken down into nutrient rich soil for gardens, flower beds and garden containers. Composting actually incorporates the first 3 R’s by reducing what we put in the trash, reusing what might be wasted and recycling food waste by changing it into nutrient rich soil.

Certain items cannot be recycled or tossed into landfills due to their toxicity, such as:

• Batteries and all items that use batteries such as toys, flashlights, etc.
• Christmas light strands
• Electronic devices such as cellphones, computers, audio and video equipment, etc.
• Old chemicals such as lubricants, paints, and cleaners
• Mercury containing equipment (like thermostats and light ballasts) and mercury containing items such as old thermometers and Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)
• Acids & drain cleaners
• Antifreeze, brake fluids, transmission fluids, gasoline, oil & oil filters
• Paints & thinners
• Lawn & garden chemicals, i.e. fertilizers and pesticides
• Solvents & degreasers
• Poisons & pesticides
• Pool chemicals
• Expired or unused medications
• Sharps (syringes, needles) and other medical waste
• Aerosol cans, including inhalers
• Household cleaning products

These items must be disposed of through a hazardous waste handling company or by bringing them to a free Hazardous Waste Collection site, one of which is conveniently hosted by our neighboring Hyperion Treatment Plant (7660 W Imperial Hwy, Playa Del Rey, CA 90293) every Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

There are many online recipes for making natural-based cleaners that utilize ingredients such as:

• White vinegar
• Liquid castile soap
• Natural salt
• Baking soda
• Borax
• Washing soda
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Lemons
• Essential oils (optional)

Consider doing some research and giving these a try!

There are many online recipes for making natural-based insecticides that utilize ingredients such as:

• Oils
• Castile soap
• Garlic
• Chili pepper
• Neem
• Diatomaceous earth

In a garden space, you can also add insect predators such as ladybugs to help defeat unwanted pests.

• Tree Practices
• Trees 101 video
• El Segundo Recreation & Parks Tree Policy - coming soon

Natural Pesticide Practices for Home Use

There are many online recipes for making natural-based insecticides that utilize ingredients such as:

• Oils
• Castile soap
• Garlic
• Chili pepper
• Neem
• Diatomaceous earth

In a garden space, you can also add insect predators such as ladybugs to help curb unwanted pests.

Smart Gardening

The Los Angeles County Public Works department offers free gardening webinars to beautify your home and garden. Learn how to conserve water, compost and grow your own food to help preserve our environment. Visit Smartgardening.com to register for a webinar and learn about other resources, including purchasing compost bins at a discount price. 

• Please keep in mind our bird friends before tree trimming and cleaning roof gutters. The federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act prohibits any person, unless permitted by regulations, to damage any eggs or nests. The California Fish and Wildlife Code states that “It is unlawful to take, possess, or needlessly destroy the nest or eggs of any bird.” Most local bird species nest in the spring (starting in March), and finish nesting in the late summer (end of August). Before removing branches and leaves, make sure a bird survey is conducted so no harm comes to any nests or eggs.
• Replace water-hungry landscape elements with native, drought-tolerant elements

• Coyote Encounter Advice
• Deceased or Ill Wildlife Creature Protocol or contact Animal Control Officer at jcamagong@elsegundo.org or 310-524-2231

Currently, the City has several transit routes within its boundary. With these systems in place, 100 percent of City residents live within 0.5 mile of either a train or bus stop. Information about public transportation options can be found here. 

Whenever possible, choose to walk, ride a bike or scooter to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and to get some good exercise as a bonus.

• CAL GREEN Building Standards Code
  
• CAL GREEN Construction and Demolition FAQ
• US Green Building Council: LEED Standards
  
• Build it Green 

• West Basin Municipal Water District Current Rebates -  apply for rebates West Basin offers and find out more about water conservation within your water district.
• South Bay Environmental Savings Center (SBESC) is the South Bay's local clearinghouse for energy efficiency, water conservation and environmental information - - training, materials and outreach.   
• Build It Green is a non-profit membership organization whose mission is to promote healthy, energy- and resource-efficient building practices in California.
• U.S. Green Building Council is a non-profit organization dedicated to sustainable building design and construction.
• LEED green building rating system and portfolio of the green checklists.
• Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) works to protect wildlife to ensure a healthy environment for all life on earth.
• California Energy Commission provides Federal tax credits for certain efficiency measures.
• Southern California Edison provides tips on how to use energy in an eco-friendly way
• Southern  California Gas Company
• BeWaterWise.com
• West Basin Municipal Water District
• Los Angeles County provides environmental info for residents, businesses and government throughout LA County, including recycling, waste, conservation and energy tips and actions to help support El Segundo's current environmental programs
• Homeowners, multifamily property owners/managers, business owners, and public agency representatives may find a wide variety of energy efficiency opportunities to save energy and money with Southern California Regional Energy Network (SoCalREN), a service of the County of Los Angeles 
• Electric Lawn Mower Rebate Program  
• Commercial Electric Lawn and Garden Program

The Environmental Committee reviews existing City environmental programs and recommends new policies and programs to the City Council to support goals in the Environmental Work Plan. 

City of El Segundo Environmental Documents 

• ESEC Single-Use Plastics Educational Packet
• Climate Action Plan
• Environmental Committee Work Plan
• Plastics Ordinance (AB 1276)
• Resolution to Ban Off-Shore Drilling

Seven members make up the Committee, including representatives from the business and residential communities and one member from the El Segundo School District.

The Environmental Committee meets once a month on the following Fridays at 12:00 p.m.:
January 12, 2024
February 2, 2024
March 1, 2024- Rescheduled to March 8, 2024
April 5, 2024
May 3, 2024 Rescheduled to May 10, 2024
June 7, 2024 Rescheduled to June 14, 2024
July 12, 2024 Canceled 
August 2, 2024
September 6, 2024
October 4, 2024
November 1, 2024 Rescheduled to November 8, 2024
December 6, 2024 Canceled 

For more information, please contact the Environmental Committee Liaison at  dpankau@elsegundo.org

The Environmental Committee's vision is to create and maintain a sustainable community and to improve social, economic and environmental well-being by fostering partnerships through education, guidance, and outreach.  The Committee addresses sustainability through cooperative civic, business, and resident responsibility in the following areas of eco-management:

• Urban planning and development
• Transportation
• Air quality
• Water conservation
• Energy conservation
• Hazardous waste
• Solid waste

Recent Environmental Committee Presentations

• Scattergood Plant Presentation