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Recycle Bin Poaching Ban Proposed In Alameda County

CASTRO VALLEY (CBS SF) - Alameda County officials are looking to put a stop to people pilfering from recycle bins, making off with bottles and can and leaving a mess behind.

A proposal would make it a fineable offense to poach recyclables from bins on the street. The proposed ordinance would apply to unincorporated portions of Alameda County.

Residents complain that poachers go through recycle bins at all hours of the night, making off with the bottles and cans while leaving garbage on the sidewalk and the street.

KCBS' Bob Melrose Reports:

Under the proposal, fines for poaching from recycle bins would be $100 for the first violation, $200 for the second, and $500 for each additional violation.

The proposal still has a few hurdles before it could become law, including a citizens advisory committee and a public protection committee before it even goes to the full board of supervisors.

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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