2018-006 Multifamily RecyclingDate: January 12, 2018 Report No. 2018-006
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
Report providing an update on multifamily recycling and direction received from the Committee on the
Environment
BACKGROUND:
During the October 17, 2017 City Council meeting, the Council requested a work session report on
recycling for commercial and multi-family properties. This topic was later referred to the City Council
Committee on the Environment (COE) for discussion and direction.
On November 6, 2017, Solid Waste and Sustainability staff provided the COE with a proposed strategy
to improve voluntary recycling participation among multi-family properties. Shortly thereafter,
Council members received numerous citizen letters regarding requests to implement and/or improve
multifamily recycling, composting, and construction material diversion. An informal staff report
provided to Council on November 22, 2017 acknowledged that these letters were likely the result of a
campaign organized by volunteers and/or employees for Texas Campaign for the Environment.
On January 8, 2018, staff provided the COE with an update on efforts to improve multi-family
recycling. The presentation (attached) provides an overview of a new targeted marketing effort that
Solid Waste and Sustainability staff will be implementing in the coming weeks. In addition, staff
requested the COE’s direction on the possible procurement of consultative services to study a
mandatory recycling ordinance, financial incentives, and other efforts to improve recycling adoption.
The COE elected not to pursue this recommendation and directed staff to bring the topic back to the
committee following the conclusion of a Solid Waste rate study. That study is currently being solicited,
and an agreement will be presented to the PUB and Council for approval in the coming weeks.
In the weeks ahead, staff will implement the outreach efforts agreed upon with the COE. Following the
rate review, staff will revisit multi-family recycling with the committee and receive their direction
regarding further action.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Multifamily recycling presentation
STAFF CONTACT:
Ethan Cox, Director of Solid Waste
(940) 349-7421
Ethan.Cox@cityofdenton.com
Solid Waste Department Jan. 8, 2018Recycling Update
BackgroundPrevious DiscussionsMarch 6, 2017 – Discussion on commercial & multifamily recyclingMay 19, 2017 – Strategies to increase multi-family recyclingSeptember 11, 2017 – Policy overviewNovember 6, 2017 – Strategy for outreach & improved voluntary participation
Key Terms & Key Players
Outcomes & ImpactsEnvironmental Impacts•Soil/Groundwater•Reduced Vegetation•Air Quality•Landfill Gas•Vehicle Emissions•Dust•Unpleasant OdorsSustainability Factors•Land Use/Airspace•Use of Resources•Reduce •Recycle•Reuse
Current EffortsOperational Approach – Began late 2016468 total Multi-Family complexes194 voluntarily participating64 added in FY 201741.5% participation rateStrategic Effort – FY 2018 and beyond Data collection/analysisTargeted approachPartner with Sustainability for outreach/education
New EffortTarget MarketingIdentify prospects based on size, location, waste profile, etc.Cold call to determine needs/interestSite assessment & customize solutionsFinal proposal & “close the sale”Education & training for owners, staff, & tenantsAccount management & performance monitoringObjective– Increase accessibility and maintain high quality participation
Future StepsFinancial Incentives for RecyclingCost of Service RFP – Rate AnalysisOperational Review of Collection & Diversion ProcessesOutside Consultant for Additional AnalysisMandatory Recycling – Implications & RoadmapRecommendations to Improve Existing ProgramsAnalysis of Potential Programs
QuestionsStaff Contacts: Ethan Cox & Katherine Barnett