CCP 09-14-1987 - Laserfiche WebLink

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------ . Minutes of Solid Waste Management Committee, August 17, 1987 . yard refuse is, and will shortly become, so high that using alternate dumping sites, and providing separate pickup, might become the least costly alternative. Reference was made to test programs in Robbinsdale and St. Louis Park, where separate pickups of garden debris are being made. Although not proven at this point, it is believe that the extra operations cost of separate pickups might be offset through the reduction in tipping fees. Of course the reduced costs associated with separate pickup presume that a site is available to accept the yard debris. Before the City could set up such a program, the haulers, City, County, or someone would have to provide a dumping point, preferably a composting site. At present, no adequate site is available, as it is believed the present compost center in the city is not large enough to accommodate significant additional amounts of material. It would seem that pursuing a means to separate yard/garden refuse from , the normal waste stream would be beneficial since a substantial amount of material is involved, the burden on the haulers (and the Newport facility) would be greatly lessened, and the material itself is not hazardous. The Committee agreed to pursue options for the separate pickup of yard debris, and development of a large scale composting site for its deposit. Perhaps the County can provide assistance in this area. OrRanized HaulinR The haulers were not in favor of the City adopting an organized hauling . system. They asked if we were faced with, or aware of, any significant service complaints. When answered in the negative, they asked why a program that was working should be changed. The committee indicated it agreed with the haulers that an open system should be maintained. Conclusions After the departure of the haulers, committee members considered which actions should be taken next. 1. Review the results of this meeting with the Council. 2. Suggest the hours our composting site is open be increased. 3. Suggest consideration be given to accepting grass clippings at our compost site. 4. Look for - perhaps with the County's help - a larger compost site that would be adequate to handle the garden refuse from the entire city. 5. Consider mandating the separation of garden refuse from the waste stream. On site composting, use of our compost center, and weekly pickup of garden waste are the three options that should be pursued as alternatives to the present combined pickup. 6. Consider implementing bi-weekly pickup of recyclables. A fixed - same . day every other week - schedule should result in close to a 40% participation rate. -4-