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Environmental and Health Initiatives
The City of Richmond Environmental Initiatives team promotes systems and policy changes that support the development of healthy and sustainable neighborhoods. The Division collaborates with the community and other city departments to implement actions identified in the Climate Action Plan, Health in All Policies Strategy Document, and the Energy and Climate Change Element and Community Health and Wellness Element of the Richmond General Plan 2030. The team aims to build the City and community's capacity to improve and promote sustainability and health equity.
Celebrate National Bike Month in Richmond & the East Bay
Spring is the time to not only get riding again, but also to encourage people close to you to bike. There is no wrong way to celebrate Bike Month in Richmond and the greater East Bay.
Biking has many benefits including:
- Saving money on gas, parking, and transit
- Bypassing congested traffic or transit schedules
- Reveling in the convenience of the door to door commute and hassle free parking
- Getting 40 minutes of exercise (the average commute) directly improves physical and mental health
Thursday, May 18st is Bike to Work Day (BTWD) 2023 and it is the Bay Area’s biggest day for bicycling. A map of all the BTWD bag locations can be found on Bike East Bay’s website, https://bikeeastbay.org/find-your-energizer-station-bike-work-day-2023
Richmond Energizer Stations:
- Richmond BART Station
- Macdonald Ave and Key Blvd (near Grocery Outlet)
- Unity Park (1605 Ohio Ave)
- Marina Park (between the parking lot and the Bay Trail)
- Richmond Ferry Terminal
511 Contra Costa- Guaranteed Ride Home
Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH) has bike riders covered. The FREE program will reimburse for a ride home during unexpected emergencies like a personal illness, sick child, or missing your carpool up to six GRH trips per year. Register now, and you’ll be ready to go if an emergency strikes. Please visit the program’s website for details and eligibility requirements, https://511contracosta.org/guaranteed-ride-home/
Biking Resources
Richmond and the East Bay have the biking resources you are looking for. Checkout the options below.
Richmond Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (RBPAC)- Passionate about a bikeable and walkable Richmond? Want to be apart of next year's Bike to Work Day? Join RBPAC! Visit their new website at https://www.rbpac.org/.
Rich City Rides Bike Shop- The bike shop is located in the heart of Richmond and a resource for all residents. Purchase a bike, get your bike fixed, or register for their Self-Care Sunday rides on
The Pedaler Bike Shop- El Sobrante’s family run, friendly local bike shop for over 40 years.
Bike East Bay- They have a plethora of resources for families, new riders, or riders that need a refresher. Checkout their resources for Free Classes/webinars, Tips for New Riders, and biking activities for families.
E-Bike Rebate- Buy a new e-bike and apply for a cash rebate of $150-$300 through 511 Contra Costa.
Upcoming Community Workshops: Green-Blue New Deal Workforce Development Draft Plan 5/20 & 5/24
The City Manager’s Office, Economic Development, Environmental & Health Initiatives Division invites anybody who lives or works in Richmond to attend the Richmond Green-Blue New Deal Community Workshops on Saturday, May 20 at 10:00AM and Wednesday, May 24 at 6:00PM to provide input and direction on the development of a community-driven Workforce Development Plan. The goal of this project is to catalyze at least 1,000 new green-blue jobs for Richmond residents that build a just, equitable, resilient and sustainable future. Both in-person and virtual options are available.
Workshop #1 Saturday, May 20, 2023 from 10:00am to 12:00pm, PST, the City will host an in-person community engagement workshop at the Richmond Recreation Complex (3230 Macdonald Ave) to solicit input on the development of the draft Green-Blue New Deal Workforce Development Plan. Please come by to receive a presentation from the project team and participate in the community input session that follows.
Workshop #2 Wednesday, May 24, 2023 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm PST, the City will host a virtual community engagement workshop via Zoom to solicit input on the development of the draft Green-Blue New Deal Workforce Development Plan. Please join the webinar to receive a presentation from the project team and participate in the community input session that follows.
Please click on this link to join the 5/24 webinar: https://tinyurl.com/RichmondGreenBlueNewDeal
Your input is highly valued!
I Heart Richmond
I Heart Richmond is a City-wide beautification and clean-up initiative led through a collaboration of several City departments and community-based organizations.
To learn more about upcoming volunteer opportunities, programs, resources, and City Council presentations visit, www.ci.richmond.ca.us/IHeartRichmond
Community Feedback Needed! – Solid Waste Services and Programs
The Economic Development, Environmental and Health Initiatives Division invites anyone who lives or works in Richmond to provide feedback regarding Richmond’s solid waste collection programs and gaps in program offerings. All responses will inform and guide the City’s approach as collection services for trash, recycling, and organics are reviewed prior to the agreement’s expiration in 2025. The City's aim is to improve and promote sustainability, equity, and zero waste.
All eligible participants who complete the Survey will be entered into a random drawing where fifteen participants will be selected to receive $50 gift cards. This Survey is being conducted by an independent research firm. Your information and identity will remain protected and private and will not be shared, sold, or used for any other purpose.
