HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-07-11 - AGENDA REPORTS - YARD TRIMMINGS RECYCLING PGM (2)AGENDA REPORT
City Manager
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UNFINISHED BUSINESS
DATE: JULY 11, 1995
SUBJECT: DEVELOPMENT OF A CITYWIDE YARD TRIMMINGS RECYCLING
PROGRAM
DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC WORKS
Pursuant to the California Integrated Waste Management Act of 1989 (AB 939), the City of Santa
Clarita is required to divert 25 % of its waste from landfills by December 31, 1995 and 50 % of its
waste from landfills by the year 2000. The City's three residential franchise haulers currently offer
curbside recycling, which diverts newspapers, metals, glass, plastics and cardboard from landfills.
This curbside program currently diverts approximately 6% to 10% of the residential waste stream.
Additionally, a pilot yard trimmings program has been in effect since October 1993. The pilot
program services 2,250 households throughout the City. To achieve the 25% diversion goal, the
haulers and staff agree that a full scale yard trimmings program is necessary. This will divert
approximately 16,000 tons of yard trimmings per year from landfills.
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 to determine the costs for manual and semi -automated collection systems. Staff
presented the results of the HF&H cost analysis at the previous Council meeting. Based on the three
haulers' average estimated cost of service, 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 of the two collection systems and redirected staff
to expand the options with additional scenarios. Specifically: Council requested staff to design a
flexible collection program to encourage personal responsibility, source reduction (i.e., backyard
composting, mulching mowers and gardeners), lower overall program costs, and achievemaximum
participation through education.
Staff has developed an approach to address concerns raised by the Council and has met with the
haulers to refine the proposed collection system. The haulers have been requested to identify a
reputable low cost yard trimmings processing site by July 14, 1995. The haulers have also been
asked to identify realistic solutions to carry out a flexible yard trimmings collection and recycling
program. These requests are consistent with the requirements of the existing franchise agreements.
■ Continue Yard Trimmings Recycling Program discussion to August 22, 1995.
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