Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 07/18/2016

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Recycling Program Background and Goals single recycling hauler simplifies this somewhat because the materials can more specific about acceptable and non-acceptable materials. ■ City Staff has developed the Ramsey Recycler, which is a four (4) page, full color mailer that is sent to each household at least twice per year(spring and fall). City Staff also attempts to include information about recycling and the recycling program in the Ramsey Resident newsletter. ■ City Staff also try to coordinate an interactive/educational program with students from Ramsey Elementary focusing on recycling and waste reduction. ■ There are six (6) issues of the Ramsey Resident newsletter. Each issue should have information that focuses on recycling, waste reduction, and/or reuse. ■ 'Refresh' recycling webpage with use of tool kits prepared by the Solid Waste Coordinating Board. • Maintain a High Level of Customer Service o Strive for 100%customer satisfaction. ■ When complaints are received, contractor shall responsible for all corrective actions. ■ Contractor shall maintain a log of complaints and provide to the City on a monthly basis (would allow for a 'performance review') or upon request. ■ Contractor to correct all missed pick-ups by end of business day the day following scheduled service. • New Opportunities to Divert Materials from the Waste Stream to the Recycling Stream o This is a critical element if the City wants to continue to meet or exceed the tonnage goals identified by the County. When stable markets become available for new materials to be recycled, such as food waste (organics), the City should take advantage of that opportunity and expand its program for residents. Likewise, any hauler working with the City would preferably have the same approach and be looking for opportunities for implementation as well. Examples could include: ■ Possibly a curbside or 'mobile' recycling event for electronics and appliances (maybe pay in advance and set out at curb on a designated day). ■ Opportunity for residents to 'add' organics to their recycling service (likely with an additional fee). ■ Consider providing an opportunity for Yard Waste drop-off. • Reduce the Number of Vehicle Trips on Residential Roads o Based on most hauling operations within the metropolitan area, one (1) household could have up to four (4) different trucks servicing their property (different truck for garbage, recycling, yard waste, and organics). There are currently eight (8) licensed haulers in the city,which could potentially equate to thirty-two(32)trucks on a residential street if eight (8) households each had a different hauler. This adds a lot of extra vehicle trips to a neighborhood, has a greater impact on the lifespan of a street, and increases greenhouse gas emissions.