REGULAR MEETING OF THE ZERO WASTE ADVISORY COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2026, AT 6:00 P.M. CITY HALL ROOM 1001 301 W 2ND ST. AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Zero Waste Advisory Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, contact Gustavo Valle, 512-974-4350, Gustavo.Valle@austintexas.gov. CURRENT [BOARD MEMBERS OR COMMISSIONERS]: Gerry Acuna, Chair Ian Steyaert, Vice Chair Melissa Caudle Michael Drohan CALL TO ORDER Caitlin Griffith John L. Harris Ali Ishaq Iris Suddaby AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Seth Whaland Vacant Vacant The first 5 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three- minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. 2. Approve the minutes of the Zero Waste Advisory Commission Regular meeting on February 11, 2026. Approve the minutes of the Special Called Zero Waste Advisory Commission meeting on March 25, 2026. ACTION ITEMS 3. 4. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair of the Zero Waste Advisory Commission. Discussion and action to recommend for approval of the amended administrative rules for Drop Off and Curbside Services. STAFF BRIEFINGS 5. 6. 7. Staff briefing regarding the one-year update of the On Demand Bulk Collection program by Samuel Gilbert and Donald Hardee, Litter Abatement and Diversion Facilities Division Managers of Austin Resource Recovery. Staff briefing regarding the Proposed Department Rule Amendments for Drop Off and Curbside Services, by Jason McCombs, Strategic Initiatives Division Manager of Austin Resource Recovery. Staff briefing on the status of Austin Resource Recovery Operational and Administrative projects by Richard McHale, Director of Austin Resource Recovery. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact the Liaison or TTY users’ route through 711. A person may request language access accommodations no later than 48 hours before the scheduled meeting. Please call or email Gustavo Valle email Recovery Department, Gustavo.Valle@austintexas.gov …
CITY OF AUSTIN AGENDA DATE: XX RECOMMENDATION FOR COUNCIL ACTION AGENDA ITEM NO.:XX PAGE: 1 of 2 *** DRAFT *** SUBJECT: Approve amendments to administrative rules to City Code Chapter 15-6 (Solid Waste Services) relating to curbside and drop off service. AMOUNT & SOURCE OF FUNDING: n/a FISCAL NOTE: No fiscal impact REQUESTING DEPARTMENT: Austin Resource Recovery FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Gena McKinley, Deputy Director, 512-974-2192; Richard McHale, Director, 512-974-1997 PRIOR COUNCIL ACTION: In 2012, City Council amended Chapter 15-6 of the City of Austin Code of Ordinances to require all Austin Resource Recovery proposed rules to be approved, modified, or disapproved by City Council [Ordinance 20120628-12]. BOARD AND COMMISSION ACTION: On March 25, the Climate, Water, Environment and Parks Committee was briefed by memorandum with no action taken. On April 8, 2026 the Zero Waste Advisory Commission (ZWAC) voted X-X -X. PURCHASING LANGUAGE: n/a MBE / WBE: n/a BACKGROUND Austin Resource Recovery’s Administrative Rules outline the implementation, administration, and enforcement of City of Austin Code and operating requirements of the department. In 2012, Austin City Council amended Chapter 15-6 of the City of Ausitn Code to require all Austin Resource Recovery proposed rules be approved, modified, or disapproved by City Council in accordance with Ordinance 20120628-12. ARR posted the proposed rules amendment to Speak Up Austin and opened public comment from 08/15/2025 through 09/15/205. Forty-eight responses were received from 28 individuals. Staff responses to public comment are attached. AMENDMENT *** DRAFT *** CITY OF AUSTIN AGENDA DATE: XX RECOMMENDATION FOR COUNCIL ACTION PAGE: 2 of 2 AGENDA ITEM NO.:XX *** DRAFT *** This amendment includes new guidelines for dropping off material at drop-off locations in alignment with department practices. A new limit for brush drop off is proposed: six cubic yards per person per day. This limit is introduced to mitigate large brush loads dropped off by commercial contractors at Hornsby Bend Biosolids Management Plant. Hornsby Bend is not designed to process large commercial loads that contain commercial debris and other trash material that damage City equipment. Residents may continue to drop off brush below this new limit, including those who are not ARR customers. The 6 cubic yard per person per day is a reasonable limit for average household to drop off brush. Additionally, the rules propose requiring all users of the brush drop off facility to pay a fee starting October 1, 2026. The fee will be …
On-Demand Services: Brush, Bulk and Household Hazardous Waste Samuel Gilbert, Division Manager- Litter Abatement Donald Hardee, Division Manager- HHW-RRDOC Austin Resource Recovery April 1, 2026 Brush, Bulk and HHW then and now: In January 2025 Austin Resource Recovery began city wide collection of Brush, Bulk and Household Hazardous Waste material through an appointment-based service model. This allows for: Three(3) collections per year per service Customers scheduling at their convenience Collections completed off service day to increase the curb access Previous Model Customer notifications sent by mail for upcoming brush and bulk collections Brush and Bulk collection twice annually. Collections generally six months apart Limited diversion of revenue generating bulk recyclables Appointments for HHW drop-off only with no curbside collections. 2 Brush and Bulk On-Demand Appointments CY25 Brush and Bulk On Demand Monthly Appointments • Brush- 14,146 calendar year appointments • Bulk- 52,442 calendar year appointments 3 CY25 Brush and Bulk On-Demand Tonnage Appointment based servicing has caused a decrease in the tonnage collected for both Brush and Bulk landfilled. The tons of recyclables diverted has increased. 