Ralph Harrison Dead at 89

Ralph Harrison Dead at 89

Local corporate leader was eldest son of pioneering family that
first brought trash collection and recycling to Ventura County

 

VENTURA, California – Local business and philanthropic icon Ralph Harrison has died. The longtime president of E.J. Harrison & Sons trash collection company died on Saturday of natural causes, his family announced. Funeral arrangements are pending.

Ralph was born in Ventura on Nov. 14, 1934, to E.J. and Myra Harrison, who founded Harrison Industries nearly 92 years ago, in 1932. Ralph later bought a ranch in Bardsdale, where he last lived.

The eldest of the Harrisons’ three sons, Ralph joined the family business in 1963 and watched it grow from a relatively small local company to the major corporation it is today. Working with local community partners at Gold Coast Recycling and Agromin, Harrison Industries currently serves 90,000 residential and commercial customers throughout Ventura County and in Carpinteria, in Santa Barbara County.

As corporate president, Ralph was in charge of Harrison’s fleet operations, the maintenance and service departments and inventory controls and he headed up an extensive research and development department. Most of Harrison Industries’ innovations are due to Ralph’s ingenuity and he held many patents.

 

Ralph’s son Lynn Ralph Harrison, a longtime Harrison employee, took over his father’s responsibilities eight months ago and will continue to do so. Ralph’s brothers, Jim and Myron, also will continue to run the business.

In addition to his leadership at Harrison Industries, Ralph was well known throughout the Ventura County community. He was longtime president of the Ventura County Waste Disposal Association, which was formed in the early 1970s by his father, and also served on the California Refuse Recycling Council. As a member of these and other professional trash/recycling organizations, Ralph attended many trash industry seminars and conferences throughout the United States and Canada. He was active in other ways in his community, as well. Among his many affiliations, he was a longtime board member of the Ventura County Fair Foundation.

Ralph along with his brothers gave generously over the years to countless community organizations and causes. Among their most notable donations, the Harrisons made the largest contribution to the building of the new Community Memorial Hospital, and the Ventura Boys & Girls Club has a clubhouse in Saticoy because of Ralph and his brothers’ generosity. The Santa Clara Valley Boys & Girls Club was also very close to Ralph’s heart, as were local 4-H clubs, to whom he often donated livestock to raise.

Holiday trash collection schedule to remain unchanged for the for MLK Day 2024

Holiday trash collection schedule to remain unchanged for the for MLK Day 2024

Trash collection schedule to remain unchanged for MLK Day in 2024

Harrison Industries will maintain its regular trash, recycling and yard/organic waste collection schedule in Ventura County during the week of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 14-20, 2024.

Remember that Harrison’s residential customers can place all three carts curbside every week, as Harrison collects all waste weekly – including food waste, which is now recyclable. All food waste should be placed in closed paper or plastic bags and the bags should be tossed in the organics waste cart.

EJ-Harrison-Extra-holiday-waste-trash-pickup

Thank you for your role in the success of food waste recycling. Food waste recycling is the law, but more importantly, it’s vital for the environment. Food waste emits destructive methane gas as it decays, damaging our atmosphere and causing global warming. We continue to be a statewide leader in developing the programs and infrastructure needed to implement this ambitious project and we wouldn’t be as successful without your participation.

Food waste recycling graphic july 2022

Harrison Industries serves the cities and surrounding unincorporated areas of Ventura, Ojai and Camarillo as well as the unincorporated areas of La Conchita, Lake Sherwood, Lynn Ranch, Ojai Valley (Ventura River Valley), Oxnard Plain, Newbury Park, Piru, Pt. Mugu, Rancho Matilija, Rincon, Santa Rosa Valley, Somis, Santa Paula, Upper Ojai, Yerba Buena, the Channel Islands Beach Community Services District, and the city of Carpinteria as E.J. Harrison & Sons; Fillmore and surrounding unincorporated areas as Santa Clara Valley Disposal.

 

Learn more about delays in your collection schedule and what holidays EJ Harrisons observes by visiting our holiday schedule.

