REGULAR MEETING OF THE ZERO WASTE ADVISORY COMMISSION OCTOBER 9, 2024 6:00 PM CITY HALL ROOM 1001 301 W 2ND ST AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Some members of the Zero Waste Advisory Commission maybe participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by 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. To register contact Gustavo Valle, at Gustavo.Valle@AustinTexas.gov or via phone at 512-974-4350. AGENDA Members: Gerry Acuna, Chair Ian Steyaert, Vice Chair Melissa Caudle Cathy Gattuso Caitlin Griffith Amanda Masino Craig Nazor Melissa Rothrock Vacant Vacant Vacant CALL MEETING TO ORDER 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 August 14, 2024. ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion and action to approve 2025 ZWAC Meeting Schedule. 3. Discussion and action to approve amendments to Department Administrative Rules for Single 4. Discussion and action on amending By-laws related to ZWAC Committees. 5. Approve a resolution making recommendations to the electrification of the ARR fleet of Family Homes. vehicles STAFF BRIEFINGS 6. Staff briefing on proposed amendments to Department Administrative Rules for Single Family Homes by Jason McCombs, Strategic Initiatives Manager. 7. Staff briefing on Fleet Mobility Services Electrification Updates to ZWAC by Rick Harland, Assistant Director of Fleet Mobility Services. 8. Staff briefing on the status of Austin Resource Recovery Operational and Administrative projects as well as public outreach efforts by Richard McHale, Director of Austin Resource Recovery. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Gustavo Valle at Austin Resource Recovery, at (512) 974-4350 or email Gustavo.Valle@AustinTexas.gov , for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Electric Utility Commission, please contact Gustavo Valle …
Zero Waste Advisory Commission DRAFT 2025 Mee�ng Schedule The Zero Waste Commission meets monthly on the second Wednesday of the month, unless otherwise determined by the Commission. Mee�ngs are held at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, located at 301 W. 2nd Street. Changes to the above regarding date, �me or loca�on will be noted on mee�ng agendas. Mee�ng Dates January 8 February 12 April 9 May 14 June 11 July 9 August 13 September 10 October 8 November 12 Cancelled Dates March 12 December 10
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Zero Waste Advisory Commission Resolution on Austin Resource Recovery Refuse Truck Electrification WHEREAS the Austin Resource Recovery Comprehensive Plan includes a goal to “Develop necessary infrastructure to support electrifying the fleet. The department has interest in switching as many vehicles as possible in its fleet to run on electric power.”; and WHEREAS the Transportation Electrification section of the Austin Climate Equity Plan includes a strategy to “Electrify public sector fleet vehicles: Encourage vehicle fleets from public sector agencies in the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos MSA such as cities, counties, Capital Metro, and school districts to commit to buying 100% electric vehicles when they are available, cost- competitive, and meet operational needs.”; and WHEREAS vehicle that run on diesel, including refuse trucks, are a significant source of air pollution, including particulate matter (PM), accounting for as much as 100 times the pollution when traveling at speeds of 0-25 MPH as light-duty vehicles running on gasoline;1 and WHEREAS the particulate matter (PM) pollution in the Austin Metro Area exceeds the health- based standard set by the Environmental Protection Agency2; and WHEREAS electric heavy-duty trucks utilize cheaper fuel and maintenance costs, and can have a lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) than their diesel counterparts over the lifetime of the vehicle;3 and WHEREAS electric heavy-duty trucks are preferred by drivers,4 for whom it is easier and more enjoyable to operate and could meaningfully contribute to employee retention; and WHEREAS integrating even a small number of