INTRODUCTION

This report provides information on the types of containers to be used in the commingled recycling program and recommends expansion of the pilot commingled recycling program citywide.

BACKGROUND

In June of 1999, the Solid Waste Management Division implemented a pilot commingled recycling program using 95-gallon containers in predominately single-family home areas, including a limited number of multi-family buildings. In June of 2000, the commingled recycling pilot program was expanded to test 300-gallon shared recycling containers in a multi-family area. Rather than separate recyclable materials, customers in the pilot program areas combine their recyclable materials for collection. The collected materials are then sorted at the recycling facility, Allan Company, located next to the city yards. The goal of the program is to increase program participation and the amount of material recycled by making it more convenient for customers to recycle. This in turn assists the City in maintaining the State mandated diversion goal.

DISCUSSION

The pilot commingled recycling program was well received by customers in both areas. Callers have found the program much more convenient than the drop-off recycling zone program and the source separated curbside recycling program. The pilot program has generated very few complaints and most complaints dealt with space constraints and container placement.

City Council members raised concerns about the recycling containers at the July 23, 2002 City Council meeting when staff recommended expanding the pilot commingled recycling program citywide. City Council directed staff to return with information on the various types of containers available. In an information item dated September 17, 2002, staff provided additional information on various containers that are currently manufactured for use with a containerized automated collection system. Staff also displayed sample containers at City Hall prior to the City Council meeting on September 17, 2002 and stored them at the City Yard after the meeting. Staff has modified its earlier recommendation on container type based on input received.

Because Santa Monica has both alley and street collection with a mix of multi-family and single-family residential units, staff continues to recommend using both 95-gallon and 300-gallon containers for expanding the commingled recycling program city wide. The 95-gallon recycling containers are recommended for all multi-family customers that currently have their refuse collected from the street and all single-family customers that have their refuse collected in the alley or the street. If a customer prefers a smaller container, staff will provide a 68-gallon recycling container that is similar to the 68-gallon refuse container that is currently available to customers.

The 300-gallon recycling containers are recommended for use in predominantly multi-family areas with alley collection. Based on input, staff will develop container specifications for use in the citywide commingled recycling program that specify a lightweight lid that will remain open after being lifted up to make it easier for customers to use. The containers will be similar to the ones used in the pilot program, but the lid will go back further, allowing it to stay open without needing to be held up. If customers in these areas prefer and can accommodate a smaller container, staff will provide 95-gallon or 65-gallon recycling containers. The lids for the 95-gallon and 65-gallon containers will also remain open after being lifted up.

The following map outlines which container sizes staff recommends using in different areas of the city.

Phased implementation of citywide commingled recycling will begin in January of 2003 in areas with mostly single-family homes. This will enable staff to phase out the use of existing recycling collection vehicles that have exceeded their useful life and are costly to maintain. The program will be implemented in multi-family areas in the summer of 2003.

BUDGET/FINANCIAL IMPACT

No additional budget authorization is required at this time. Two vehicles to implement the program have been received by the City and funds for purchase of recycling containers are included in the FY 2002-2003 Capital Improvement Program budget.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION

Based on the experience of the pilot program and input received on the various types of containers available, staff recommends expanding the commingled recycling pilot program citywide as outlined above.

Prepared by: Craig Perkins, Director of Environmental and Public Works Management

Joe Delaney, Solid Waste Operations Manager

Javier Valle, Solid Waste Collections Superintendent