Agenda Packets - 2015/08/03 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Foth Infrastructure & Environment, LLC • 9 March 2014 ♦ Multi-unit properties need improved recycling services and more education. There is a significant lack of convenience for recycling in high-rises. Compare the convenience of the trash chute next to the elevators to the inconvenience of carrying recyclables down to the ground floor. Townhouse recycling is also difficult with some occupants taking recyclables to the complex entrance instead of their driveway. Yard waste collection was discussed by the MRC group. The MRC group had the following suggestions: ♦ The end of November would be better end date for collection as leaves may still be on trees past October. ♦ Haulers do a good job of collecting yard waste and enforcing the State ban on traditional plastic bags by not picking up the bags. Bloomington also does a good job of enforcement follow-up. The City sends educational brochures with enforcement orders. The biggest problem to ending the use of plastic bags is retailers still sell black plastic “biodegradable” bags not meeting the standards for certified “compostable” bags. The MRC group represents some of the City’s most knowledgeable residents about food waste composting and organics collection issues. They were asked for their input about residential food waste/organics collection. They noted that: ♦ Food waste/organics collection should be city-wide. All residents should automatically get a food waste/organics cart. Food waste/organics collection service should be “opt out” and perhaps mandatory. Food waste/organics should not be an “opt-in” or voluntary system where residents must proactively subscribe and pay more to get a food waste/organics cart and collection service. ♦ Haulers should be required to provide food waste/organics collection as part of their service. ♦ The current large trash carts should be repurposed into food waste/organics containers and residents should be given new, smaller trash containers. ♦ One hauler is getting new customers in Bloomington with their Blue BagTM organics collection. They charge $50 for the first year of food waste/organics service and provide a year’s supply of compostable Blue Bags. The same hauler charges $100 the next year and still provides an annual supply of Blue Bags. ♦ It is hard for new users to figure out where to make space for a separate food waste/organics container such as a kitchen bucket. Also, the instructions are new about what to put in each of three carts (recycling, food waste/organics and trash). Education and encouragement are essential to developing a successful food waste/organics recovery program. ♦ The price for food waste/organics collection is too high within the current open hauling system. If food waste/organics were added, each hauler may have a different option which is just not cost-effective.