4 Operational Costs, Revenue, Diversion, Mileage Category Metric Brush CY25 Operational Costs, Revenue, and Diversion CY24 $121,668 $107,844 Overtime $92,671 $134,405 Fuel Costs $283,105 $205,656 Overtime $152,854 $183,254 Fuel Costs Disposal Costs $258,199 $172,080 $21,485 Revenue 334 Tons Diverted $140 198 Difference ($13,824) ($41,734) ($77,449) $30,400 ($86,119) $21,345 136 Bulk Bulk Fuel savings in Brush With on-demand, ARR has experienced changes by program: • Overtime savings in Brush and Bulk • • Reduced landfill cost in Bulk Increased fuel costs in Bulk • Increased revenue from diversion efforts • Brush collection experienced a significant decrease in miles driven, bulk collection showed an increase in total miles. Of the increase in bulk mileage, 22% is related to diversion related materials. Calendar Year Mileage Comparison Category Brush Bulk CY24 140,844 160,176 CY25 Difference 97,110 192,033 (43,734) 31,857 5 HHW On-Demand Program Performance The launch of the On-Demand program has helped to increase participation in HHW disposal services with almost 2,000 more residents requesting service in calendar year 2025 over the previous 12 months. HHW Calendar Year 2025 Data HHW Drop-off HHW On-Demand HHW Program Participation CY2024 vs CY2025 40,000 36,000 32,000 28,000 24,000 34,050 35,921 CY 2024 CY 2025 Total Year Participation Participation Total Disposal Cost Total Collected (lbs) Disposal Cost/lb Personnel Cost Waste/HH (lbs) Disposal Cost/HH Personnel Cost/HH …
Rule Amendments: Drop Off & Curbside Services Austin Resource Recovery | April 2026 What are administrative rules? Administrative Rules assist a Department of the City of Austin in the implementation, administration, and enforcement of City of Austin Code and operating requirements of the Department. Austin Code § 15-6-3(B) requires ARR to present proposed rule changes to the Zero Waste Advisory Commission for consideration and recommendation to City Council. City Council will approve, modify or disapprove of the proposed rule.” Department Administrative Rules are online at: library.municode.com/TX/Austin 2 Austin Resource Recovery Rule Amendment Process August September Oct - Nov Mar - Apr May Present Proposed Department Rule Amendment to ZWAC Proposed Rule Posted to Speak Up Austin. 30 Day Minimum Staff Review of Public Comments Present Rule Amendments to ZWAC & CWEP for consideration Council Consideration of Department Rule Amendment 3 Current Identified Department Rule Amendments Residential Services Rule Revisions 1. 2. 3. 4. Single Family Residential Collection Services (4.1 & 4.2) Placement of Carts for Collection (6.1) Extra Trash (6.3) Drop Off Services (5.8), Trash, Recycling, Organics, Bulk, HHW Collection Guidelines (7.1, 7.3, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9) Small Multi-family Residential Collection Services (New section 4.3); Commercial Collection Services (Existing 4.3, moved to 4.4) 4 Rule Amendment Highlights 5.6 6.3 7.1 Reuse and Recycling Drop Off Locations - Modified intake procedures at Hornsby Bend - A new limit of 6 cubic yards per person, per day - Brush drop off open to Austin residents and non-residents - All brush drop off users will be charged a fee at the site, starting October 2026 7.5 7.6 7.7 On-Demand Bulk Collection Guidelines - Aligns rules with on-demand program On-Demand Brush Collection Guidelines - Aligns rules with on-demand program On-Demand Household Hazardous Waste Collection Guidelines - Aligns rules with on-demand program Extra Trash, Recycling, and Composting - Clarifies extra trash rules and extra trash fees - Extra Recycling collection at no cost - Sets15 bag limit for yard trimmings Curbside Trash Guidelines - Sets standards for allowable size and collection of extra trash 5 6 Administrative Rules Update 3 Comment Summary and Staff Response This document includes public comments to ARR’s latest round of Administrative Rules updates. Some comments have been edited and combined for clarity. Direct quotes are put in quotation marks. Bulk Comment Staff Response Please provide guidance on what to do with small amounts of construction waste. One idea is that …
To: Zero Waste Advisory Commission From: Richard McHale, Director, Austin Resource Recovery Date: April 8, 2026 Subject: Director’s Monthly Report to the Zero Waste Advisory Commission Reuse Warehouse After a two-year search for a suitable location, Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) is proceeding with the acquisition of 9201 Metric Boulevard for the Reuse Warehouse. The Purchase and Sale Agreement was executed on January 29, 2026, for $4.4 million. The City completed all due diligence on March 24, 2026, including appraisal, environmental assessments, building condition review, title review, and survey, with no issues identified. The acquisition was approved by Council on March 26, 2026, on consent. ARR anticipates closing on the facility in the coming weeks with opening planned for late summer or early fall 2026. Textiles and Clothing On-Demand Collection Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) has added Textile and Clothing collection as part of the on-demand program. Customers can request up to three collections per year at their convenience. Acceptable items will include clothing, blankets, linens, and curtains. Social media posts were made announcing that scheduling is now available; additional information can be found on ARR’s website. There are no additional resources planned for this expansion. 2026 Update on Impact of the HOME Initiative on the Department The City of Austin HOME initiative is a land use policy intended to reduce barriers to building accessory dwelling units on residential lots. Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) has added 232 new addresses on 61 existing trash routes from February 2025 through February 2026. The impact of these new additions have been absorbed as part of overall department operations. The department will continue to monitor these changes are how they impact route lengths, street congestion, and parking access. Potential policy changes may be needed to restrict parking on collection days and allow for the sharing of carts at properties with 2 to 4 dwelling units. Fix-It Clinic A Fix-It Clinic will be on May 2 at the Carver Library from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Residents can bring broken household items and learn to fix them with guidance from skilled coaches. There will be a drop-off period the week leading up to the clinic, for those who need something fixed but are unable to attend the event. Learn more, volunteer or register at austintexas.gov/fix-it Fix-it Clothing Swap and Mending Events Community members can bring clean, gently used clothing to swap with the community. If they have …
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF THE ZERO WASTE ADVISORY COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2026, AT 6:00 P.M. AUSTIN ENERGY HEADQUARTERS/MUELLER ASSEMBLY ROOM 1111A & B 4815 MUELLER BLVD AUSTIN, TEXAS 78723 Some members of the Zero Waste Advisory Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, contact Gustavo Valle, 512-974-4350, Gustavo.Valle@austintexas.gov. CURRENT [BOARD MEMBERS OR COMMISSIONERS]: Gerry Acuna, Chair Ian Steyaert, Vice Chair Melissa Caudle Michael Drohan CALL TO ORDER Caitlin Griffith John L. Harris Ali Ishaq Iris Suddaby AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Seth Whaland Vacant Vacant The first 5 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three- minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. DISCUSSION ITEMS ACTION ITEMS 1. Approve Commission's Recommendations for FY27 & FY28 Budget Goals FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact the Liaison or TTY users’ route through 711. A person may request language access accommodations no later than 48 hours before the scheduled meeting. Please call or email Gustavo at Valle Gustavo.Valle@austintexas.gov to request service or for additional information. Recovery Department, Resource Austin 512-974-4350 at or email For more information on the Zero Waste Advisory Commission, please contact Gustavo Valle at 512- 974-4350 or Gustavo.Valle@austintexas.gov.
Zero Waste Advisory Commission 2026-27 Budget Resolution Whereas, It is the Responsibility of the Zero Waste Advisory Commission to review, evaluate and make recommendations to City Council, City Management and City Staff regarding policies concerning solid waste, recycling, organic and heavy brush collection pursuant to its Zero Waste Master Plan Goals; and Whereas, Austin Resource Recovery is one of four Enterprise Departments within the City of is responsible for meeting its annual financial responsibilities through sound Austin and budgeting and efficient customer rate setting that provide Residents with a safe and cost effective collection and disposal service; and Whereas, on November 5, 2025, the citizens of Austin unanimously voted against Proposition Q and its proposed Property Tax Rate increase; and Whereas, the City of Austin and Austin Resource Recovery currently own hundreds of acres of non-performing Real Property assets in the Austin, Travis County, Texas area; and Whereas, Austin Resource Recovery has established waste diversion and circular economy programs such as the Construction and Demolition Recycling Ordinance, MoveOutATX, Fix-it and Repair Clinics and Zero Waste Business Incentive and Rebate Programs; and Whereas, Implementation and/or adherence to City policies must be reflected in the process of planning for future disposal and diversion challenges within the City of Austin, Travis County, Texas and supporting Austin Resource Recovery (ARR), who is responsible for implementing such Policies and Operations; and Whereas, in 2000 the City of Austin adopted a comprehensive Master Plan for future garbage, recycling, organic and brush collection within the City of Austin, Travis County, Texas area; and Whereas, The City of Austin has grown dramatically in population, development and competitiveness over the past five years and is in need of disposal options in the northern portion of Austin, Travis County, Texas; and Whereas, the 2026-27 Austin Resource Recovery Budget recommendation is seeking to provide competitive compensation for support and collection staff and for the development of a much more efficient and cost effective North Austin Transfer and Hazardous Waste facility which will minimize employee attrition and provide much needed disposal, recycling and hazardous waste drop off options for north, northeast and west Austin residents seeking more comprehensive garbage, recycling, household hazardous waste and organic and brush disposal and collection options; and Whereas, it is the goal of the Commission to more closely adhere to our Zero Waste Master Plan's diversion goals while acknowledging the future financial demands of unforeseen weather and …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Zero Waste Advisory Commission Recommendation Number (20260325-1): FY27 & 28 Whereas, It is the Responsibility of the Zero Waste Advisory Commission to review, evaluate and make recommendations to City Council, City Management and City Staff regarding policies concerning solid waste, recycling, organic and heavy brush collection pursuant to its Zero Waste Master Plan Goals; and Whereas, Austin Resource Recovery is one of four Enterprise Departments within the City