2024 Holiday Schedule Page Header EJ Harrison - Industries - Trash Hauler
Trash collection schedule delayed for the Christmas and New Year’s Day holidays this season

Trash collection schedule delayed for the Christmas and New Year’s Day holidays this season

In observance of the Christmas and New Year’s Day holidays,

employees of Harrison Industries will be taking the day off on Monday, Dec. 25, and Monday, Jan. 1. As a result, Harrison will collect trash, recycling and yard/organic waste one day later than usual during those weeks. Look for the regular collection schedules to resume the weeks following each holiday.

 

As an extra holiday service,

Harrison’s existing customers in the cities of Ventura, Camarillo, Fillmore, Ojai and Carpinteria may put out extra holiday waste curbside on collection day – up to two 50-gallon bags – free of charge for two weeks after Christmas, from Tuesday, Dec. 26, through Saturday, Jan. 6. Customers in the unincorporated areas of Ventura County will have extra trash pickup through Saturday, Jan. 13.

EJ-Harrison-Extra-holiday-waste-trash-pickup

As another special holiday feature,

Harrison is making it easy for customers to recycle their Christmas trees. Just remove the ornaments, hooks, lights, tinsel, bows, nails and tree stands, then cut the trees into sections no more than 4 feet long and place them in your yard/organics waste cart on your scheduled pickup day. Or, place the whole Christmas tree at the curb on collection day. Flocked trees also are accepted for recycling.

 

The recycled trees will be processed into mulch by our partner Agromin. These products benefit our farmlands, orchards, nurseries, landscape projects and home gardens, so recycling your tree truly is a holiday gift to Mother Earth! We appreciate your help, and thanks also to Agromin and our local municipalities for participating in this program.

 

EJ-Harrison-Industries-Christmas-tree-recycling-2023-logo

 

Finally, a reminder that our residential customers can place all three carts curbside every week, as Harrison collects all waste weekly – including food waste, which is now recyclable. All food waste should be placed in closed paper or plastic bags and the bags should be tossed in the organics waste cart.

Thank you for your role in the success of food waste recycling. Food waste recycling is the law, but more importantly, it’s vital for the environment. Food waste emits destructive methane gas as it decays, damaging our atmosphere and causing global warming. We continue to be a statewide leader in developing the programs and infrastructure needed to implement this ambitious project and your participation helps us succeed.

Tying-a-Plastic-Bag-with-food-waste-EJ-Harrison-Industries-Trash-Hauler-Ventura-County

Harrison Industries serves the cities and surrounding unincorporated areas of Ventura, Ojai and Camarillo as well as the unincorporated areas of La Conchita, Lake Sherwood, Lynn Ranch, Ojai Valley (Ventura River Valley), Oxnard Plain, Newbury Park, Piru, Pt. Mugu, Rancho Matilija, Rincon, Santa Rosa Valley, Somis, Santa Paula, Upper Ojai, Yerba Buena, the Channel Islands Beach Community Services District, and the city of Carpinteria as E.J. Harrison & Sons; Fillmore and surrounding unincorporated areas as Santa Clara Valley Disposal.

 

Click Here for our Holiday Schedule!

Harrison to Maintain Regular Trash Schedule During the Week of Veteran’s Day

Harrison to Maintain Regular Trash Schedule During the Week of Veteran’s Day

Harrison Industries will maintain its regular trash, recycling and yard/organic waste collection schedule during the week of Veterans Day, Nov. 5-11. The holiday will not affect customers’ service.

 

A reminder that Harrison’s residential customers can place all three carts curbside every week, as Harrison collects all waste weekly – including food waste, which is now recyclable. All food waste should be placed in closed bags and the bags should be tossed in the yard waste cart.

We at Harrison would like to thank all of our customers for your role in the success of our food waste recycling program. Food waste recycling is the law, but more importantly, it’s vital for the environment. Food waste emits destructive methane gas as it decays, damaging our atmosphere and causing global warming.

Our effort has continued to evolve and grow this year, thanks to your participation and help from our partner cities and counties, Agromin and Gold Coast Recycling.

 

We continue to be a statewide leader in developing the programs and infrastructure needed to

implement food waste recycling.

