HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-096 Commercial Composting CollectionsDate: November 20, 2020 Report No. 2020-096
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
Commercial Composting Collections in the City of Denton
BACKGROUND:
Several weeks ago, as part of the Council Meeting “Presentations from Members of the Public”
portion of the agenda, Lauren Clarke with Turn Composting (Turn) delivered a pitch for her
company. While Ms. Clarke outlined partnership opportunities, no specific request for assistance
was expressed for staff to consider. Staff subsequently reached out to Turn in attempt to clarify
their needs but received no response.
Turn is a private, for-profit company that works in and with communities to receive pre-consumer
food waste, for a fee, and compost the material for ultimate sale. Turn currently staffs a “pop-up”
community collection site at the Armadillo Aleworks.
Several other private firms offer similar services in the North Texas area.
DISCUSSION:
By state law and City of Denton ordinance, the Solid Waste and Recycling Department (the
Department) is the exclusive provider of residential solid waste services and commercial trash
services in the City of Denton. By law, no private or third-party provider may collect materials
curbside from residents for disposal, diversion, or recycling. At this time, neither Turn nor any
other composting company could collect feedstock curbside in the City of Denton.
Curbside composting is of interest in the community. The Department has enjoyed relative success
with the inclusion of pre-consumer food wastes (uncooked vegetable trimmings and spoiled fruits
and vegetables) into its weekly yard waste collection program. Similarly, food waste diversion is
a topic that is being evaluated in the preparation of the City’s Comprehensive Solid Waste
Management Strategy (CSWMS).
Should the results of the CSWMS show that a citywide, curbside program is warranted and
economically viable and the City chose to partner with a private company to manage this material,
an RFP would be issued to identify a contractor that most closely aligned with the City’s needs
delivering the service at the greatest value to resident.
STAFF CONTACT:
Brian Boerner
Director of Solid Waste
940-349-8001
brian.boerner@cityofdenton.com
Date: November 20, 2020 Report No. 2020-096
Katherine Barnett
Sustainability and Customer Initiatives Manager
940-349-8202
Katherine.Barnett@cityofdenton.com
REQUESTOR:
City Council
PARTICIPATING DEPARTMENTS:
Solid Waste and Recycling, Parks and Recreation
STAFF TIME TO COMPLETE REPORT:
One hour