Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 07/18/2016

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Board Member Anderson asked whether these goals would be placed into an RFP process. City Planner Anderson answered in the affirmative, indicating the goals could be included in an RFP to define what the City wants to accomplish in the contract if the City opted to issue an RFP. Board Member Hiatt stated 90% of residents participate in the recycling program and with that in mind, he thinks a higher priority should be to improve recycling quantity for those 90% instead of trying to capture the remaining 10%, which may be difficult to do. City Planner Anderson agreed that the City will find more success by provider more education for the 90% who already actively recycle about all the different materials that can be recycled. Board Member Hiatt noted the staff report already addresses broadening the recycling program. Board Member Anderson asked about the organics program. City Planner Anderson explained that haulers who offer organics typically use separate trucks from the yard waste, which increases the number of vehicle trips. He described how organics programs are organized and collected. Board Member Anderson stated some residents don't want to have a third container. City Planner Anderson stated at a recent joint City Council and Planning Commission meeting, the issue of organics was raised and there seemed to be general consensus for staff to work with the Board on how organics could be approached. Options include a curbside program and/or opportunities for a small scale collection point, such as at a park. Board Member Hiatt asked whether the waste hauling industry is set up to handle organics. City Planner Anderson stated that not all haulers are but the industry is evolving and he thinks for the City to meet State set goals, Ramsey will eventually need to have an organics program as it is recyclable and a large component of the waste stream. Chairperson Stodola asked why organics can't be disposed of with yard waste. City Planner Anderson stated he does not necessarily know but it may have to do with the proper mixing and ratios of browns and greens to create compost. Board Member Anderson asked if the topic of organics can be introduced through the City's newsletter to provide pre -education. Board Member Hiatt stated he talked with his neighbors who indicated they want to keep down the level of truck traffic on their street. Another issue is to provide quality service, which he thinks is being provided by Ace Solid Waste. He felt organics may be a long-term goal rather than a short-term goal. Environmental Policy Board / July 18, 2016 Page 4 of 6