REGULAR MEETING OF THE ZERO WASTE ADVISORY COMMISSION APRIL 09, 2025 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 Karina Camara, at Karina.Camara@AustinTexas.gov or via phone at 512-978-0751. AGENDA Members: Gerry Acuna, Chair Ian Steyaert, Vice Chair Melissa Caudle Caitlin Griffith Amanda Masino Melissa Rothrock Michael Drohan Seth Whaland Ali Ishaq Iris Suddaby John L. Harris 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 February 12, 2025. 2. Approve the minutes of the Special Called Zero Waste Advisory Commission meeting on March 20, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS ACTION ITEMS and return trip fees. 1. Discussion and action to amend the administrative rules for the placement of carts for collection STAFF BRIEFINGS 3. Staff briefing regarding AISD Recycling Efforts and Policies, Darien Clary, Austin Independent School District Director of Sustainability. 4. Staff briefing regarding Austin Resource Recovery Recycling Guidelines and Processes, by Ron Romero, Assistant Director, Austin Resource Recovery. 5. Staff briefing regarding the Proposed Department Rule Amendments for placement of carts for collection and return trip fees, by Jason McCombs, Strategic Initiatives Division Manager for Austin Resource Recovery. 6. Staff briefing on the status of Austin Resource Recovery Operational and Administrative projects by Ron Romero, Assistant 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 Karina Camara at Austin Resource Recovery, at (512) 978-0751 or email Karina.Camara@AustinTexas.gov , for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas …
Ze ro Wa s t e @ Aus t in ISD Pre s e nt a t ion t o: Cit y of Aus t in Ze ro Wa s t e Advis ory Commit t e e April 8 , 20 25 Da rie n Cla ry Dire ct or of Sus t a ina bilit y Aus t in Inde pe nde nt School Dis t rict We ’ll t a lk a bout … 1 Fra me work & Policie s Policie s in Pla ce 2 Init ia t ive s Init ia t ive s 3 St a ffing & Pa rt ne rs St a ffing & Pa rt ne rs 4 Cha lle nge s & Succe s s e s Succe s s e s & Cha lle nge s 1 Fra me work & Policie s Brie f His t ory: Sus t a ina bilit y in Policy & Pla nning New schools designed to green building standards Board passed Sustainability resolution Sustainability & Outdoor Learning centered in Facilities Master Plan & Educational Specifications Construction Design Specs require green building certification and outdoor learning 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020 2022 2024 Board adopted Sustainability Policy 2017 $1B Bond Program: 19 new schools, plus renovations 1st Sustainability Plan completed 2022 $2B Bond Program: 14 new schools, 19 major additions/renovations, plus other projects Environmental Stewardship Advisory Committee Formalized AISD Sus t a ina bilit y Act ion Are a s Teaching & Learning Infrastructure & Operations Community Engagement Energy Water Zero Waste Procurement Transportation Air Quality Food Nature s a e r A n o i t c A AISD Sus t a ina bilit y Act ion Are a s Teaching & Learning Infrastructure & Operations Community Engagement Energy Water Zero Waste Procurement Transportation Air Quality Food Nature s a e r A n o i t c A Policie s & Proce dure s 20 11 Boa rd Policy for Environme nt a l St e wa rds hip Policie s in Te xa s He a lt h & Sa fe t y Code Pla ce re fe re nce d in AISD Building, Grounds , & Equipme nt Ma na ge me nt Policy Init ia t ive s 20 11 AISD Environme nt a l Sus t a ina bilit y Boa rd …
ZWAC Recycling Presentation Ron Romero Assistant Director Austin Resource Recovery History • 1986: Curbside recycling introduced, source-separated, labor-intensive. • Late 1980s - Early 1990s: Introduction of MRFs, shift to dual-stream recycling. • 1992: PAYT pilot program introduced city-owned recycling bins. • 2008: Single-stream recycling pilot program. Recycling Collection Partnership • To increase their recycling collection efforts, Austin Resource Recovery partners with Balcones Recycling and Texas Disposal Systems. • Balcones Recycling handles 60% of residential curbside residential curbside recycling