of Austin and is responsible for meeting its annual financial responsibilities through sound budgeting and efficient customer rate setting that provide Residents with a safe and cost effective collection and disposal service; and Whereas, on November 5, 2025, the citizens of Austin unanimously voted against Proposition Q and its proposed Property Tax Rate increase; and Whereas, the City of Austin and Austin Resource Recovery currently own hundreds of acres of non-performing Real Property assets in the Austin, Travis County, Texas area; and Whereas, Austin Resource Recovery has established waste diversion and circular economy programs such as the Construction and Demolition Recycling Ordinance, MoveOutATX, Fix-it and Repair Clinics and Zero Waste Business Incentive and Rebate Programs; and Whereas, Implementation and/or adherence to City policies must be reflected in the process of planning for future disposal and diversion challenges within the City of Austin, Travis County, Texas and supporting Austin Resource Recovery (ARR), who is responsible for implementing such Policies and Operations; and Whereas, in 2000 the City of Austin adopted a comprehensive Master Plan for future garbage, recycling, organic and brush collection within the City of Austin, Travis County, Texas area; and Whereas, The City of Austin has grown dramatically in population, development and competitiveness over the past five years and is in need of disposal options in the northern portion of Austin, Travis County, Texas; and Whereas, the 2026-27 Austin Resource Recovery Budget recommendation is seeking to provide competitive compensation for support and collection staff and for the development of a much more efficient and cost effective North Austin Transfer and Hazardous Waste facility which will minimize employee attrition and provide much needed disposal, recycling and hazardous waste drop off options for north, northeast and west Austin residents seeking more comprehensive garbage, recycling, household hazardous waste and organic and brush disposal and collection options; and Whereas, it is the goal of the Commission to more closely adhere to our Zero Waste Master Plan's diversion goals while acknowledging the future financial …
Zero Waste Advisory Commission 2027-28 Budget Resolution Whereas, It is the Responsibility of the Zero Waste Advisory Commission to review, evaluate and make recommendations to City Council, City Management and City Staff regarding policies concerning solid waste, recycling, organic and heavy brush collection pursuant to its Zero Waste Master Plan Goals; and Whereas, Austin Resource Recovery is one of four Enterprise Departments within the City of is responsible for meeting its annual financial responsibilities through sound Austin and budgeting and efficient customer rate setting that provide Residents with a safe and cost effective collection and disposal service; and Whereas, on November 5, 2025, the citizens of Austin unanimously voted against Proposition Q and its proposed Property Tax Rate increase; and Whereas, the City of Austin and Austin Resource Recovery currently own hundreds of acres of non-performing Real Property assets in the Austin, Travis County, Texas area; and Whereas, Austin Resource Recovery has established waste diversion and circular economy programs such as the Construction and Demolition Recycling Ordinance, MoveOutATX, Fix-it and Repair Clinics and Zero Waste Business Incentive and Rebate Programs; and Whereas, Implementation and/or adherence to City policies must be reflected in the process of planning for future disposal and diversion challenges within the City of Austin, Travis County, Texas and supporting Austin Resource Recovery (ARR), who is responsible for implementing such Policies and Operations; and Whereas, in 2000 the City of Austin adopted a comprehensive Master Plan for future garbage, recycling, organic and brush collection within the City of Austin, Travis County, Texas area; and Whereas, The City of Austin has grown dramatically in population, development and competitiveness over the past five years and is in need of disposal options in the northern portion of Austin, Travis County, Texas; and Whereas, the 2026-27 Austin Resource Recovery Budget recommendation is seeking to provide competitive compensation for support and collection staff and for the development of a much more efficient and cost effective North Austin Transfer and Hazardous Waste facility which will minimize employee attrition and provide much needed disposal, recycling and hazardous waste drop off options for north, northeast and west Austin residents seeking more comprehensive garbage, recycling, household hazardous waste and organic and brush disposal and collection options; and Whereas, it is the goal of the Commission to more closely adhere to our Zero Waste Master Plan's diversion goals while acknowledging the future financial demands of unforeseen weather and …
ZERO WASTE ADVISORY COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, March 25th, 2026 The Zero Waste Advisory Commission convened in a SPECIAL CALLED meeting on Wednesday, March 25th, 2026, at AUSTIN ENERGY HEADQUARTERS/MUELLER ASSEMBLY ROOM 1111A & B 4815 MUELLER BLVD AUSTIN, TEXAS 78723 Chair Acuna called the Zero Waste Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Gerry Acuna, Chair; Ian Steyaert, Vice Chair; Commissioner Iris Suddaby Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Commissioner Melissa Caudle; Commissioner Caitlin Griffith; Commissioner Seth Whaland PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 5 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. ACTION ITEMS 1. Approve Commission's Recommendations for FY27 & FY28 Budget Goals The motion approving the Commission's Recommendations for FY27 & FY28 Budget Goals was approved on Commissioner Steyaert’s motion, Commissioner Griffith’s second, on a (6-0) vote. ADJOURNMENT Chair Acuna adjourned the meeting at 6:13 p.m. without objection. The minutes were unanimously approved at the April 8, 2026, meeting on Commissioner Griffith’s motion, Commissioner Steyaert’s second on a 6-0 vote. 1
