Recycler Says No to Demand for Tarp

A long-running dispute stemming from $3,000 worth of tarp has cost a city recycling firm its business permit and is heading for a legal showdown.

The City Council this week voted to revoke the operating license for D&J; Recycling, citing alleged fire-code violations.

Recycler John Leenvart immediately responded by handing the city clerk a legal claim seeking $25 million in damages for alleged pain and suffering.

The saga began two years ago when fire authorities demanded that Leenvart fix a number of alleged violations.

That list has been pared down to nine issues, and council members said they would be willing to work with the recycler on all of them except the tarp.

Orange County Fire Authority code officers want Leenvart to cover all bins containing flammable materials with fire resistant tarp, saying the open bins pose a significant fire hazard.

But Leenvart contends that tarps are not needed and claims other recyclers aren’t being required to take such measures.

Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Scott Brown denied that Leenvart is being treated unfairly.

“We treat all businesses the same,” he said.

“There is no difference in how we apply the [uniform fire code] from one business to another.”

Leenvart’s claim against the city is the first step required for a potential lawsuit.

Meanwhile, fire code enforcement officers cited him Wednesday.

The case that will be prosecuted by the Laguna Hills city attorney.

The city will not take any steps to close the recycler until the case goes to court, Laguna Hills City Attorney Lois E. Jeffrey said.