Tackling Fresno's Plastic Waste Crisis: How Self Storage Can Help Keep Reusable Items Out of the Landfill
Plastic waste has become one of Fresno’s most pressing environmental concerns. Like many California cities, Fresno is struggling to control the flow of non-recyclable materials into its landfills. While the city’s Department of Public Utilities has implemented a curbside recycling program to process common plastics such as PET and HDPE, the system remains overwhelmed by improperly sorted waste. According to city estimates, over 40 percent of materials placed in Fresno’s blue recycling bins are not actually recyclable, a rate that significantly hampers the city’s ability to meet diversion goals (Fresno.gov).
Statewide, the situation is no better. In response to a growing crisis, California passed Senate Bill 54, the Plastic Pollution Producer Responsibility Act. This landmark legislation mandates a 25 percent reduction in single-use plastic packaging by the year 2032 and requires that all covered materials become recyclable or compostable within that same timeframe. The law was introduced as a direct response to both the overwhelming volume of waste generated and the difficulties municipalities face in processing it. While the bill holds manufacturers more accountable, it also relies on the active participation of consumers to make lasting change (Source).
For many Fresno residents, the core issue comes down to space and convenience. When garages, sheds, or closets overflow, the temptation is often to throw things away rather than seek alternative solutions. Yet many of the items being discarded—plastic bins, storage totes, holiday decorations, reusable containers, children’s toys, and outdoor gear—are not trash. They are simply unused in the moment, not permanently unwanted. By turning to local solutions like Derrel’s Mini Storage, residents have a powerful opportunity to declutter responsibly without sending functional items to the landfill.
Derrel’s Mini Storage, which operates more than 20 locations in the greater Fresno area, offers secure, affordable, and accessible units where residents can store excess belongings for later use. Instead of tossing reusable household items during a spring cleaning spree, Fresno families can extend the life of these goods through proper storage. Not only does this reduce unnecessary plastic waste, but it also helps lower the demand for new plastic production by preserving what’s already been made.
This practice also benefits local recycling systems. When fewer non-recyclable items are wrongfully placed in curbside bins, the contamination rate drops. That makes citywide recycling more effective, decreases the strain on material recovery facilities, and keeps taxpayer-funded waste systems running efficiently. Residents can still participate in annual programs like Operation Clean Up or utilize the city’s residential dumping events, but shifting to a “store it, don’t trash it” mindset can reduce reliance on such services.
Furthermore, climate-conscious choices like using Derrel’s Mini Storage can amplify the positive impact of legislative efforts such as SB54. While the bill focuses on producer responsibility, it also requires community buy-in. Every item that gets stored instead of trashed helps support the broader goals of reducing landfill dependency and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions associated with waste decomposition.
In a city like Fresno, where environmental challenges often intersect with economic concerns, finding affordable, sustainable options is key. Self-storage isn’t just about convenience—it’s a long-term solution that encourages reuse and conservation. Whether it’s keeping old toys for younger siblings, holding onto camping equipment for seasonal trips, or preserving rarely used kitchenware, storage keeps valuable materials out of the waste stream.
Residents who want to be part of the solution should consider how Derrel’s Mini Storage fits into a more sustainable lifestyle. With modern security features, a variety of unit sizes, and convenient locations throughout the city, Derrel’s makes it easier than ever to make eco-friendly decisions without sacrificing space at home. As Fresno continues to address its plastic waste challenges, community-driven strategies like responsible storage can make a tangible difference.
