GUSTINE — Residents and businesses in Gustine should expect to see state inspectors in their neighborhoods this week as part of a scheduled compliance evaluation by the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery, known as CalRecycle.

According to a community notice issued by the City of Gustine, staff from CalRecycle’s Jurisdiction and Agency Compliance and Enforcement (JACE) division will be conducting inspections beginning the week of Nov. 17. The evaluation will involve raising the lids of recycling, organics, and trash bins in both residential and commercial areas to assess proper waste sorting and disposal practices.

The visit is part of a state-mandated effort to ensure jurisdictions are meeting California’s waste diversion and recycling requirements. CalRecycle’s JACE division is responsible for evaluating how cities and counties implement their Source Reduction and Recycling Elements (SRREs), which outline local strategies for reducing landfill waste and increasing recycling rates.

If a jurisdiction is found to be falling short of its SRRE commitments, CalRecycle may issue a compliance order requiring corrective action. The agency’s broader enforcement goals include protecting public health and the environment, preventing illegal dumping, and maintaining fair standards across waste-related industries.

CalRecycle emphasizes that its enforcement approach prioritizes education and technical assistance before formal penalties are considered. Evaluations like the one scheduled in Gustine are part of a proactive strategy to identify issues early and support local compliance efforts.

Residents with questions about the evaluation may contact Eugene Clarke at CalRecycle via email at Eugene.Clarke@calrecycle.ca.gov or by phone at (916) 341-6651.