12-04-2017 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Cities Feedback with Simple Recycling Currently, Simple Recycling is providing curbside textile recycling service to numerous cities within the metropolitan area, including Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center, New Hope, Crystal, Arden Hills and St. Louis Park. All these cities started service approximately six months ago with the exception of Arden Hills. Their program began in October. Overall, the cities have received positive feedback from residents. The city recycling managers are also satisfied with the service and that Simple Recycling has been great to work with on issues that come up and are very responsive. It is reported that the cities collected more material than was anticipated and Simple Recycling provides high quality data monthly to cities. Specific feedback from other cities: St. Louis Park • Simple Recycling collection bags are collected at the front curb only. In St. Louis Park, recycling is picked up from the ally. It caused some confusion. In Lino Lakes, the recycling is collected from the curb, so it won’t be a problem. • Residents in certain areas did not receive a mailer. Simple Recycling then hand delivered to households that were missed in the initial bag delivery. • Simple Recycling worked directly with the driver or replaced the driver in some situations when there was a spike in missed pick-ups. • Collection tonnages for 3 months Feb (partial month) – 3.00 tons March – 4.61 tons April – 4.15 tons Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center, Crystal, and New Hope • Residents liked how Simple Recycling takes all clothing that some organizations might turn away due to being out of date or style, or not light weight enough to ship overseas. • Some residents were concerned this program was taking away from material going to charity. It was explained to the residents that this was an opportunity to capture the 85% of clothing that gets disposed of into the trash. Residents are still encouraged to donate. The material accepted will be recycled and manufactured into industrial wipes or insulations. Arden Hills • Good experience with Simple Recycling (contract began in early October) • Minor Issues o Initial mailer that went to residents had incorrect start date o First week, there were two phone calls regarding missed pick-ups. o Since the first week, no issues have come up.