ZERO WASTE ADVISORY COMMISSION CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION REFORM COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2026, AT 11:00 A.M. UNIVERSITY HILLS BRANCH LIBRARY 4721 LOYOLA LN AUSTIN, TEXAS 78723 Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, contact Elizabeth Nelson, 512-974-6492, Elizabeth.Nelson@austintexas.gov. CURRENT [BOARD MEMBERS OR COMMISSIONERS]: Ian Steyaert, Chair; Gerald Acuna; and Seth Whaland AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up [prior*] to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Zero Waste Advisory Commission Construction and Demolition Reform Committee meeting on October 9, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding construction and demolition recycling and processing facility municipal case studies. Presentation by Elizabeth Nelson, Planner Principal, Austin Resource Recovery. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact the Liaison or TTY users’ route through 711. A person may request language access accommodations no later than 48 hours before the scheduled meeting. Please call or email Elizabeth Nelson at Austin Resource Recovery Department, at 512-974-6492 or Elizabeth.Nelson@austintexas.gov, to request service or for additional information. For more information on the Zero Waste Advisory Commission, please contact Gustavo Valle at 512-974-4359 or Gustavo.Valle@austintexas.gov.
Municipal C&D Policies: Case Study ZWAC C&D Committee Austin Resource Recovery | 3/4/2026 Who was included? • Chatham County, NC • Oregon Metro/Portland, OR • • San Francisco, CA Seattle, WA 2 Overview ▪ Austin Resource Recovery staff looked at C&D policies and regulations across 5 city and counties to compare how processing facilities were regulated and how diversion and recovery rates were verified. ▪ All cities/counties studied require C&D processing facilities to be registered or qualified and meet certain requirements. ▪ All cities/counties studied require C&D debris generated within their boundary must be sent to a registered or qualified facility 3 Table Comparison City/County Number of processing facilities Facility min. diversion rate? Required 3rd party verification? City/County Staff Review Pre-construction requirements? Austin, TX Chatham County, NC 4 6 Oregon Metro/Portland, OR* San Francisco, CA 11 14 Seattle, WA 7 No Yes (30%) No No Yes (25%) No Yes Yes No (65% recovery responsibility of contractor) No (cannot have >10% residuals of banned materials) N/A No On-site audit 1x/year, digital report review Yes, C&D Debris Management section on permit application On-site audit 2x/year, scale data review 1x/month No Yes, Pre-project plan No On-site audit 1x/year, digital report review Consultant report 1x/year, digital report review 1x/month 4 Chatham County, NC ▪ Minimum diversion rate (30%) requirement for facilities ▪ Licensed C&D facilities that do not meet the annual 30% minimum requirement may be provided an exemption ▪ The facility must demonstrate practical difficulties or unnecessary hardships to meeting the requirement ▪ Contractors must haul mixed material to a licensed facility ▪ License lasts for 1 year; inspection happens before license expires C&D Debris Management section on permit application: 5 Oregon Metro & Portland, OR ▪ Both entities operate together to regulate facilities (Oregon Metro) and job sites/haulers (City of Portland) ▪ Send debris to a Metro-certified facility ▪ Recover at least 75% of materials from larger projects ▪ Minimum 25% diversion requirement for facilities ▪ 15% processing residuals threshold for wood, metal, and cardboard suspended ▪ All facilities consistently meeting requirements, monitoring no longer necessary ▪ Scale data from facilities automatically uploaded to a database that receives monthly review by Oregon Metro 6 Example Audit Sheet 7 San Francisco, CA ▪ Third party verification required ▪ 3 third-party verifiers available ▪ Transparent facility recovery rate reporting on website ▪ Contractors can make informed choices on where to drop off material ▪ …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE ZERO WASTE ADVISORY COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2025, AT 6:00 P.M. CITY HALL ROOM 1001 301 W 2ND ST. AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Zero Waste Advisory Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, contact Gustavo Valle, 512-974-4350, Gustavo.Valle@austintexas.gov. CURRENT [BOARD MEMBERS OR COMMISSIONERS]: Gerry Acuna, Chair Ian Steyaert, Vice Chair Melissa Caudle Michael Drohan CALL TO ORDER Caitlin Griffith John L. Harris Ali Ishaq Iris Suddaby AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Seth Whaland Vacant Vacant The first 5 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three- minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Zero Waste Advisory Commission Regular meeting on November 12, 2025. ACTION ITEMS 2. Approve a recommendation to Council to authorize negotiation and execution of contracts for consulting services for Austin Resource Recovery with Baer Engineering & Environmental Consulting, Inc., Intera Inc., TRC Environmental Corporation d/b/a Trc, and Zara Environmental, LLC., for a term of five years in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000. Funding: $150,000 is available through the Operating Budget, and $50,000 is available through the Capital Budget of Austin Resource Recovery. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. 3. Approve a recommendation to Council to authorize a contract for Central Business District Collection Services for Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) with Texas Disposal Systems, Inc d/b/a Texas Disposal Systems, for an initial term of 3 years with up to two 1-year extension options in an amount not to exceed $20,000,000. Funding: $2,333,333 is available in the Operating Budget of Austin Resource Recovery. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. STAFF BRIEFINGS 4. 5. Staff briefing regarding Public Information and Marketing. Presentation by Paul Bestgen, Marketing Supervisor for the Public Information Office at Austin Resource Recovery. Staff briefing on the status of Austin Resource Recovery Operational and Administrative projects …
