Community outreach is the activity associated with educating and
involving the community in an endeavor. In the case of solid
waste and recycling, community outreach is an important element,
helping to better inform the public on the benefits of
recycling, and helping to involve the entire community effort in
sustaining the environment. Community outreach is a required
program of the Citys Source Reduction and Recycling Element, a
plan filed with the State agency enforcing the States 50% solid
waste diversion mandate. The State requires that all cities have
the means, and the plan, to involve and inform their community
through outreach to the residents and businesses. In 2001, the
City of Paso Robles joined the San Luis Obispo County Integrated
Waste Management Authority (IWMA). Among the many benefits of
joining are the increased public outreach programs. One of the
most requested and successful is the School Based Education
Program. The program includes field trips, guest speakers,
presentations and a compo