Downtown LA Auto Group has proved to be a RecycLA Gold Star through much effort and utilization of the RecycLA program. This client consists of a group of car dealerships in the Ware zone of South-East Los Angeles. DTLA Auto includes various locations, many of which include massive auto-service areas that, in total, originally put out 141 cubic yards of waste per week. However, after waste assessing the sites, we determined most of the materials being sent to landfill could be recycled. After deliberation with the manager (Neal Goldman) we decided that the best way to get this information to the employees on site (many of whom are Spanish speakers) would be to heavily train the service area managers at each site, who then could more intensively train their large staff and ensure on-site recycling practices are being performed to standards.
Zero-Waste specialists met with the manager of the entire DTLA Auto (Neal Goldman) to visit each service area and train the service managers at each site about the RecycLA program, recyclable materials, and bin placement. We created a special Auto-Service focused Recycling training plan, in both Spanish and English and trained staff on all service area sites. These trainings were provided to service area managers (6) the week before the main Recycle roll-out on site so that they could have meetings with their employees(50/service area), make them aware of the transition and train them in correct practices. This method worked to great effect, as the employees on-site were sufficiently trained when it came time for the roll-out, which led to a very well-organized transition into the RecycLA program. Zero Waste Specialists met with the drivers to drop off bins and coordinate with employees on-site to ensure all bins were placed where they should be and the roll-out went smoothly. We used a combination of 96gal Recycle carts in the service areas for employees’ easy access and larger recycling bins in central collection areas to effectively capture the recyclable materials, while still allowing for efficient operation of the facilities. Through full utilization of the RecycLA program, DTLA Auto has been able to reduce their trash capacity by 60% and now, among the dealerships, divert 73% of their waste from landfill.
- 635 W. Washington Blvd. Nissan Dealership
- 70% Diversion Rate
- Had 3 3YD 5x/week & No recycling
- Now has 1 4YD 2x/week & 2 3yd recycle 2x/week + 6 96G 3x/week
- 1801 S. Figueroa St. Mercedes Benz Dealership
- 85% Diversion Rate
- Had 2 3YD 2x/week & No recycling
- Now has 1 4YD 2x/week & 3 3YD recycle 3x/week + 20 96G 3x/week
- 1900 S. Figueroa St. Porsche/Audi/VW Dealerships
- 53% Diversion Rate
- Had 2 3YD 5x/week & 1 3YD 4x/week & no recycling
- Now has 2 4YD 3x/week & 2 3YD recycle 3x/week + 22 96G recycle 3x/week
- 1901 S. Figueroa St. Toyota Dealership
- 79% Diversion Rate
- Had 2 3YD 3x/week & no recycling
- Now has 2 3YD 2x/week & 3 3YD recycle 3x/week + 20 96G recycle 3x/week
- 1929 S. Figueroa St. Used Nissan Dealership
- 66% Diversion Rate
- Had 2 3YD 2x/week & no recycling
- Now has 1 4YD 1x/week & 2 3YD recycle 2x/week
Total Average Group Diversion: 73%