To complete the survey visit:
Contra Costa Health to Transition its COVID Response
Contra Costa Health (CCH) is transitioning its COVID Response as local, state and federal public health emergencies come to an end. The state and county-level emergency public health declarations ended on Feb. 28, while the federal emergency declaration ends on May 11.
State testing sites and county-run COVID vaccination sites will close in March 2023. While official health emergencies are going away, we recognize that COVID is not. Contra Costa Health (CCH) will still be addressing COVID as part of its regular departmental operations in the future with a focus on equity.
Here are two key dates:
- March 4: Last day of operation for the two remaining state test-to-treat sites in Pleasant Hill and Antioch. CCH continues to offer free home test kits to anyone who needs them through CCH's online form or our call center, 1-833-829-2626. Home test kits are also available free online via the federal government and at several locations throughout the community, including our health centers and county-run libraries.
- March 31: The three county-run mass vaccination sites in Antioch, Concord and Richmond will close. People can still get vaccines through their regular healthcare providers and local pharmacies. The uninsured and Medi-Cal patients will still be able to access free COVID vaccines at CCH’s health centers, pop-up vaccine clinics and CCH’s weekly immunization-only clinics, which will soon be offering evening hours to provide better access to working people.
For more information, see CCH’s Easy Access to Care handout or read their COVID-19 transition plan.
Air Pollution Complaints (BAAQMD)
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District receives over 12,000 air pollution complaints each year from members of the public. Community members are keenly aware of air pollution events and often provide the first warning of air quality problems. Satisfactory resolution of complaints is one of the most important objectives of Air District staff.
Examples of complaints include dust or chemical air pollutants emitted by industrial plants, refineries, neighborhood businesses, gas station nozzles, idling trucks, locomotives and buses; and smoke from agricultural fires, controlled burns, non-cooking backyard fires and outdoor trash burning.
To file a complaint, complete an online complaint form or call BAAQMD's 24-hour toll-free hotline at 1-800-334-ODOR (6367).
For more information, visit BAAQMD online.
Richmond Rising: Healthy, Connected, and Climate Strong
On October 27th, 2022, Richmond was awarded a $35M Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) Round 4 Implementation Grant by the California Strategic Growth Council. A brief summary of the Richmond Rising grant application is include below. For more information visit: California Awards $96 Million for Climate Projects in 10 Frontline Communities | California Governor.
Richmond Rising: Healthy, Connected, and Climate Strong. In addition to the nine projects listed below, Richmond's application included Transformative Plans for community engagement efforts, workforce development programs, and displacement avoidance policies and programs in the Iron Triangle, Santa Fe, and Coronado neighborhoods:
- Neighborhood Complete Streets: walking and biking improvements on Harbour Way, Ohio Ave, and AC bus stops.
- Richmond Wellness Trail, Phase 2: walking and biking improvements to connect with Phase 1 to make a beautiful trail all the way from BART to the waterfront.
- E-Bike Lending Library: long-term and short-term e-bike access for free to residents to improve carbon-free mobility options.
- Resilient Homes for Healthy Communities: residential solar panel installations and home energy efficiency and health and safety upgrades at no cost to income-qualifying residents.
- Basins of Relations: residential greywater systems and rainwater capture systems at no cost to income-qualifying residents, installed by local youth who receive training in watershed stewardship and installation.
- Bosque del Barrio: tree planting throughout the project area to create a healthy urban forest.
- ADA Accessible Garden: edible and pollinator garden at Unity Park with specially designed planting beds so seniors and wheelchair users can comfortably participate in gardening and community activities.
- Orchard for ALL!: creating a distributed orchard through fruit tree giveaways, with tree care and harvest support offered in exchange for a share of the harvest, which will be distributed at free farm stands and in veggie boxes.
- Veggie RX: prescription veggie boxes in partnership with the local health clinic, to provide free fruits and vegetables as preventative care along with community health workers and programming to support change to a more sustainable diet.
PG&E Resources
On October 25, 2022, the Richmond City Council received the quarterly update from PG&E. Below please find the list of resources from the presentation.
Preparation:
- Update Contact Information - Receive outage and restoration notifications.
- Safety and Preparation - Prepare an emergency plan including portable backup power, hotel accommodations and accessible transportation. Additional preparation resources at, disabilitydisasteraccess.org.
- Backup Power Meter Support - PG&E has developed a new meter program to help our customers safely power their homes during emergency outages. Currently the offer is available for qualified PG&E customers who have been issued a rebate for a qualified backup generator.
- Medical Baseline Program - Apply to receive energy savings and extra outreach.
- Explore Backup Power Options - Determine the right solution and generator rebate qualifications. Options include generator rebates for customers who rely on well water and portable batteries for Medical Baseline customers in high fire risk areas.
- Self-identify for Vulnerable Customer Status - The program’s goal is to help address the needs of customers whose life or health would be at risk should their electric or gas service be disconnected. To self-certify for Vulnerable Customer status, you must download, print, and submit an application that is valid after acceptance by PG&E.
- Wildfire Safety Information - To view recordings of past wildfire safety webinars visit, pge.com/firesafetywebinars.
