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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.