Monrovia's Public Works Department: Environmental Services and Administration

This is National Public Works Week and Monrovia wants to to highlight its Public Works Department, and is sending out a series of features this week. Here is the first:

Because of Public Works… Monrovia is one of the region’s leaders in environmental efforts and sustainability.

This week is National Public Works Week, a celebration of the tens of thousands of men and women in North America who provide and maintain the infrastructure and services collectively known as public works.

The Monrovia Department of Public Works is the largest Department in the City, with incredibly varied and intensive programs. Each day this week will highlight the different divisions within Public Works.

TODAY: the Environmental Services and Administration Division.

The Environmental Services and Administration Division have taken Monrovia far beyond the efforts that most cities have made to become environmentally sustainable. Environmental Services is in charge of the City’s solid waste contracts, managing the new stormwater regulations, leading the City’s Green team and environmental accord efforts, and running the Department’s compost program.

Not only has environmental services managed to promote waste reduction and implement a commercial recycling program throughout the City, Monrovia boasts the lowest residential trash rates in the region. But it’s more than just providing black, blue and green barrels. They understand that in order for any waste reduction efforts to truly be met, there must be education about environmental issues.

“We believe in the value of public education. Each quarter we work hard to put out an issue of ‘Recycle News’ to give our residents and businesses practical, easy-to-use tips on how to reduce their impact on our landfills and environment,” says Environmental Services Division Manager Heather Maloney. “Education is important in everything we do- from stormwater to composting to simply being water wise. Understanding is the key to sustainability.”

The Administration Staff are the face of Public Works. They are the voice on the other end of the line when residents call in to report fallen trees, sidewalk cracks and even lost keys in a storm drain. If you visit the Public Works Department, they can answer any question you may have, sell you a low-cost compost bin, or even provide a free used motor oil recycling kit.

You can reach Public Works by calling the Administrative Staff at 932-5575 or email pwcomments@ci.monrovia.ca.us. Contact Environmental Services at 932-5553 or email ess@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

Source: City of Monrovia press release

- Brad Haugaard