WeHo Scavengers Targeted

Trying to ward off both professional scavengers and homeless people, West Hollywood is implementing a new scavenging policy, reports the Park La Brea Press. "The city will partner with Athens Services, the current contractor for collection service in West Hollywood, on new methods to keep out the scavengers, such as using locks on waste bins and better coordination on garbage pickups. In addition, those caught digging through the bins will be fined $200 on the first offense, up from $150 a year ago. The fine doubles for every repeat offense." Alhambra also is cracking down on scavengers; officials in both cities want to stop people from stealing from recyclable bins. [NYT]