electric refuse trucks now will give Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) valuable experience that can inform long-term planning for full electrification of the fleet; and 1 Pg 3. https://theicct.org/sites/default/files/publications/NOx_Emissions_In_Use_HDV_US_20191125.pdf 2 https://www.capcog.org/news/air-quality-program-prepared-for-new-standard/ 3 https://blogs.edf.org/climate411/wp-content/blogs.dir/7/files/2022/02/FINAL-Roush-Fact-Sheet- 2.10.22.pdf 4 https://cleantechnica.com/2024/01/18/people -who-drive-trucks-for-a-living-really-like-driving-electric- trucks/ WHEREAS there are financial incentives available from state and federal grant programs that could cover anywhere from 40-100% of the upfront cost of purchasing electric heavy-duty trucks and corresponding charging infrastructure; and WHEREAS the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) offers free services to assist entities with fleet transition planning as well as grant applications for fleet electrification, including fellowship programs that can study and shape long-term fleet transition plans; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Zero Waste Advisory Commission recommends that Austin Resource Recovery work with the Environmental Defense Fund to: 1. Apply for funding from state and federal agencies to assist with the purchase of one or more electric refuse trucks and associated charging infrastructure as soon as possible …
Proposed Department Rule Amendments – Update 1 (4.1 - 4.2) Jason McCombs, Division Manager October 2024 Proposed ARR Rule Amendment Process Aug Aug/Sept Sept Oct Nov Present Proposed Department Rule Amendment to ZWAC Proposed Rule Posted to Speak Up Austin. 30 Day Minimum Staff Review of Comments Present Draft Department Rule Amendment to ZWAC for consideration Council Consideration of Department Rule Amendment Speak Up Austin – Public Comment • Survey closed September 18, 2024 • Received 3 comments – 2 discussed clarifying definition of “multifamily,” 1 expressed concerns about cart removal for vacancies • This update is to single family homes. A future update to “small multifamily” rules will add additional clarity to distinguish between properties ARR services (2-4 units) and those it does not (5+ units) • Updated Rules language to reflect current staff practice of verifying property vacancy when carts are removed by customer request • Typically seen during a renovation of a residence. • Water and power usage is monitored against normal usage rates to verify vacancy. • Only the cart fee is removed. Customer still pays clean community fee and base fee. Next available Council Consideration dates: November 21 and December 12 Austin Resource Recovery Rule Amendment Page Speak Up Austin: www.speakupaustin.org/j4317 Jason McCombs Strategic Initiatives Division Manger jason.mccombs@austintexas.gov CITY OF AUSTIN AGENDA DATE: XX RECOMMENDATION FOR COUNCIL ACTION PAGE: 1 of 2 AGENDA ITEM NO.:XX *** DRAFT *** Gena McKinley, Assistant Director, 512- SUBJECT: Approve amendments to administrative rules to City Code Chapter 15-6 (Solid Waste Services) relating to single family residential collection services. AMOUNT & SOURCE OF FUNDING: n/a FISCAL NOTE: No fiscal impact REQUESTING DEPARTMENT: Austin Resource Recovery FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: 974-2192; Richard McHale, Director, 512-974-1997 PRIOR COUNCIL ACTION: In 2022, City Council amended Austin Resource Recovery’s Solid Waste Services Administrative Rules, related to the use of City services for certain residential units and the Universal Recycling Ordinance, to make the administrative rules consistent with City Code’s requirement that premises with one to four residential dwelling units shall use department collection service. BOARD AND COMMISSION ACTION: On DATE 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 assist the Department in the implementation, administration, and enforcement of City of Austin Code, Chapter 15-6, related to operating requirements of the Department. Section 4.1 of ARR’s Administrative Rules includes rules for …