CITY OF AUSTIN RECOMMENDATION FOR COUNCIL ACTION CONTRACTOR: MULTIPLE COUNCIL DATE: February 26, 2026 SUBJECT: Authorize negotiation and execution of contracts for consulting services for Austin Resource Recovery with Baer Engineering & Environmental Consulting, Inc., Intera Inc., TRC Environmental Corporation d/b/a Trc, and Zara Environmental, LLC., for a term of five years in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000. Funding: $150,000 is available through the Operating Budget, and $50,000 is available through the Capital Budget of Austin Resource Recovery. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. LEAD DEPARTMENT: Austin Financial Services CLIENT DEPARTMENT: Austin Resource Recovery FISCAL NOTE: Funding in the amount of $150,000 is available through the Operating Budget, and funding in the amount of $50,000 is available through the Capital Budget of Austin Resource Recovery. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. PROCUREMENT: Austin Financial Services issued a Request for Proposals solicitation RFP 1500 MLJ3010REBID for these services. The solicitation was published on October 13, 2025, and closed on November 18, 2025. Of the 6 offers received, the proposals submitted by the recommended contractors represented best value to the city based on the solicitation’s evaluation criteria. A complete solicitation package, including a log of offers received, is available for viewing on the City’s website. This information can currently be found at https://financeonline.austintexas.gov/afo/account_services/solicitation/solicitation_details.cfm?sid=143422 MBE/WBE: This solicitation was reviewed for subcontracting opportunities in accordance with City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). For the services required for this solicitation, there were no subcontracting opportunities; therefore, no subcontracting goals were established. However, the recommended contractors identified subcontracting opportunities. PRIOR COUNCIL ACTION: FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Direct questions regarding this Recommendation for Council Action to the Austin Financial Services – Central Procurement at: FSDCentralProcurementRCAs@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2500. Respondents to the solicitation and their Agents should direct all questions to the Authorized Contact Person identified in the solicitation. BOARD AND COMMISSION ACTION: February 11, 2026 – To be reviewed by the Zero Waste Advisory Committee ADDITIONAL BACKUP INFORMATION (RCA BODY) These contracts will provide environmental consulting services to address known and unknown environmental concerns at City facilities, City-interested properties, and grant-eligible Austin Brownfields Revitalization Office (ABRO) projects. The city engages the services of environmental firms to perform analysis, design and support services associated with construction or improvement of City capital assets and community projects. These contracts …
CITY OF AUSTIN RECOMMENDATION FOR COUNCIL ACTION CONTRACTOR: TEXAS DISPOSAL SYSTEMS, INC D/B/A TEXAS DISPOSAL SYSTEMS COUNCIL DATE: 03/26/2026 SUBJECT: Authorize a contract for Central Business District Collection Services for Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) with Texas Disposal Systems, Inc d/b/a Texas Disposal Systems, for an initial term of 3 years with up to two 1-year extension options in an amount not to exceed $20,000,000. Funding: $2,333,333 is available in the Operating Budget of Austin Resource Recovery. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. LEAD DEPARTMENT: Austin Financial Services CLIENT DEPARTMENT(S): Austin Resource Recovery FISCAL NOTE: Funding in the amount of $2,333,333 is available in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Operating Budget of Austin Resource Recovery. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. PURCHASING: Austin Financial Services issued an Invitation for Bids solicitation IFB 1500 RGW1030 for these services. The solicitation was published on October 13, 2025, and closed on December 02, 2025. Of the two offers received, the bid submitted by the recommended contractor was the lowest responsive bid received. A complete solicitation package, including a tabulation of the bids received, is available for viewing on the City’s website. This information can currently be found at https://financeonline.austintexas.gov/afo/account_services/solicitation/solicitation_details.cfm?sid=142394 MBE/WBE: This solicitation was reviewed for subcontracting opportunities in accordance with City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). For the services required for this solicitation, there were insufficient subcontracting opportunities and an insufficient number of certified M/WBEs; therefore, no subcontracting goals were established. PRIOR COUNCIL ACTION: FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Direct