and TDS gets 40% of recycling. How it works Recycling Collection • Collected Recycling materials include: old corrugated cardboard, old newspaper, mixed paper, used aluminum beverage cans and bi-metal. • Aseptic packaging and polycoated paper will be collected starting in Summer 2025. Decline in Recycling Tonnage Collection • Changes in Consumption Patterns • Economic Conditions • Contamination Issues • Changes in the material Participation/Setout Studies 2024 • Two recycling setout studies were conducted from 03/24/2024 – 04/05/2024 (Spring) 10/21/2024 – 11/01/2024 (Fall) • All City of Austin Council districts were audited twice. Setout Rate Breakdown Summary of Findings April vs October 2024 October ’24 - Overall Recycling Setout Rate: 83.7% April ’24 - Recycling Setout Rate: 85.9% October ‘24 - Lowest Setout Rate: District 8 at 70.3% April ’24 - Lowest Setout Rate: District 1 at 77.2% October ‘24 - Highest Setout Rate: District 7 at 94.3% April ’24 - Lowest Setout Rate: District 1 at 94.5% Summary of Findings April vs October 2024 High and Low Setout Days October ’24 - Lowest Setout Rate: Mondays at 77.4% April ’24 - Lowest Setout Rate: Mondays at 84.7% October ’24 - Highest Setout Rate: Fridays at 87.9% April ’24 - Highest Setout Rate: Fridays at 88.4% All City of Austin districts were audited twice Questions
Proposed Department Rule Amendments for Residential Collections Jason McCombs, Division Manager April 2025 1 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 January February March April May or June 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. Single Family Residential Collection Services (4.1 & New Section 4.2) – clarify rules related single family residences [adopted by City Council, November 2024] 2. Placement of Carts for Collection (6.1) – amend set out times to align with department practices and other changes related to collection of carts. 3. Extra trash (6.3), Drop Off Services (5.8), Trash, Recycling, Organics, Bulk, Brush, HHW Collection Guidelines (7.1, 7.3, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9) – amend rules to reflect department practices and on-demand services 4. Small Multi-family Residential Collection Services (New section, 4.3) – new section to clarify rules related to residences with 2-4 dwelling units. 5. Commercial Collection Services (Existing 4.2, to be moved to 4.4) – clarify services provided to commercial customers. Proposed Rule Amendment for Residential Collection Services 6.0 Placement for collection, maintenance of carts, and additional fees. 6.1 Placement of Carts for Collection 6.1.1 6.1.2 6.1.3 6.1.5 6.1.7 6.1.9 6.1.10 Defines when return trip fees will be assessed. Late Cart set out time modified to align with current operations (5:30 a.m.) Cart set out time modified to align with current operations (5:30 a.m.) Aligned cart spacing with existing outreach and added placement (no bike paths and side walks) Excess trash, recycling, yard trimming, and small branch set out language clarified to align with current operations and outreach. Clarifying language that customers may be back- billed if an audit identifies discrepancies. Defines return trip fees as when a vehicle returns to a premises by request of a customer. set out, contamination, or …
To: Zero Waste Advisory Commission From: Ron Romero, Assistant Director, Austin Resource Recovery Date: April 9, 2025 Subject: Director’s Monthly Report to the Zero Waste Advisory Commission Universal Recycling Ordinance The Universal Recycling Ordinance annual reporting period is open each fiscal year from October 1 through February 1. This year the department migrated to the public facing an online reporting system to a new software and database system. There is always concern when launching a new software platform, but this inaugural run was largely incident free, and the software programs are running smoothly and effectively. Public reporting rates continue to lag behind the anticipated performance. As of January 30, 43% of URO affected properties have been reported. Staff