In an effort to curb illegal dumping within Oakland city limits, Oakland City all has announced the continuation of "Bulky Block Parties," in what has also been billed as an experiment to mitigate the issue plaguing some neighborhoods. 

Schaaf, along with Alameda County's District 4 Supervisor Nate Miley, also announced the creation of a new "adopt-a-hot-spot" pilot program based on the success of the free events.

At the city-sponsored Bulky Block Parties, residents were allowed to legally dispose of large unwanted refuse, such as mattresses, couches, and tires, among other garbage. According to the Mayor's office, more than 1,200 residents participated in the Bulky Block Parties, dropping off roughly 157 tons of waste at no cost. 

“Clearly, Oakland residents love a free Bulky Block Party,” said Schaaf at a press conference today. “We also love our city and want to keep it clean for all residents in all neighborhoods, and especially for our families and children who live in the areas unfairly impacted by the scourge of illegal dumping."

The next event is scheduled to be held November 24, the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Beginning in January 2019, Bulky Block Parties will be held on the last Saturday of each month. 

"If residents can’t get out to the dump, then we’ll bring it to them," said Schaaf. 

Alameda County's "adopt-a-hot-spot" pilot program is expected to run for the next six–12 months and will target 89th and G avenues and 98th and Railroad avenues — "two of the city's most hard-hit neighborhoods experience chronic illegal dumping," according to the Mayor's office. Oakland's Men of Valor Academy will monitor these target areas as part of city hall's education and eradication efforts, while Alameda County District Attorney Nancy O'Malley will spearhead the program's enforcement.

“Illegal dumping poses a serious hazard to the health of all residents living in these communities and causes irreparable harm to the environment,” said O’Malley. “The level of dumping that we are witnessing at the spots selected for this pilot program exposes all who live here to toxic chemicals, presents a fire hazard, and is often a breeding ground for disease-spreading vermin."

For those not able to attend the monthly events, more information about Oakland's Bulky Pickup service for single- and multi-family residences is available here.