Agenda Packets - 2015/08/03 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Foth Infrastructure & Environment, LLC • 19 March 2014 8.5 Waste Reduction, Recycling and Organics Nearly all community engagement participants have expressed support for specific waste reduction, recycling and organics collection and composting actions in the Plan. Residents repeatedly stated these three activities should be strongly represented in the Plan. Many good ideas for recommended tactics were suggested to improve waste reduction, recycling and organics collection systems, including “Away from Home Recycling.” 8.6 Revision of Ordinances Participants stated there is a need for enforcement of the City’s existing ordinances. The City has ordinances that: require recycling by businesses and residents; require trash haulers to provide specific services; and outline City responsibilities. Many participants in the engagement process were unaware of the specific ordinance requirements. One reason expressed is that some residents and businesses have observed violations of the ordinance requirements, but had not observed the enforcement activities that were made by the City. Examples presented by participants included the lack of recycling by businesses, the lack of recycling at multiple unit properties, trash hauler collection on the “wrong” days in the collection zones, and illegal dumping violations. Participants stated that they are hoping more City staff resources will be allocated to compliance enforcement activities. 8.7 Citywide Curbside Cleanup The Citywide Curbside Cleanup is a highly valued service. Almost without exception, residents and businesses expressed support for the Curbside Cleanup program. However, there is widespread recognition the program is expensive and there may be more cost-effective ways to operate it. There is also recognition that a once a year effort does not support the year-round needs for large item, bulky waste or construction and demolition disposal, or for brush and limb disposal. Bridging, a non-profit, was suggested as an outlet for usable but unwanted furntiture. There were suggestions that such bulky item collection services could be part of an organized collection system in the City, resulting in integrated solid waste management strategies. There were also specific tactics recommended to reduce scavenging at the Curbside Cleanup and to make the competitive procurement process more attractive to other haulers. 8.8 City Staffing Resources Bloomington had a staff person until 2009 with a portion of time dedicated to recycling and solid waste issues. This City staff member was tasked with providing: education about recycling and waste reduction and preparation of recycling reports required by the County. Many participants recommended that adequate City staff be allocated to such solid waste management activities. Some of these participants simply recommended that the City should fill a recycling education position.