plan to take additional measures throughout the fiscal year to improve online submission rates. A strategic plan has been developed to deliver outreach, including email or mailed letters to non-submitting properties throughout the summer. Outreach is also being coordinated with the Austin Apartment Association, including a February 13 webinar. More information at: www.austinaptassoc.com/events. Circular Accelerator and Showcase applications open The Circular Austin Showcase provides the opportunity for circular economy businesses and entrepreneurs to compete for a cash prize in August each year. The Circular Austin Accelerator helps entrepreneurs improve their circular business ideas through workshops and 1:1 technical assistance. Applications were extended thru March 30. Learn more at: www.austintexas.gov/circularshowcase. Fix-It Austin – Household Item Repair On April 5, a Fix-It Clinic will be held at St. John’s Library (7500 Blessing Ave; 78752) from 11:30 a.m. to 2 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 at: www.austintexas.gov/FixIt. Fix-It Austin – Textile Mending Services and Education On April 19, The Windsor Park Library (5833 Westminster, 78723) is hosting a Fix-It Austin Partner event offering mending services and education as a part of their Earth Day celebration. Residents can bring torn, ripped, or otherwise damaged textile items and learn how to fix them alongside skilled sewing coaches. Library staff will lead this event with ARR providing sewing machines, tools, and supplies. Learn more at: www.austintexas.gov/FixIt. Electric Vehicle Purchase Austin Resource Recovery recently took delivery of the department’s first electric collection vehicle, an important step in helping the …
ZWAC Recycling Presentation Ron Romero Assistant Director Austin Resource Recovery History • 1986: Curbside recycling introduced, source-separated, labor-intensive. • Late 1980s - Early 1990s: Introduction of MRFs, shift to dual-stream recycling. • 1992: PAYT pilot program introduced city-owned recycling bins. • 2008: Single-stream recycling pilot program. Recycling Collection Partnership • To increase their recycling collection efforts, Austin Resource Recovery partners with Balcones Recycling and Texas Disposal Systems. • Balcones Recycling handles 60% of residential curbside residential curbside recycling and TDS gets 40% of recycling. How it works Recycling Collection • Collected Recycling materials include: old corrugated cardboard, old newspaper, mixed paper, used aluminum beverage cans and bi-metal. • Aseptic packaging and polycoated paper will be collected starting in Summer 2025. TDS Recycling Composition Study 11/16/2024 ONP #8 - Old Newspaper: 9.75% OCC-Old Corrugated Cardboard: 19.67% Mixed Paper: 7.9% Plastic Bottles - PETE: 2.34% HDPE Natural: 0.6% HDPE Color: 0.71% Mixed Plastics 3 - 7: 2.56% MRP (Mixed Rigid Plastics): 0.56% UBC Alum-Used Beverage Cans: 2.13% Tin Cans: 1.47% Scrap Metal: 1.05% Glass: 28.25% Residuals , Trash, & Wood: 23.01% Decline in Recycling Tonnage Collection • Changes in Consumption Patterns • Economic Conditions • Contamination Issues • Changes in the material Participation/Setout Studies 2024 • Two recycling setout studies were conducted from 03/24/2024 – 04/05/2024 (Spring) 10/21/2024 – 11/01/2024 (Fall) • All City of Austin Council districts were audited twice. Setout Rate Breakdown Summary of Findings April vs October 2024 April ’24 - Recycling Setout Rate: 85.9% October ’24 - Overall Recycling Setout Rate: 83.7% April ’24 - Lowest Setout Rate: District 1 at 77.2% October ‘24 - Lowest Setout Rate: District 8 at 70.3% April ’24 - Highest Setout Rate: District 7 at 94.5% October ‘24 - Highest Setout Rate: District 7 at 94.3% Summary of Findings April vs October 2024 High and Low Setout Days April ’24 - Lowest Setout Rate: Mondays at 84.7% October ’24 - Lowest Setout Rate: Mondays at 77.4% April ’24 - Highest Setout Rate: Fridays at 88.4% October ’24 - Highest Setout Rate: Fridays at 87.9% All City of Austin districts were audited twice Questions
