SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF THE ZERO WASTE ADVISORY COMMISSION JULY 30, 2025 6:30 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 CALL MEETING TO ORDER Ali Ishaq Iris Suddaby John L. Harris 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 May 14, 2025. ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion and action regarding a recommendation on the FY26 Proposed and FY27 Planned Austin Resource Recovery Budget. 3. Approve a representative of one member for the Joint Sustainability Committee for the 2025 calendar year. 4. Recommend authorizing negotiation and execution of an Organics Processing Contract for an amount not to exceed $10 million. 5. Discussion and action on the Annual Internal Review of the Zero Waste Advisory Commission for July 2024 through June 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 6. Staff briefing regarding the Austin Resource Recovery FY26 Proposed and FY27 Planned Budget Presentation, by Victoria Rieger, Finance Manager of Austin Resource Recovery. 7. Staff briefing regarding Austin Resource Recovery Safety Guidelines Presentation, by Chad Presley, Chief Administrative Officer of Austin Resource Recovery 8. 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 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 …
Annual Internal Review This report covers the time period of 7/1/2024 to 6/30/2025 Zero Waste Advisory Commission 1. The Board/Commission's mission statement (per the City Code) is: Review and analyze the policies and resources relating to solid waste management in the city and advise council on solid waste management policies and resources. Provide assistance to council to ensure its citizens that the city provides an economical and environmentally safe system of waste reduction, recovery, and disposal. See Section 2-1-182 of the City Code for additional duties. 2. The Commission’s actions were consistent with its goal of providing a safe, cost-effective and inclusive environment for both ARR employees and the citizens of Austin. 3. This Zero Waste Advisory Commission will strive to work with Austin Resource Recovery Staff in promoting SMART Goals: Specific, Measurable, Agreed upon, Realistic and Time specific. This cooperative and cohesive effort will provide Staff and Commission Members the knowledge to more accurately communicate as liaisons with respective Council members and their constituents in assessing and promoting our stated Master Plan Goals. Meeting Schedule: July 22, 2024 Meeting - APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Zero Waste Advisory Commission meeting on May 08, 2024. ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion and action regarding a recommendation on the FY 2024/25 Austin Resource Recovery Budget. 3. Discussion and action on the Annual Internal Review of the Zero Waste Advisory Commission for July 2023 through June 2024. STAFF BRIEFINGS 4. Staff briefing on the FY 2024/25 Austin Resource Recovery Budget by Victoria Rieger, Financial Manager. 5. 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. August 14th Meeting - APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Special Called Zero Waste Advisory Commission meeting on July 22, 2024. ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion and action on the Annual Internal Review of the Zero Waste Advisory Commission for July 2023 through June 2024. STAFF BRIEFINGS 3. Staff briefing on Keep Austin Beautiful Education Outreach Program by Rodney Ahart, Chief Executive Officer for Keep Austin Beautiful. 4. Staff briefing on proposed amendments to Department Administrative Rules for Single Family Homes by Jason McCombs, Strategic Initiatives Manager 5. Staff briefing on the status of Austin Resource Recovery Operational and Administrative projects September 11, 2024, Meeting - APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the …
To: From: Date: Zero Waste Advisory Commission Richard McHale, Director, Austin Resource Recovery July 30, 2025 Subject: Director’s Monthly Report to the Zero Waste Advisory Commission Microburst Cleanup Efforts On May 28, 2025, the City of Austin experienced significant impacts from a microburst storm, which caused widespread damage across multiple neighborhoods that included downed tree limbs, leaves, and bulk debris. In response to the storm, ARR mobilized crews to begin cleaning the impacted areas on May 29th. ARR customers submitted over 2,800 service orders via 3-1-1 for storm debris collection. During the thirty-day cleanup ARR crews and contracted debris haulers collected 5,696 tons of storm debris and approximately one ton of bulk material. The Public Drop-off at Hornsby Bend received approximately 2880 tons of material from over 3,600 customer drop-offs. The department produced approximately 34,000 cubic yards of mulch from the microburst event. ARR Litter Control and Street Cleaning crews were also dispatched to the impacted areas to sweep streets of leaf debris, clean rights-of-way, and remove brush from bike lanes. A second round of storm debris collection was equitably completed at the end of June, ensuring all affected areas received adequate service and that remaining debris was addressed. Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget Adoption Timeline The City’s Fiscal Year 2025-2026 was presented to the Mayor and City Council on July 15, 2025. There will be further opportunities for discussion and to receive community input on the budget during the scheduled work sessions outlined below. Friday, July 11 FY26 Proposed Budget available online Tuesday, July 15 FY26 Proposed Budget presentation to City Council Wednesday, July 23 City Council budget work session and community input Tuesday, July 29 City Council budget work session Thursday, July 31 City Council budget work session, setting max tax rate, and public hearing on the budget Tuesday, August 5 City Council budget work session Thursday, August 7 City Council budget work session Wednesday, August 13 – Friday, August 15 Tax rate public hearing, utility rate hearings, and budget and tax rate adoption ARR Solicitation Updates As of July 17, 2025 ZWAC Meeting July 30, 2025 Preparing for Council: • Compost Processing Services: The Contractor shall provide complete processing, sorting, and composting of organics, yard waste, food scraps, and food-/oil-soiled compostable paper, as well as marketing services to include detailed data reporting to support the City’s residential curbside compost materials collection services. Link to the current contract. …
Austin Resource Recovery Safety Chad Presley Chief Administrative Officer Austin Resource Recovery Department ARR’s Mission and Vision Mission We provide essential services that protect people and our planet. Vision Driving the global transformation of traditional waste management to sustainable resource recovery. ARR’s Core Values • Teamwork: Together, we can build a world without waste. • Safety: We provide resources and services to protect employees and the community. • Excellence: We are a highly skilled workforce that strives to exceed expectations. • Accountability: We deliver work with integrity and hold ourselves accountable. • Innovation: Working towards a world with zero waste through local innovation. • Diversity, equity, and inclusion: We work to constantly improve our cultural competence and seek input from underrepresented voices. ARR Operational Environment The Solid Waste Industry is the 4th most dangerous industry in the United States in 2023. Environmental Impact on Operations • ARR Operator working conditions range from freezing temperatures and over 100°F. ARR Operational Environment • ARR serviced 218,999 households in FY24 • Use per FY • Average ARR Crew completes 1,000+ stops/day • ARR Refuse Truck Avg. ~15,255 miles in FY24 • APD Patrol Vehicle Avg. ~ 11,434 miles in FY24 Lost Time Injury Rate Calculation Lost Time Rate = # of Lost Time Claims / Total Hours Worked x 200,000 200,000 = 2,000 Hours per 100 Employees per Year ARR FY24 LT Rate = 23/1,082,093 Hours Worked x 200,000 = 4.25 LTR • The 2023 Solid Waste Collections Industry Standard was 4.30 Safety Improvements Digitization of data collection and reporting tools. • Implemented electronic forms- allows Safety and Management personnel to complete reports on tablets and smartphones. Electronic Forms • Electronic Field Evaluations • Electronic Routine Observations Planned Initiatives • Electronic Incident Reports Safety Improvements • Safety Vehicle Technology Improvements. Safety Improvements • Tripled the size of the PPE Supply warehouse. Safety Improvements • Implemented digital ordering of PPE. Safety Improvements • Installed PPE Vending Machines. Safety Improvements • Gate Checks- Pre-Trip Audits Safety Improvements • Gate Checks- Equipment Checks Safety Improvements • Gate Checks- Water, PPE, and Safety Equipment Checks Safety Improvements • Expanded Dispatch Support Safety Improvements Gate Checks & Improved Supplies to Prevent Heat Illnesses Electrolytes, Cooling Vests, Cooling Face Gaiters, Cooling Towels, Hydration Backpacks Improvements Cont. Gate checks for Equipment Inspections • Mechanical Failures • Vehicle Fire Reduction • FY24- 12 • FY25- 5 (8 months of the current …
