HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-08-22 - AGENDA REPORTS - CITYWIDE YARD TRIMMINGS PGM (2)AGENDA REPORT
City I age p rov
Item to be presented by., L n M. Harris
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
DATE August 22, 1995
SUBJECT: UPDATE ON DEVELOPMENT OF A CITYWIDE YARD TRIMMINGS
RECYCLING PROGRAM
DEPARTMENT: Public Works
BACKGROUND
The California Integrated Waste Management Act of 1989 (AB 939), requires the City of Santa
Clarita to divert 25% of its waste from landfills by the end of 1995 and 50% of its waste from landfills
by the year 2000. The City's residential curbside recycling program currently diverts newspaper,
metals, glass, plastics and cardboard from landfills. Additionally, a pilot yard trimmings collection
and recycling program which services 2,250 households has diverted yard trimmings since October
1993, Although the curbside recycling programs are successful, the 1995 diversion goal will be fully
achieved through a Citywide yard trimmings program.
The total costs associated with implementing a Citywide yard trimmings collection and recycling
service program were evaluated by Hilton, Farnkopf & Hobson (HF&H), an independent consultant
hired by the City, Staff presented the results of the HF&H cost analysis at the Council meeting of
June 27, 1995. Based on the three haulers' average estimated cost of service and the yard trimmings
processing tip fee, the monthly rate per household for weekly yard trimmings collection ranges
between $2.81 for a manual collection system (customer provides container) and $3.82 for a semi -
automated collection system (hauler provides an industrial strength wheel -out container)_ Council
acknowledged the rate range and directed staff to design a flexible collection program to
encourage personal responsibility for source reduction to lower program costs. Staff has been
responsive to Council's needs regarding flexibility of the program.
The haulers have identified California Wood Recycling/Laidlaw Waste Systems to process the
City's yard trimmings, and the monthly rate assessed to residents has been calculated at $3.61.
Attachment A details the proposed exemption criterion and associated enforcement procedures for
persons who do not generate yard trimmings. Residents will have the choice of customizing their
service level if they generate more than the maximum allowable amount of yard trimmings.. Staff is
continuing to evaluate cost alternatives that will be presented to Council at meeting on September
19, 1995.. Additionally, staff conceptualized a multimedia promotional campaign to introduce the
Citywide yard trimmings program to the public.
RECOMMENDATION
Direct staff to continue discussions with the haulers incorporating the yard trimmings exemption
criteria and evaluating additional cost alternatives for presentation at the September Council meeting.
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4 , Attachment A
YARD TRIMMINGS RECYCLING PROGRAM EXEMPTIONS
DRAFT 8/22/95
Exemption Criteria
• Home Composters/Mulchers
• Commercial Yard Maintenance Service
• Low Foliage
• Xeriscape
• Hardscape
• Senior Citizen Discount
• Three and three -tenths percent (3.3%) of each hauler's customer base are eligible to apply for
Exemptions
Exemption Procedures
• Complete Permit Application
The exemption application will be reviewed by City staff for approval and the applicant will be
notified of their exemption status by letter.
• Submit Proof of Identity
• Submit Proof of Residence
• Submit Proof of Commercial Yard Maintenance Service and proof of yard trimmings facility(if
applicable)
• Submit Applicable Fees
A combined quarterly payment which includes an Application Fee and an Administration Fee
should be made payable to the Finance Department of the City of Santa Clarita. Fees are due and
payable 2 weeks prior to the application period. A late fee will be required for every month that
the permit is not obtained.
• Waste Management Staff Site Inspection
A site inspection of each home composters property will be necessary to verify the requested
exemption.
• Complete Quarterly Renewal Forms
Once the initial application for a yard trimmings exemption has been approved, the resident will be
required to complete a Quarterly Renewal Form and submit this to the Waste Management
Division with the applicable fees. This renewal form will be easier to complete and administer and
will be available to all residents with an existing exemption that have complied with the program
requirements prior to renewal.
Exemption Enforcement
• Ban On Yard Trimmings In Trash Bin
A City Ordinance/Resolution banning disposal of yard trimmings in trash containers will be
instituted.
• Yard Trimmings Recycling Exemption Compliance Letters
• Code Enforcement Citation and Fine
• Revoke Exemption Status
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