American-Flags-in-a-field-for-Presidents-day-ej-harrison-trash-hauler

To Learn More about our Holiday Schedule, follow the link below.

Holiday Schedule

 

Labor Day Holiday Delays Trash Pickup

Labor Day Holiday Delays Trash Pickup

In observance of the Labor Day holiday, employees of Harrison Industries will be taking the day off on Monday, Sept. 4. As a result, Harrison will collect trash, recycling and yard/organic waste one day later than usual during the week of Sept. 3-9. The regular schedule will resume the following week.

Remember that Harrison’s residential customers can place all three carts curbside every week, as Harrison collects all waste weekly – including food waste, which is now recyclable. All food waste should be put into paper or plastic bags, and the bags should be closed tightly and tossed into the yard/organic waste cart.

 

Thank you for your role in the success of our food waste recycling program. Food waste recycling is the law, but more importantly, it’s vital for the environment. Food waste emits destructive methane gas when it decays at a landfill, damaging our atmosphere and causing global warming.

 

We continue to be a statewide leader in developing the programs and infrastructure needed to implement this ambitious project and we wouldn’t be as successful without your participation.

Harrison Industries serves the cities and surrounding unincorporated areas of Ventura, Ojai and Camarillo as well as the unincorporated areas of El Rio, Somis, Ojai Valley the Channel Islands beach communities and the city of Carpinteria as E.J. Harrison & Sons; Fillmore and surrounding unincorporated areas as Santa Clara Valley Disposal; and the unincorporated areas of Newbury Park as Newbury Disposal. 

For more information on Trash Pick-up Delays, take a look at our Holiday Schedule.

E.J. Harrison Industries Earns New County Agreements

E.J. Harrison Industries Earns New County Agreements

The Ventura County Board of Supervisors has chosen E.J. Harrison & Sons, Inc. to provide residential waste collection in most of the county’s unincorporated areas after a long, thorough selection process.

The board at its May 16 meeting approved the county Public Works Agency’s recommendation to choose Harrison to serve three of the county’s four unincorporated zones.

Supervisor Jeff Gorell praised Harrison’s local roots and community involvement since its founding 91 years ago and made the motion to approve the staff recommendation. Gorell said Harrison “has a reputation for excellence and for service, and they are so connected to the community.”

Board Chairman Matt LaVere seconded the motion, and the board passed it unanimously. “I don’t know that there is another business in this entire county that gives more back to the community it serves,” LaVere said.

Harrison was chosen for the northern zone that includes the Rincon, unincorporated areas of Ventura and the Ojai Valley, and the remote northeastern part of the county; the central zone of unincorporated areas around Santa Paula, Fillmore, Camarillo and Oxnard; and the southwest zone between Thousand Oaks, Point Mugu and the ocean. Athens Services, Inc. won the fourth zone, which includes unincorporated areas around Moorpark, Simi Valley and east Thousand Oaks.

The new residential solid waste collection agreements will begin Jan. 1, 2024, and run for 10 years, with options for two 5-year extensions. Final details still need to be worked out and approved by the board, possibly on June 20.

Refuse Collection Delayed One Day for Memorial Day Holiday

Refuse Collection Delayed One Day for Memorial Day Holiday

In observance of the Memorial Day holiday, employees of Harrison Industries will be taking the day off on Monday, May 29. As a result, Harrison will collect trash, recycling and yard/organic waste one day later than usual during the week of May 28 to June 3. The regular schedule will resume the following week.

3carts-weekly-Green-Blue-Brown-Trash-Recycle-Yard-Waste-Carts-Three-Carts-Weekly-EJ-Harrison-Industries-Trash-Hauler

Remember that Harrison’s residential customers can place all three carts curbside every week, as Harrison collects all waste weekly – including food waste, which is now recyclable. All food waste should be placed in closed bags and the bags should be tossed or placed in the yard/organic waste cart.

 

Thank you for your role in the success of our food waste recycling program. Food waste recycling is the law, but more importantly, it’s vital for the environment. Food waste emits destructive methane gas as it decays, damaging our atmosphere and causing global warming.

 We continue to be a statewide leader in developing the programs and infrastructure needed to implement this ambitious project and we wouldn’t be as successful without your participation.