questions regarding this Recommendation for Council Action to Austin Financial Services – Central Procurement at: FSDCentralProcurementRCAs@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2500. Respondents to the solicitation and their Agents should direct all questions to the Authorized Contact Person identified in the solicitation. BOARD AND COMMISSION ACTION: February 11, 2026 - To be reviewed by the Zero Waste Advisory Commission ADDITIONAL BACKUP INFORMATION (RCA BODY) The Austin City Council, under City Code section 15-16-4, requires that the City shall contract with a private collection company to provide solid waste services for the downtown contract service area. The contract will provide services which include daily collection, transporting, processing, and disposal of trash, recycling, compost, and daily litter cleanups within the Downtown Central Business District ("CBD") of Austin, Texas. This recommendation is in accordance with Local Government Code 271.905 and Resolution Number …
Public Information and Marketing Public Information and Marketing Division overview | Paul Bestgen, Marketing Supervisor Zero Waste Advisory Commission | February 2026 Public Information and Marketing Media relations and marketing Digital and creative services Community engagement Public Information and Marketing 2 Media relations and Marketing Media relations and marketing Press releases and media advisories Media interview requests and inquiry responses Customer messaging Marketing campaigns and paid advertising Special projects Industry information requests 4 Press releases in 2025 Holiday Tree Recycling | December 22 Circular Showcase | August 27 MoveOutATX | July 22 Cartons can now be recycled | June 2 Media advisories Electric collection vehicle and multifamily composting outreach b-roll and interview opportunity 5 Marketing campaigns Recycling contamination Battery and electronics recycling ads started in January Styrofoam and plastic bag recycling ads launch in March General recycling messaging Composting participation Launched campaign in February Encouraging curbside customers to compost more If it grows, it goes in your green cart 6 7 Marketing campaigns Multifamily composting Paid campaign runs January – February Posters in grocery stores near apartments/condos that have composting Geo-fenced digital ads reaching residents in those apartments 8 Marketing campaigns Bulk and brush collections Reminding customers that bulk and brush are now on- demand services A mailer is scheduled to be sent starting in April HHW collection Ongoing promotion of HHW collection A mailer is scheduled to be sent starting in April Ad campaign will launch in early summer 9 Marketing campaigns Holiday tree recycling Events at Zilker Park held on Dec. 28 and Jan. 3 950 cubic yards of trees (over 1,000 trees) 260 cubic yards of mulch 10 Internal marketing projects Zero Waste at City Facilities Employee training video Creating educational resources and messaging to employees Safety messaging (internal) Created reminder messaging for heat safety, cold weather safety and avoiding distracted driving 11 Digital and creative services Digital and creative services Graphic design Department website management and content creation Social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, NextDoor Austin Recycles App / ReCollect tools Austin Recycles newsletter Online forms for public use 13 Graphic design | Citywide rebrand Redesign all campaign and marketing materials …
To: Zero Waste Advisory Commission From: Richard McHale, Director, Austin Resource Recovery Date: February 11, 2026 Subject: Director’s Monthly Report to the Zero Waste Advisory Commission 2025 Austin Resource Recovery Customer Satisfaction Survey In partnership with Austin Energy, Austin Resource Recovery launched its Customer Satisfaction Survey in January 2026. The survey is intended to measure customer satisfaction with services provided by the department in the 2025 calendar year. ARR develops the survey content. Survey outreach is distributed in collaboration with Austin Energy in English and Spanish and conducted through phone calls and email. Results of the survey are typically available in late spring. ZWAC C&D Committee Meeting Austin Resource Recovery is supporting the ZWAC C&D Committee meeting on February 18 at 11:00 a.m. at Howson Branch Library. This meeting will convene to continue discussions with construction and demolition recycling stakeholders to discuss potential changes to the Construction and Demolition Recycling Ordinance. Recycling contamination campaign ARR launched a citywide recycling contamination campaign in January to remind Austinites that batteries and electronics can’t be recycled in their curbside carts or dumpsters. Styrofoam and plastic bag recycling messaging will follow in March. Austinites can go to austintexas.gov/recycling to learn how to recycle these items the right way. A mailer encouraging proper recycling will be sent to all curbside customers in March. Bus ads will also run in March for batteries and electronics, followed by plastic bags and Styrofoam in April. Multifamily composting campaign ARR launched a multifamily composting advertising campaign in January to remind residents that composting is now required in multifamily properties. The campaign includes posters in grocery stores near apartments and condos that have added composting. The advertising campaign runs through February. Composting participation campaign ARR launched a composting participation campaign in February to encourage curbside customers to in their green cart, including compost more. Messaging informs customers that if foil, to keep aluminum meat, dairy and seafood. Additional messaging also reminds customers Styrofoam, plastic and glass out of their green cart. The advertising campaign runs through March. it grows, it goes Furniture Reuse Warehouse Update After two years of searching for a suitable location for the Furniture Reuse Warehouse, ARR has identified a property and a Purchase and Sales Agreement was recently executed a Purchase and Sales Agreement with the property owner. The City is currently in the due diligence phase, and all standard due diligence items have been initiated, …
