TRASH-RECYCLING-PLANTERS
We asked, and Cambria told us. Trash cans were the Number One priority! And so trash can replacement became our very first project.
We researched (and became way more familiar with trash can options than we ever thought we’d want to) and began to coalese around a design that was not only functional but attractive and said “Cambria” more loudly than any of the others.
After a meeting with the CCSD facilities manager (CCSD is responsible for the cans; Mission Country Disposal is responsible for emptying them), we learned that replacement cans could be sourced from anywhere. “Then let’s buy local!” we said.
We went to work, tracking down local crafts- and tradespeople who could build the various elements of the design we liked. And who could meet or beat the price of the most recent addition to Cambria’s trash can lineup, a can that was imported from Canada.
With CCSD’s blessing and funding, we built a prototype and received enthusiastic feedback. The production run of 22 units was funded by a grant that CCSD successfully applied for, part of a CalRecycle grant sponsored by SLO Integrated Waste Management.
The last of the new trashcans was placed in mid-October 2015. Passers-by were taking pictures even as we were planting the flowers! Cambria now has unique, flower-filled trash and recycling receptacles that will delight both residents and visitors.
WITH TIME & TLC . . .
Seasonal display
The TRPR in front of Soto’s has bloomed spectacularly.
John Scott makes sure the flowers don’t go thirsty.
THANKS TO THOSE WHO HELPED US MAKE IT HAPPEN
- Two local woodworkers (who wish to remain anonymous) for the gorgeous wood cladding and all the extras like hinges and doorlocks. Their workmanship is absolutely beautiful — tongue-in-groove panels, mitered corners, precisely fit and rounded edges, countersunk screws, unobtrusive piano hinges, hidden latches and more. They have made our trashcans into works of art!
- Michael Evans for the awesome steel frame, which is so finely worked that it’s a shame that it can’t be on the outside! Michael powder coated it for durability.
- Brent Berry for his design and architectural drawing skills without which we couldn’t even have started.
- Jeremy at Lafferty Heating for building the planter. So many decisions — the corners, the lip, the gradient of the bottom, designing the drainage mechanism. This planter will hold up!
- The students at Leffingwell High who grew the first batch of flowers from seed and who brainstormed ideas for automatic watering and for designing plant supports.
- Cristy Christy of Black Diamond Vermicompost for donating a bag of worm castings compost to enhance our planters with nutrients and maintain moisture in the potting soil.
- Special thanks to Carlos Mendoza of CCSD, who jumped in when needed, smoothed the path when it got rough, gave us lots of encouragement and excellent suggestions, and who, last but not least, secured the grant funding to pay for all 23 new units!
- And a kudo to our own Ann Cichowski, who designed the students’ lesson plan and who incubated our test planter.
- Ongoing thanks to all of Cambria’s individuals, business owners and organizations that sponsor the planters each year and help keep our town tidy and beautiful!