HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 2018 PacketFalcon Heights Environment Commission
March 12th, 2018
6:30 p.m.
Agenda
ROLL CALL: Chair Wassenberg ____ Patricia Holmes ____
Nick Olson ____ Farook Meah ____
Martin McCleery ____
Council Liaison Lindstrom ____ Staff Liaison Moretto ____
1) Approval of Minutes – January 2018
2) News and Announcements
3) LED Bulbs – Paul
4) Spring Event – Holmes
5) SolSmart Update – Paul
6) Recycling End of the Year Report – Paul
7) City-wide Newsletter
Next Meeting: April 9th, 2018
If you have a disability and need accommodation in order to attend this meeting, please
notify City Hall 48 hours in advance between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at
651-792-7600. We will be happy to help.
Falcon Heights Environment Commission
January 8th, 2018
6:30 p.m.
Meeting Minutes
Present: Chair Wassenber, Vice Chair Meah, Secretary Olson, Liaison Moretto, Mayor Lindstrom, and
Commissioners: McCleery and Holmes.
1) Approval of Minutes- December 2017
2) Election of Officers
The Commission elected new officers to fill the vacancies for Chair and Vice Chair. James Wassenberg is
the new chair and Farook Meah is the new Vice Chair.
3) LED Bulbs -Wassenberg
James Wassenberg updated the Commission on the subcommittee work on the Watts and Drops initiative
from CERTS to purchase LED bulbs in bulk to distribute to Falcon Heights residents. 579 bulbs of the 1000
bulb allotted have been purchased. 200 of those have been distributed to multi-unit homes. Additional
distribution methods will be rolled out to reach more citizens in the coming weeks.
4) Earth Day- Holms
Patti Holmes provided the Commission an updated proposal to host an Earth Day/Sustainability Fair. A
detailed handout was given out at the last meeting with a number of possible participants, several of
which have responded and have agreed to help out. The Commission discussed possible additional
participants, and will continue to reach out.
5) News and Announcements
• Liaison Moretto reported to the Commission that WSB has been hired to help the City with the
Comprehensive Plan. A visioning meeting will be held to understand City priorities.
• Liaison Moretto also shared information about a PUD (plan unit development) for multi-unit
housing next to Good Acre. Commission discussed ways to incorporate electric vehicle charging
at the property. One way would be for the Chair to attend the Planning Commission and
recommend the inclusion.
Adjournment: Meeting was adjourned at 7:45 PM.
Next Meeting: Monday, February 12th, 2018
2017
Greg & Willie Tennis
Tennis Sanitation LLC.
1/31/2018
Prepared by: Angela Hamann
Falcon Heights Recycling Report
Index of Recycling Report
Letter of Purpose……………………………………….………… Page 2
Recycling Data Summary……………………………….…... Page 3
Recycling Data (Single Family)………………..…………. Page 4
Recycling Data (Multi-family)………………………….…… Page 5
Multi-family individual summary letter…………..….. Page 6
Inquiries and Linens Summary.......................... Page 7
Composite Study…………………………………..………..…… Page 8
Environmental Impact Analysis…………………...……… Page 9
Market Report - the end markets……………….………… Page 10
Summary of Year-end Recycling Report…….….…….. Page 11
Appendix of Recycling Report
Recycling Report Summary (ALL)………….………….. Appendix A
Recycling Report (Multi-family)…………………..……. Appendix B
Monthly Recycling Report Letter (Example)……... Appendix C
Monthly Multi-family Report Data (Example)…... Appendix D
Monthly Single Family Report Data (Example)…. Appendix E
January 31st, 2018
City of Falcon Heights
2077 Larpenteur Avenue West
Falcon Heights, MN 55113-5594
RE: LETTER OF PURPOSE
Dear City of Falcon Heights,
This 2017 Year-end recycling report has been prepared for the City of Falcon Heights.
The report contains summaries of recycling data for both single family and multi-family
dwellings. Including but limited to: inquiries, composite study information, environmental
impact report and a market report of recycling markets, along with a final summary of the
report.
This year's report we have included six years of comparison data to help measure the success of
the recycling program including participation.
The data in this report will assist us in developing a better understanding of the past, present
and future progress of the City of Falcon Heights recycling program.
Sincerely,
Greg & Willie Tennis
Greg and Willie Tennis
Tennis Sanitation
Falcon Heights recycling year-end report 2017 page 2
RECYCLING DATA SUMMARY
In this report we have compiled annual data from both single family and multi-family dwellings (SEE
APPENDIX A). This data includes:
Net tonnage of all residential and multi-family dwellings combined (tan/black)
Break-out of single family tonnage and set-out rates (yellow)
Break-out of multi-family tonnage (blue)
Separate measurement of weights for linens (APPENDIX A)
Break-out of single family recycling materials by type and weight (yellow)
Break-out of multi-family recycling materials by type and weight (blue)
Break-out of combined tonnages (green)
Inquiries tracked per month (bottom of APPENDIX A)
The data is compiled from recyclable materials collected from our drivers on a designated Falcon
Heights route. Loads are weighed; weights are then compiled over a month’s period of time. Weights
are broken out based on a composite ratio of the entire load.
