Talk:Durham, NC Recycling

Discussion:

Executive Summary
In response to the City of Durham's Solid Waste Management Plan and direction from the City Council, an ordinance revision is necessary to implement a ban on the disposal of target recyclables (cardboard, newspaper, glass and aluminum) and to establish rules on the use of the transfer station. Enforcement of the disposal ban will be phased in gradually, with specially targeted education efforts being the initial step. For safety and operational efficiency, sections of the ordinance regarding the use of the transfer station will be added. It is recommended that the City Council approve the ordinance.

Background
As part of the local government's responsibility for solid waste management, the City Council approved a Solid Waste Management Plan in June, 1997. One method of waste reduction encouragement included in the plan is the adoption of an ordinance that excludes target recyclables from materials that may be disposed with regular refuse. The City Council directed the staff to develop this ordinance earlier during this year.

There are currently ordinance sections that pertain to the use of the City's landfill and the area around the landfill. The transfer station and the area surrounding that facility will be used similarly by the public and by large equipment. Statement of Problems/Issues

The City Council has approved a Solid Waste Management Plan that includes a waste reduction goal of 25% by 2001 and 40% by 2006. In order to reach this goal, an ordinance that bans the disposal of target recyclables has been developed. Since there are recycling programs available, which include curbside collection for residents, drop-off sites for residents and small businesses, and commercial firms to perform the services for large businesses and industries, there are reasonable alternatives to disposal of target recyclables for the community. Increased participation in these programs can result in reduced waste that will be sent through the transfer station to the landfill in Virginia, more revenues to offset the cost of providing recycling services, and more creative ways to reach the waste reduction goals established by the City.

Recognizing that complying with this ordinance will require life-style changes for some citizens, an intensive education program will be developed and implemented during the initial six months after the effective date of the ordinance. This education program will endeavor to help citizens understand the personal impacts their actions can have on our community and that in July, 1998 enforcement of the ordinance will begin with fee penalties. The implementation of enforcement measures, which include projected fees of approximately $15 for residents, $50 for stationary container customers, and double tipping fees for transfer station customers, will be phased in a manner that allows for the education program to be effective before punitive methods are needed. The proposed program phasing includes: January to June, 1998 - public education; July 1998 - education continues and fee is charged at the transfer station; January, 1999 - education continues and fee is charged to stationary container customers; July, 1999 - education continues and fee is charged to residential customers.

Ordinances that are pertaining to the use of a landfill need to be changed to reflect the fact that the City will have a transfer station facility as well as a rubble landfill for disposal. Current ordinance sections do not include the transfer station in the description. Most sections will use the term "disposal area" in place of landfill so that the regulations will apply to the rubble landfill, the transfer station area and the yard waste area.

Alternatives
The alternative to the disposal ban is educate the public, but omit any enforcement that requires citizens to participate in recycling programs. This has been effective for the last few years in reaching the current waste reduction status, but is not considered adequate incentive to reach the City's waste reduction goals. Small businesses and commercial establishments have not been taking advantage of the recycling opportunities. Participation by this sector of the community is expected to influence our waste reduction goal significantly.

Financial Impacts
The revenues from this ordinance are unknown at this time and therefore will not be included in the budget. Once revenues are available, a projection can be made and included in future budgets. It is hoped that the revenues that result from this ordinance will be adequate to cover the enforcement expenses.

Expenses initially will be for the education program. Brochures, videos, special presentation materials, etc. will be needed. An initial estimate of $50,000 for the current year's budget could be covered by the savings generated from the transfer and haul contract. Once enforcement is needed throughout the City, there may be a need to add one or more inspector positions to the staff. The current plan is to use solid waste supervisors to perform these duties.

Fees to be assessed as civil penalties for non-compliance with this ordinance will be brought back to City Council for their approval in early 1998.

M/WBE Summary
Due to the nature of this report, a review of the M/WBE requirements was not conducted.

Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council adopt an ordinance amending Chapter 10 of the Durham City Code by including revised sections regarding the banning of disposal of recyclables and the use of a transfer station.