- PG&E's YouTube Channel - For more safety information, tips to be prepared, and other resources.
During a Power Outage:
- PG&E Report It Safety Mobile App - The new “PG&E Report It” safety app allows customers to submit photos of non-emergency potential safety concerns with our electric system. Customers will also receive notifications when their concern is being reviewed and when it has been resolved.
- Report or View Outages Online - View PG&E’s live map for electric outages, restoration times, or report an outage online.
- Find Community Resource Centers during PSPS Events - Resources to find locations to charge devices, charge Electric Vehicle, and get basic supplies during a PSPS events.
- Resources for Accessibility, Aging, Financial, and Language Needs During PSPS Events - Includes information on in-language support and replacing lost food at your local food bank during and up to three days after a PSPS outage.
California Senate Bill SB 1383 Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (SLCP)
In a statewide effort to reduce emissions of short-lived climate pollutants (SLCP), SB 1383 ultimately requires a 75 percent reduction of the level of statewide disposal of organic waste by 2025, based on levels from 2014. Additionally, 20 percent of commercial edible food will need to be recovered from disposal.
To comply with this law, all businesses and residents will be required to separate organics and recyclable materials from trash and either subscribe to the required collection services or self-haul to an appropriate facility for diversion. Organic waste consists of compostable materials (plant debris, food waste, food-soiled paper, and untreated wood).
RecycleMore, the West Contra Costa Integrated Waste Management Authority, has additional compliance information and will post more information as it becomes available.
- Business owners visit, Mandatory Commercial Organics Waste and Recycle Law (SB 1383)
- Multi-family property owners visit, Mandatory Multi-Family Organics Waste and Recycle Law (SB 1383)
- Residents visit, Mandatory Residential Organics Waste and Recycling Law (SB 1383)
Additional information and resources can be found at, SB 1383 Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (SLCP) | Richmond, CA - Official Website.
Recycling and Compost Refresher Webinar!
Last Thursday, the City of Richmond, Environmental Initiatives Division and Republic Services hosted an informational webinar about recycling and composting in Richmond.
To view the recording in both English and Spanish, and to learn about other recycling resources and news, visit Richmond Waste, Recycling, and Compost Services.
If you have questions about recycling or composting, contact Republic Services Recycling Coordinators at recyclingcoordinators@republicservices.com or call, (510) 262-7140.
The City of Richmond Environmental and Health Initiatives Division has launched a Climate Action Plan (CAP) Open Data Dashboard to report on the City's progress towards climate action goals. For additional information, please send an email to richmondopendata@ci.richmond.ca.us.
Adopted in 2016, Richmond’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) outlines goals and strategies for reducing the city’s greenhouse gas emissions and preparing for the impacts of climate change on public health, infrastructure, ecosystems, and public spaces in our community. The dashboard serves to monitor progress towards reaching the CAP goals, inform policy decisions, and provide data to the community.
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Samantha Carr
Environmental ManagerPhone: (510) 620-5407
Stay Informed!
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- Report a missed garbage pickup or request lost/damaged carts?
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Call Richmond Sanitary Service (Republic Services) at (510) 262-7100.
- Request on-call cleanups or bulky item pickups?
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Call Richmond Sanitary Service (Republic Services) at (510) 262-7100.
- Get a food scrap pail?
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Pick up a food scrap pail at City Hall - 450 Civic Center Plaza. Mon-Fri. 9-5. Bring proof of residence in Richmond. Call (510) 620-6512 to learn more.
- Dispose of fluorescent light bulbs, paint, and other hazardous wastes?
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Take items to the Household Hazardous Waste Facility at 101 Pittsburg Avenue in Richmond. Open Wed-Sat from 9am-4pm. Visit www.RecycleMore.com to learn more, or call 1 (888) 412-9277.
- Start green cart service?
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Call Richmond Sanitary Service (Republic Services) at (510) 262-7100 to start green cart services at your home.
- Get hazardous waste picked up at my home for free if I am a senior?
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Free HHW and e-waste pickup services are available for persons age 60 or older and persons with disabilities through the West Contra Costa County HHW mobile collection program (Informacion sobre la recogida movil). Call 1-888-412-9277 for an appointment and eligibility details.
- Get a free motor oil change kit?
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Call Richmond Sanitary Service (Republic Services) at (510) 262-1655 for a free oil change kit or to schedule a pickup. You may also set out a full oil jug and filter bag in view of or near the curb on your scheduled oil collection day.
- Dispose of household batteries?
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Disposing of batteries in the garbage is illegal. Residents may drop off household batteries at 101 Pittsburg Avenue, Richmond, CA 94801. The facility is open Every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm (Closed Noon - 12:30 pm). Please bring proof of residency and drop-off items while in an enclosed vehicle.
Additionally, Richmond residents can dispose of batteries and other household hazardous waste at 7501 Schmidt Lane, El Cerrito, CA 94530. Open every Tuesday for HHW Disposal
from 8:00 am - 5:45 pm. Please bring proof of residency. Hazardous Waste | Richmond, CA - Official Website