Falcon Heights recycling year-end report 2017 page 3
RECYCLING DATA (SINGLE FAMILY)
The Single-Family Data in APPENDIX A (yellow) was compiled from the single family homes after taking out the
multi-family weights. From this data – we are able to illustrate the weight per home (in lbs.) per month. We also
have monitored "participation" by route. The data from the routes is compiled from the Single-Family data
spreadsheet which details each route and the total tons collected (APPENDIX E).
In analyzing the single-family data, we are able to provide the following observations:
2017 Average lbs. per household per month = 51.67 lbs. per month
2016 comparison data: Average lbs. per household per month = 53.95 lbs. per month
2015 comparison data: Average lbs. per household per month = 52.10 lbs. per month
2014 comparison data: Average lbs. per household per month = 57.54 lbs. per month
2013 comparison data: Average lbs. per household per month = 54.86 lbs. per month
2012 comparison data: Average lbs. per household per month = 54.76 lbs. per month
2011 comparison data: Average lbs. per household per month = 54.82 lbs. per month
2017 Annual Net total tons collected for single family were 381.96 tons.
2016 comparison data: Annual Net total tons collected for single family were 398.83
2015 comparison data: Annual Net total tons collected for single family were 385.12
2014 comparison data: Annual Net total tons collected for single family were 425.36
2013 comparison data: Annual Net total tons collected for single family were 405.54
2012 comparison data: Annual Net total tons collected for single family were 404.80
2011 comparison data: Annual Net total tons collected for single family were 405.26
Other New Data Collected: Participation Percentage of Residents
YEAR JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC AVRG
2017 96% 96% 96% 97% 97% 98% 98% 98% 96% 97% 97% 96% 97%
2016 97% 95% 95% 97% 97% 97% 97% 97% 98% 97% 96% 98% 97%
2015 94% 92% 95% 95% 96% 96% 96% 96% 95% 97% 96% 97% 95%
2014 94% 96% 93% 95% 96% 96% 95% 96% 96% 96% 93% 94% 95%
2013 94% 92% 95% 94% 97% 96% 97% 97% 96% 93% 95% 94% 94%
Additional Trends: Though the weight averages and total tonnage is down from last year’s numbers. The overall numbers are
still similar in comparison to other Cities which we service. There are many factors that can affect this number which may
include the economy and residents local buying habits.
Falcon Heights recycling year-end report 2017 page 4
RECYCLING DATA (MULTI-FAMILY)
The data in APPENDIX A (Blue) is the actual data compiled from net total weight family homes after
factoring-out the multi-family weights. From this data – we are able to illustrate the weight per unit (in
lbs.) per month. To assist us in providing accurate data, we compile weights on a quarterly basis. This
weight is then used to provide us with a fair average of weight generated by each multi-family unit. Our
drivers then documented the number of carts dumped at each location on a weekly basis (see APPENDIX
D). These weights are then added at the end of each month to provide us with a net total. From the
report we are able to calculate the weight per unit per month.
In analyzing the multi-family data, we are able to provide the following observations:
2017 Average lbs. per unit per month = 18.58 lbs. per month
2016 comparison data: Average lbs. per unit per month = 16.45 lbs. per month
2015 comparison data: Average lbs. per unit per month = 18.23 lbs. per month
2014 comparison data: Average lbs. per unit per month = 17.82 lbs. per month
2013 comparison data: Average lbs. per unit per month = 17.82 lbs. per month
2012 comparison data: Average lbs. per unit per month = 16.49 lbs. per month
2011 comparison data: Average lbs. per unit per month = 15.47 lbs. per month
2017 Annual Net total tons collected for multi-family (ANTMF) was 78.48 tons
2016 comparison data: ANTMF was 69.47 tons
2015 comparison data: ANTMF was 77.00 tons
2014 comparison data: ANTMF was 75.28 tons
2013 comparison data: ANTMF was 75.28 tons
2012 comparison data: ANTMF was 69.65 tons
2011 comparison data: ANTMF was 65.17 tons
How are the weights determined for the multi-family data? We use one truck to collect all multi-family
dwellings - where we weigh full carts from each property to get a total weight. The total weight is then
divided by the number of carts emptied to get an average weight per cart. This data is then entered into
multi-family spreadsheet. See APPENDIX D for an example of this report.
This data is significant because we are able to easily separate this data from the total tons collected on
each day of collection. The remaining tonnage is then the actual tonnage which comes from the single-
family homes.
Falcon Heights recycling year-end report 2017 page 5
MULTI-FAMILY INDIVIDUAL SUMMARY LETTER
From the data compiled over the twelve months we are able to provide each multi-housing property
with an accurate summary report of their recycling volumes (APPENDIX B). We also provide them with
some information on how their efforts help with the environment along with additional information to
assist them in enhancing their recycling efforts.