To: Zero Waste Advisory Commission From: Richard McHale, Director, Austin Resource Recovery Date: February 11, 2026 Subject: Director’s Monthly Report to the Zero Waste Advisory Commission 2025 Austin Resource Recovery Customer Satisfaction Survey In partnership with Austin Energy, Austin Resource Recovery launched its Customer Satisfaction Survey in January 2026. The survey is intended to measure customer satisfaction with services provided by the department in the 2025 calendar year. ARR develops the survey content. Survey outreach is distributed in collaboration with Austin Energy in English and Spanish and conducted through phone calls and email. Results of the survey are typically available in late spring. ZWAC C&D Committee Meeting Austin Resource Recovery is supporting the ZWAC C&D Committee meeting on February 18 at 11:00 a.m. at Howson Branch Library. This meeting will convene to continue discussions with construction and demolition recycling stakeholders to discuss potential changes to the Construction and Demolition Recycling Ordinance. Recycling contamination campaign ARR launched a citywide recycling contamination campaign in January to remind Austinites that batteries and electronics can’t be recycled in their curbside carts or dumpsters. Styrofoam and plastic bag recycling messaging will follow in March. Austinites can go to austintexas.gov/recycling to learn how to recycle these items the right way. A mailer encouraging proper recycling will be sent to all curbside customers in March. Bus ads will also run in March for batteries and electronics, followed by plastic bags and Styrofoam in April. Multifamily composting campaign ARR launched a multifamily composting advertising campaign in January to remind residents that composting is now required in multifamily properties. The campaign includes posters in grocery stores near apartments and condos that have added composting. The advertising campaign runs through February. Composting participation campaign ARR launched a composting participation campaign in February to encourage curbside customers to in their green cart, including compost more. Messaging informs customers that if foil, to keep aluminum meat, dairy and seafood. Additional messaging also reminds customers Styrofoam, plastic and glass out of their green cart. The advertising campaign runs through March. it grows, it goes Furniture Reuse Warehouse Update After two years of searching for a suitable location for the Furniture Reuse Warehouse, ARR has identified a property and a Purchase and Sales Agreement was recently executed a Purchase and Sales Agreement with the property owner. The City is currently in the due diligence phase, and all standard due diligence items have been initiated, …
ZERO WASTE ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, February 11th, 2026 The Zero Waste Advisory Commission convened in a REGULAR meeting on Wednesday, February 11th, 2026, at City Hall Room 1001, 301 W 2nd St., Austin, Texas 78701 Chair Acuna called the Zero Waste Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Gerry Acuna, Chair; Commissioner Seth Whaland Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Ian Steyaert, Vice Chair; Commissioner Melissa Caudle; Commissioner Caitlin Griffith; Commissioner John Harris; Commissioner Iris Suddaby; Commissioner Michael Drohan; Commissioner Ali Ishaq PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 5 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Zero Waste Advisory Commission meeting on November 12, 2025. The motion approving the minutes of the regular Zero Waste Advisory Commission meeting of November 12, 2025, were approved on Commissioner Ishaq’s motion, Commissioner Harris’s second, on a (8-0) vote with Commissioner Drohan absent. ACTION ITEMS 2. Approve a recommendation to Council to authorize negotiation and execution of contracts for consulting services for Austin Resource Recovery with Baer Engineering & Environmental Consulting, Inc., Intera Inc., TRC Environmental Corporation d/b/a Trc, and Zara Environmental, LLC., for a term of five years in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000. Funding: $150,000 is available through the Operating Budget, and $50,000 is available through the Capital Budget of Austin Resource Recovery. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. The motion approving a recommendation to Council to authorize negotiation and execution of contracts for consulting services for Austin Resource Recovery with Baer Engineering & Environmental Consulting, Inc., Intera Inc., TRC Environmental Corporation d/b/a Trc, and Zara Environmental, LLC., for a term of five years in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000 1 was approved on Commissioner Suddaby’s motion, Commissioner Harris’s second, on a (9-0) vote. 3. Approve a recommendation to Council to authorize a contract for Central Business District Collection Services for Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) with Texas Disposal Systems, Inc d/b/a Texas Disposal Systems, for an initial term of 3 years with up to two 1-year extension options in an amount not to exceed $20,000,000. Funding: $2,333,333 is available in the Operating Budget of Austin Resource Recovery. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available …