Fleet Mobility Services Update to Zero Waste Advisory Commission City of Austin Fleet Electrification Update Rick Harland Assistant Director Fleet Mobility Services October 9th, 2024 Overview Fleet Mobility Services, a vital department overseeing the comprehensive life cycle management of the City of Austin's 7,500 vehicles and equipment assets. Our purview includes budgeting, acquisitions, make ready preparation, maintenance, disposal, and operation of 42 fuel sites. We ensure seamless vehicle upkeep, embrace innovative technologies, and provide essential administrative support for all City Departments. Our commitment to excellence drives us to enhance mobility, optimize resources, and serve our community. Comprehensive Repair and Maintenance Program Fuel Supply planning, forecasting, inventory and distribution Acquisitions, Rental and Accident programs to support all essential City Services A Complex and Diversified Fleet TYPE FLEET AMBULANCE, 87 BOAT, 95 CARGO VAN, 182 TRUCK, 1777 CONSTRUCTION EQUIP, 993 FIRE UNIT, 124 HEAVY TRUCK, 591 OFFROAD EQUIP, 687 TRAILER, 765 MOTORCYCLE, 75 REFUSE TRUCK, 193 POLICE UNIT, 916 PASSENGER VEHICLE, 1043 • Our fleet comprises 7,528 assets, spanning a diverse range of vehicles and equipment for operational compatibility FLEET ASSETS BY FUEL TYPE PROPANE, 179 BEV, 169 CNG, 35 DIESEL, 2403 NONPOWERED, 1063 GASOLINE (PHEV), 161 GASOLINE (HYB), 347 GASOLINE, 599 ELECTRIC OFFROAD, 193 E85, 2240 • Our fleet utilizes a diverse array of fuel sources to ensure optimal performance and sustainability Category Fleet Inventory ARR INVENTORY Total Fleet: 434, $88.5M Asset Value 205 62 67 Single Vision 31 69 HEAVY VEH >=19,501 LIGHT VEH < 10,000 GVW MEDIUM VEH 10,001-19,500 SOLID WASTE PACKERS OTHER EQUIPMENT FLEET ASSETS BY FUEL TYPE FY23: 1.3M Gal, 76% Alt Fuel, 54,150 Fuel Transactions GASOLINE (PHEV) NONPOWERED PROPANE BEV CNG GASOLINE GASOLINE (HYB) ELECTRIC OFFROAD E85 DIESEL ARR ACQUISITION QTY ARR ACQUISITION SPENDING HEAVY VEH >=19,501 LIGHT VEH < 10,000 GVW HEAVY VEH >=19,501 LIGHT VEH < 10,000 GVW MED VEH 10,001-19,500 MED VEH 10,001-19,500 OTHER EQUIPMENT OTHER EQUIPMENT SOLID WASTE PACKERS Grand Total Fleet Acquisitions 54 57 SOLID WASTE PACKERS Grand Total 36 33 9 5 2 2 9 10 3 2 6 5 8 2 51 30 37 8 9 6 13 1 $12,401,462 $13,665,458 $13,489,134 $10,482,080 $9,900,366 $9,833,795 $171,366 $425,097 $199,094 $462,016 $9,922,165 $5,088,546 2021 2022 2023 2024 2021 2022 2023 2024 ARR REFUSE TRUCK AGE / MILES ARR REFUSE TRUCK – AVG USAGE ANNUAL USAGE BENCHMARK COST PER MILE BENCHMARK 71,209 71,332 15,670 16,180 13,704 $4.69 $3.97 $4.84 $4.99 15,286 15,255 …
To: From: Date: Zero Waste Advisory Commission Richard McHale, Director, Austin Resource Recovery October 9, 2024 Subject: Director’s Monthly Report to the Zero Waste Advisory Commission MoveOutATX 2024 Recap MoveOutATX 2024 took place from July 27-31, 2024. This event, a partnership between Austin Resource Recovery, the UT Office of Sustainability, and the UT Office of the Dean of Students, sets up temporary donation stations to help students living off- campus keep gently used items out of the landfill during the end-of-July move-out period. This year, the event had seven donation stations scattered around West Campus. The City collaborated with six reuse organizations to collect, process, and redistribute all the donated materials: Austin Area Urban League, Austin Creative Reuse, Arms of Hope, Goodwill Central Texas, Salvation Army Family Stores, and UT Outpost. The Free Furniture Market, where furniture donated at MoveOutATX donation stations is made available for anyone to take for free, celebrated its third year. Event Highlights: full. Material Collected: 60,227.79 lbs (30.11 tons) – equivalent to 634.72 cubic yards, or approximately 4.5 semi-truck trailers Donation Station Drop-offs: 1,044 Free Furniture Market: Re-homed 641 pieces of furniture and welcomed 1,039 visitors over six days. Since its founding in 2018, MoveOutATX has diverted 253 tons of material from the landfill, representing an estimated economic value of almost $600,000. Multi-family Composting In September 2023, City Council approved amendments to the Universal Recycling Ordinance (URO) that will require composting access at multi-family properties in Austin. This policy change will be in effect on October 1, 2024. Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) conducted educational event with the Austin Apartment Association, sent all multi-family property owners and managers letters and e-mails to notify them of the ordinance change. Additional mailed letters will be sent to all multi-family property managers in October. More information at: austintexas.gov/multifamilycompost. Universal Recycling Ordinance New Online Survey and Database Each year over 15,000 business, food permit holders, and multi-family properties are required to report to the City how they are meeting the zero waste ordinance requirements of the Universal Recycling Ordinance in their recycling plans. This information is primarily collected from affected properties thru a public-facing webpage (called a survey) that then feeds the entered data into a database. This data is used by City staff for internal performance measures, to identify trends for educational needs, and identify non-compliant properties for follow up. Since 2012, the City has used …
ZERO WASTE ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, October 9, 2024 The Zero Waste Advisory Commission convened in a REGULAR meeting on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at City Hall Chambers, 301 W 2nd St. Austin, Texas 78701 Chair Acuna called the Zero Waste Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Gerry Acuna, Chair; Commissioner Cathy Gattuso; Commissioner Craig Nazor Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Ian Steyaert, Vice Chair; Commissioner Melissa Caudle; Commissioner Caitlin Griffith PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Phillip Martin from the Environmental Defense Fund gave a presentation regarding the Electrification of Austin’s Refuse Fleet. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Zero Waste Advisory Commission Special Called Meeting on August 14, 2024. The motion approving the minutes of the regular Zero Waste Advisory Commission meeting of August 14, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Nazor’s motion, Commissioner Gattuso’s second, on a (6-0) vote with Commissioners Masino, Drohan and Rothrock absent and two vacancies. ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion and action to approve 2025 ZWAC Meeting Schedule. The motion to approve the 2025 ZWAC Meeting Schedule as presented on October 16, 2024 was approved on Commissioner Nazor’s motion, Commissioner Griffith’s second on a 6-0 vote with Commissioners Masino, Drohan and Rothrock absent and two vacancies. 1 1. Discussion and action to approve amendments to Department Administrative Rules for Single Family Homes. The motion to approve the amendments to Department Administrative Rules for Single Family Homes as presented on October 16, 2024, was approved with Commissioner Nazor’s motion, Commissioner Gattuso’s second on a 7-0 vote with Commissioners Masino and Drohan absent and two vacancies. Discussion and action on amending By-laws related to ZWAC Committees. The motion to defer an action on amending By-laws related to ZWAC Committees as presented on October 16, 2024 to November’s ZWAC meeting, was approved with Gattuso’s motion, Commissioner Nazor’s second on a 7-0 vote with Commissioners Masino and Drohan absent and two vacancies. Approve a resolution making recommendations to the electrification of the ARR fleet of vehicles. The motion to approve a resolution making recommendations to the electrification of the ARR fleet of vehicles as presented on October 16, 2024, was approved with Rothrock’s motion, Commissioner Gattuso’s second on a 7-0 vote with Commissioners Masino and Drohan absent. Staff briefing on proposed amendments to Department Administrative Rules for Single Family Homes by Jason McCombs, Strategic Initiatives Manager The presentation was made by Jason McCombs, Strategic …
