2018-087 Rubble Processing and Building Materials RecoveryDate: July 13, 2018 Report No. 2018-087
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
Update on adjustments to the Solid Waste Department’s rubble processing and building materials
recovery operations.
BACKGROUND:
On June 26, 2018, the City Council received a report from solid waste industry consultant Blue
Ridge Services, Inc. As part of the report, the Council received recommendations from the
consultant regarding the Solid Waste Department’s rubble processing and building materials
recovery (BMR) operations. In response to the consultant report, staff recommended discontinuing
the rubble processing operation and converting the BMR operation into a public disposal area that
allows for both recycling and waste processing. Council directed staff to pursue both of these
recommendations on a temporary basis. Below is a brief overview of staff progress and plans
pursuant to Council direction.
RUBBLE PROCESSING:
The purpose of Solid Waste’s rubble processing operation is to divert waste concrete and asphalt
from the landfill and recover processing costs through commodity sales. As detailed during the
June 26 presentation, the rubble processing operation is not fulfilling its purpose as only 9% of the
rubble accepted over the past five years has been diverted and moved offsite. In addition, staff is
anticipating a combined loss of $2.4 million for rubble and BMR operations in FY 18/19. These
results formed the basis of staff’s recommendations and Council’s direction to suspend the
program.
In order to prevent significant additions to existing concrete and asphalt stockpiles, Solid Waste
has begun restricting the volume of concrete and asphalt entering the landfill facility. This is being
accomplished through a few different efforts.
Solid Waste continues to accept concrete and asphalt millings from other City of Denton
departments at the current published rate of $10 per ton. Large concrete and asphalt loads from
commercial contractors and waste haulers are being refused and directed to other rubble
processors. Small concrete and asphalt loads from residents, small businesses, and local
contractors are being accepted at the department’s published gate rate of $44 per ton.
Staff will closely monitor the volume of rubble entering the facility and adjust these restrictions as
necessary.
BMR & PUBLIC DISPOSAL SITE:
The purpose of the building material recovery (BMR) operation is to divert construction and
demolition waste by processing the material and recovering costs through commodity sales. Much
like rubble processing, the operation has diverted only 10% of the material accepted over the last
five years, and the costs associated with sorting and processing the material is not being recovered.
Date: July 13, 2018 Report No. 2018-087
In the days ahead, staff will suspend BMR activities and convert the operation’s site to a public
recycling and disposal area. The purpose of this change is to:
Continue diverting recyclable material while reducing unnecessary processing
Address illegal dumping and contamination that is negatively effecting the recycling drop-
off site at corner of S. Mayhill Rd and Spencer Rd (see attached photos)
Improve safety for members of the public disposing of waste at the landfill
As part of this change, the recycling containers currently located on the corner of S. Mayhill Rd
and Spencer Rd will be moved to the former BMR site (see attached map). Citizens wishing to use
the drop-off site will enter the facility by checking in at the department’s weigh station, and Solid
Waste staff will direct them to the appropriate area. Citizens entering the facility with only
recyclable materials will be allowed unlimited free use of the recycling drop off site. Mixed waste
loads will continue to be accepted at the rates approved by City ordinance.
In regards to the diversion and disposal of building materials and mixed waste loads, staff plans to
recover metal and recyclable materials by directing small haulers, contractors, and residents to the
public disposal area. Once onsite, users of the public disposal area will be encouraged to unload
waste and recyclable materials into separate designated areas. Members of the Solid Waste staff
will be onsite to provide assistance and instruction.
The new recycling drop-off site and public disposal area will be open to the public beginning on
Monday, July 23, 2018. Solid Waste’s hours of operation will remain Monday through Saturday
from 7:00am to 4:00pm.
CONCLUSION:
Following the implementation of the above changes, staff will collect data and monitor results
related to customer participation, material diversion, and recycling contamination rates. Staff
intends to update the Committee on the Environment and the City Council on the effectiveness of
these efforts during the first quarter of FY 2018-19.
ATTACHMENTS:
Exhibit 1: Illegal Dumping & Contamination Photos
Exhibit 2: Recycling & Public Disposal Site Map
STAFF CONTACT:
Ethan Cox
Director of Solid Waste
940-349-7421
Exhibit 1
Illegal Dumping – Recycling Drop-Off Site at 1527 S. Mayhill Rd
Material Audit from Recycling Drop-Off – 70% Contamination
Current Location
New Location
Scale House
Landfill Entrance Mayhill Rd.