When the city is champing at the bit to extract more money from taxpayers in the next election, it's tough to part with even a penny for the rising cost of services. Instead, make an informed decision — at least when it comes to learning about where your garbage goes — and take the kids with you. At the 10th annual Bureau of Sanitation Open House, you'll learn the entire back-story of what happens before and after the friendly garbage man shows up to dump your cans in his truck. You'll see the giant pile-up of used tires that are dropped off and collected, and learn about mulching, composting, hazardous waste, diverting waste from landfills, special-collection pick-up and the green-bin recycling program. Plus there will be very cool collection-truck demonstrations that make monster trucks look like mere child's play. This is machinery with a purpose! Kids will get a chance to toot the horns and even move the automated arms that lift bins. And, like any typical L.A. event, celebrities will be on hand. In this case, the Blue Bin Robots, the department's recycling mascots, will be at the ready to answer questions, pose for pictures and extol the virtues of reducing waste, reusing oft-thrown-out items and recycling wisely. Bureau of Sanitation, South Los Angeles District Yard at the Expo Center, 3990 Menlo Ave.; Sat., June 9, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Free. lacitysan.org.

Sat., June 9, 9 a.m., 2012

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