CC_Minutes_2005_1017 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Recycling I am very concerned on the direction that we are going with the recycling program. 1) Why did staff ignore the Public Works, Transportation and Environmental Commission recommendation to the Council for Single Sort Recycling? After they reviewed and discussed the Pilot Study they recommended Single Sort recycling. However, staff ignored this recommendation and brought forward an RFP with both dual and single sort systems. 2) Before we take another step we need to discuss what our goal is for the recycling program. Is it to provide a service at very low cost or to increase the amount of material to be recycled?? I agree that cost is a concern, however that cost has to be related to a service received and the amount of material not going to the landfill. As stated in RW Beck's report as part of the Pilot Study "On average, the quantities collected during the pilot from single stream collection routes were greater than from dual stream routes." In addition on page 20, table 7, a comparison of the routes before to after indicates a greater amount (pounds of material collected) for single stream as compared to dual sort (control). The following are the "mean" figures from that table: Dual Sort = the control route Single Stream route before pilot = 21.33 pounds per dwelling unit per route. Single Stream route during pilot = 28.16 pounds per dwelling unit per route. Dual Sort route before pilot = 24.14 pOilllds per dwelling unit per route. Dual Sort route during pilot = 26.86 pounds per dwelling unit per route. Single Stream produces a significant increase in pounds per Dwelling Unit per route at 6.82 pounds or 32%. Where as Dual Sort increase per dwelling unit per route is only 2.72 pounds or 11.2%. Therefore, single stream encourages more material to be recycled and the total quantities are greater than dual sort.