Falcon Heights recycling year-end report 2017 page 6
INQUIRIES SUMMARY
Below are twelve months of data documenting the number of residents that called into our office. The
most common calls were comprised of residents asking what additional items they could recycle. Other
less common calls were to see if our driver could come back because they forgot to put out their
materials in time and the occasional request of how to dispose of hazardous waste.
We are confident that our Customer Service Staff (CSRs) resolved all inquiries to the resident’s
satisfaction. The amount of inquiries had increased from last year. Our team of CSRs and professional
drivers are committed to providing the best service to the City of Falcon Heights – we feel this report is a
direct result of our commitment.
TOTAL INQUIRIES FOR 2017
4 4 4 2 4 8 2 2 1 3 2 4 40
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC TOTAL
2016 Total Inquiries
7 6 7 8 12 4 6 3 4 5 4 5 71
2015 Total Inquiries
2 2 1 2 1 6 10 10 12 6 8 8 68
2014 Total Inquiries
8 1 1 4 1 2 6 2 6 4 1 1 37
2013 Total Inquiries
13 9 5 4 4 3 4 6 10 14 4 5 81
2012 Total Inquiries
8 10 5 7 4 4 10 14 9 6 7 7 91
2011 Total Inquiries
12 18 15 11 7 7 2 2 8 5 4 3 94
LINENS AND SHOES SUMMARY
Linens and shoes for the year 2017 totaled 16,003 pounds
2016 linens and Shoes totaled 1,125 pounds
2015 linens and Shoes totaled 3,504 pounds
2014 Linens and shoes totaled 4,199 pounds
2013 Linens and shoes totaled 5,465 pounds
2012 Linens and shoes totaled 1,616 pounds
2011 Linens and shoes totaled 679 pounds
Falcon Heights recycling year-end report 2017 page 7
RECYCLING COMPOSITE STUDY
For the composite study we kept all loads from the entire weeks’ worth of material and processed only
Falcon Heights material through our MRF. The sorting floor was cleared and the recycling was sorted
into the categories (as listed below). All of the categories were then weighed and documented. The
results of the composite study were then entered back into the monthly report.
Why do a composite study?
Having a good understanding of the recycling composition provides us with data that may assist us in
adjusting it to fit the needs of the Residents of Falcon Heights. With ongoing changes in the economy,
cultural and even changes in the home we can develop more available markets, increase processing
technologies to handle more items and enhance educational materials to instruct residents on proper
recycling procedures.
Falcon Heights recycling year-end report 2017 page 8
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ANALYSIS
From the detailed recycling data from this report, we are able to provide the City of Falcon Heights with
some unique ways that the residents recycling efforts have made a difference. Over the years, recycling
markets have been able to recycle more and more items out of the waste stream. They have also been
able to determine what resources are saved by recycling various materials.
In this report we were able to convert the break-out of types of recycling materials into resources saved.
Falcon Heights recycling year-end report 2017 page 9
MARKET REPORT
2017 was a steady year for metal and plastic commodities, but has been a rough market for cardboard
and paper, which has been driven by the lower costs in crude oil and new recycling regulations.
Glass market is somewhat limited because there is only one processor available to sort glass. Their
newest technology sorts broken glass using computerized optical sorters and a complex but innovative
blower system. 90% of the broken glass is now being processed into post-consumer food and beverage
containers.
The outlook for 2018
Future markets are looking like they will remain weak with slight inclines on some of the commodities.
Falcon Heights recycling year-end report 2017 page 10
SUMMARY OF YEAR-END RECYCLING REPORT
The 2017 Falcon Heights Year-end Recycling Report provides up-to-date information from the City’s
recycling activities over the past year. Each section of this report reflects the various ways data was
collected, entered and calculated to contribute to meeting our goals.
In the report we have illustrated the composition of recyclables, itemized volumes of recyclables from
both single family and multi-family dwellings as they relate to each break-out of each separate
commodity. We also provide information on how the City's recycling efforts will impact our
environment.
This year, Falcon Height’s participation rate was 97% participation rate. Both single family tonnages as
well as multi-family recycling volumes have remained steady with some increase and consistent with
other Municipalities.
In 2018, we will maintain the comprehensive recycling program we offer with the additional types of
plastics, metals and linens.
Together with the support of The City of Falcon Heights we will maintain these high standards of
recycling for the single family and multi-family dwellings.
Falcon Heights recycling year-end report 2017 page 11
APPENDIX A - RECYCLING SUMMARY (ALL DATA)
APPENDIX B - RECYCLING REPORT (MULTI-FAMILY)
APPENDIX C - MONTHLY RECYCLING REPORT LETTER (EXAMPLE)
APPENDIX D - MONTHLY MULTI-FAMILY REPORT DATA (EXAMPLE)
APPENDIX E - MONTHLY SINGLE FAMILY REPORT DATA (EXAMPLE)