Food waste recycling graphic july 2022

Harrison Industries serves the cities and surrounding unincorporated areas of Ventura, Ojai and Camarillo as well as the unincorporated areas of El Rio, Somis, Ojai Valley, the Channel Islands beach communities and the city of Carpinteria as E.J. Harrison & Sons; Fillmore and surrounding unincorporated areas as Santa Clara Valley Disposal; and the unincorporated areas of Newbury Park as Newbury Disposal.

 To see EJ Harrison’s full Holiday Schedule, follow the link below.

5 Earth Day Tips for Reducing Food Waste

5 Earth Day Tips for Reducing Food Waste

   With the passing of Senate Bill 1383 (SB 1383), food waste recycling and recovery has been a hot topic. This Earth Day, we wanted to spotlight the 5 best tips for reducing food waste and how to practice dedicated food recovery programs. If you’re inspired to join EJ Harrison’s food recycling mission to help reduce your carbon footprint but don’t know where to start, these simple techniques and tips are aimed at helping you reduce your food waste at home and find creative ways to reduce, reuse and recycle your favorite foods.

  1. Meal Prep. Cook in Bulk and Freeze your Leftovers.

The issue with large batching your meals is the monotony of eating the same meals over and over again. We suggest choosing easy to customize recipes during reheating. Soup, noodle and rice dishes are good options that can be spiced up in many different and unique ways.

2. Use individual storage containers for easy packs and go lunches for you and your family.

The convenience and comfort of grabbing your own homemade lunch thats ready to go is unmatched, not to mention cutting your food costs from eating at restaurants.

3. Use leftover vegetable scraps to make your own homemade stocks.

Zucchini, carrots, celery and other root vegetables can be boiled with other scraps like bones to make delicious homemade stocks.

4. Add leftover meats to your favorite salad, wrap or stir-fry.

Make your salad a complete, nutritious meal by adding leftover meats.

Throwing-Away-Food-Waste-In-Brown-Yard-Waste-Cart-EJ-Harrison-Industries-Trash-Hauler-Ventura-County

5. Recycle your food waste and scraps at home.

Harrison has a simple, 4 step program for recycling your food waste. 

  1. Collect food waste in a clear plastic bag.
  2. Clean your scraps by removing any stickers, twist ties or rubberbands that can’t be recycled.
  3. Store food waste in a proper receptacle.
  4. Dispose of your food waste by placing your tied off bag into your yard waste cart for pick-up.

Learn More: Food Waste Recycling & Senate Bill 1383

Earth Day EcoFest 2023 with Ventura Charter School

Earth Day EcoFest 2023 with Ventura Charter School

As proud Sponsors for this year’s Ventura EcoFest, we invite you to join us for Earth Day EcoFest on Sunday, April 16th, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Ventura Charter School Campus! This free event is fun for the whole family.

Ventura Charter School’s annual Earth Day EcoFest has grown each year since it began in 2007 and draws thousands of visitors who come to enjoy a beautiful day outdoors in celebration of Mother Earth, life, and green living. In addition to providing engaging entertainment, we are committed to help kindle awareness and appreciation for the Earth’s natural environment, as well as provide a showcase for local businesses engaged in green technologies and approaches to sustainable living. Ventura Charter School is proud to have received the “Globie” award from the City of Ventura two years in a row for Community Activism for our involvement and support of the environment.

 

Environmental Education at Ventura Charter School focuses on environmental literacy– learning about and caring for the total environment, understanding how humans interact with and are dependent on natural ecosystems, and developing critical-thinking skills to resolve environmental issues. Stewardship of the earth is a fundamental tenant of the School vision. An awareness of the fragility of the ecosystems is crucial as well as the development of a strong sense of responsibility for protecting, preserving, and restoring the earth for future generations. To learn more about this year’s Earth Day EcoFest, visit Facebook Ventura Earth Day 

 

A fun day for the whole family!

  • Over 80 Eco-friendly Vendors
  • Live, Family-fun Entertainment & Music
  • Children’s Games and Activities
  • Low waste Food & Drinks
  • Raffle with prices worth thousands of dollars!

See more at www.venturacharterschool.org

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