Alameda County to Begin Fining Violators of Plant Debris Ban

On Jan. 1, 2010, Alameda County, Calif., will begin issuing fines to those who violate the county’s requirement that plant debris be separated from regular trash. The county defines plant debris as grass, leaves, shrubbery, vines, and tree branches and trimmings.

The ordinance is part of the county’s effort to achieve a 75 percent landfill diversion rate by 2010. The requirement went into effect earlier this year, but the issuing of fines was delayed until Jan. 1.

Violators will be subject to fines of $100, $200 or $500. For more information, click here.