Ever wonder what happens to your trash after it’s picked up? How about the water that goes down your drain? Join the Costa Mesa Sanitary District (CMSD) and special guests for the biannual Citizens Environmental Protection Academy (CEPA)! CEPA is a free educational series of presentations, demonstrations, and facility tours that give CMSD residents a behind-the-scenes look at how our trash and wastewater are processed and recycled!
During the spring academy, CEPA focuses on solid waste (trash) and recycling. Participants attend presentations from industry professionals and embark on facility tours to see first-hand how recyclable materials are separated from landfill waste. Past academies have visited the Orange Coast College Recycling Center, CR&R's Materials Recovery Facility, CR&R's Anaerobic Digestion Facility, and Frank R. Bowerman Landfill.
In the fall, CEPA focuses on water and wastewater. Participants learn about efforts to protect our local waterways through the prevention of sanitary sewer overflows. Additionally, attendees are given the opportunity to tour state-of-the-art facilities such as Orange County Water District's Groundwater Replenishment System and Orange County Sanitation District's wastewater treatment facility.
290 Paularino Avenue, Costa Mesa (CMSD Headquarters)
Join CMSD staff and a special guest presenter from Inside the Outdoors to learn how you can reduce the amount of waste you produce! We'll discuss recycling tips and tricks, efficient buying habits, and the impact that our waste has on the environment.
All ages are welcome for this workshop.
Mixed Waste Recycling Facility Tour
Meet us at 290 Paularino Avenue, Costa Mesa (CMSD Headquarters). Bus transportation will be provided to and from the tour location.
Join CR&R for a behind-the-scenes tour of the Materials Recovery Facility in Stanton, CA, where Costa Mesa's recyclables are manually and mechanically sorted!
Please note: Attendees must be at least 18 years of age. Closed toed shoes are required. This tour includes stairs and some walking.
Organics Recycling Facility Tour
Meet us at 290 Paularino Avenue, Costa Mesa (CMSD Headquarters). Bus transportation will be provided to and from the tour location.
Join CR&R for a behind-the-scenes tour of the Anaerobic Digestion Facility in Perris, CA, where Costa Mesa's green waste and food waste are converted into nutrient-rich compost and renewable natural gas using state-of-the-art technology!
Please note: Attendees must be at least 18 years of age. Closed toed shoes are required. This tour includes some walking.
Local Landfill Tour
Meet us at 290 Paularino Avenue, Costa Mesa (CMSD Headquarters). Bus transportation will be provided to and from the tour location.
Join Orange County Waste & Recycling for a tour of Frank R. Bowerman Landfill in Irvine, CA, where Costa Mesa's landfill waste is taken. We'll learn about the anatomy of one of the nation's largest landfills and how landfill gases are converted into energy that powers over 25,000 Orange County homes!
Please note: Attendees must be at least 8 years of age. Closed toed shoes are required. This tour includes some walking.
If you would like to be placed on the interest list, call (949) 645-8400 or email District staff.
Funding for the Citizens Environmental Protection Academy is provided, in part, by Orange County Waste & Recycling.
