It’s almost that time of year again! The day little boys (and girls) look forward to all year long – trash truck open house! My son equates spring and summer with several things and the opening day to summer in his mind is the LA Sanitation Department’s open house (and the Fire Service Recognition Day!). This year’s events are a little more spread out meaning that you could reasonably hit all 6 open houses!
Last year, more than 7,000 Angelenos attended LA Sanitation Open House events with almost 300 city employees volunteering their time to “give back”. It really is a super special event where residents can learn more about what goes on behind the scenes at the LA Sanitation Department. Meeting the truck drivers is always a highlight as you can tell how proud they are of their trucks and the work they do. They genuinely love to share their excitement with the kiddos who are in awe of being so close to the trash trucks.
The different events throughout the city provide a variety of activities and education sessions. Some give plant saplings away to plant at home, while some have fun recycling games for the kids to test their knowledge. But the big draw is always the demonstrations and hands on activities relating directly to the trash trucks.
In addition to the fun for kids, LA Sanitation also works with “City Plants” to provide 50 fruit and 50 shade trees for adoption by city residents, on a first-come-served basis at each yard, while supplies last. We still have our kumquat tree we got several years ago!
There is no charge for admission and all ages are welcome. Please leave your furry friends at home! Free food and giveaways are available as well cooked right on the spot by LA Sanitation workers.
Here are the LA Sanitation Department’s Open House dates and locations for 2018.
Saturday, April 28, 2018 – East Valley District Yard
11050 Pendleton Street, Sun Valley
Saturday, May 19, 2018 – West Valley District Yard
8840 Vanalden Avenue, Northridge
Saturday, June 2, 2018 – North Central District Yard**
452 North San Fernando Road, Los Angeles
Saturday, June 9, 2018 – South Los Angeles District Yard
786 South Mission Road, Los Angeles
Saturday, June 23, 2018 – Harbor District Yard
1400 North Gaffey Street, San Pedro
Saturday, June 30, 2018 – West Los Angeles District Yard
2027 Stoner Avenue, Los Angeles
The festivities begin at 9 a.m. and usually go until 2:30 p.m. Remember to arrive early or towards the end to avoid the crush of people who turn up in the middle of the day. If you would like a chance at a free tree for your yard, show up early. They disappear quickly! In past years, this was also a great place to recycle your old tires and other items that you aren’t sure what to do with. Contact the sanitation department to find out what they will accept this year.
Details
Parking: Street Parking only, but there is typically plenty on San Fernando Road. Be prepared to walk a bit though.
What to Bring: Hat, sunscreen and light clothes – it gets hot!
Food: Hot dogs & Hamburgers and cold drinks are provided free by the Sanitation Department
For more information, check out the LA Sanitation Department’s website.
LA’s 6 District Yards:
| East Valley District Yard 11050 Pendleton Street Sun Valley 91352 |
West Valley District Yard 8840 Vanalden Avenue Northridge 91324 |
| North Central District Yard** 452 North San Fernando Road Los Angeles 90031 |
South Los Angeles District Yard 3990 Menlo Avenue Los Angeles 90037 |
| Harbor District Yard 1400 N Gaffey Street San Pedro 90731 |
West Los Angeles District Yard 2027 Stoner Avenue Los Angeles 90025 |
(**For everyone on the east side, this is our closest yard)
Eastsiders, we will see you there!
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