REGULAR MEETING OF THE ZERO WASTE ADVISORY COMMISSION AUGUST 13, 2025 6:00 PM AUSTIN ENERGY HEADQUARTERS/MUELLER ASSEMBLY ROOM 1111A & B 4815 MUELLER BLVD AUSTIN, TEXAS 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. Approve a representative of one member for the Joint Sustainability Committee for the 2025 calendar year. 3. Recommend authorizing negotiation and execution of an Organics Processing Contract for an amount not to exceed $10 million. STAFF BRIEFINGS 4. Staff briefing regarding Austin Resource Recovery Safety Program Presentation, by Chad Presley, Chief Administrative Officer of Austin Resource Recovery 5. Staff briefing regarding the Proposed Department Rule Amendments for drop-off services, extra trash, curbside collections and on-demand services, by Jason McCombs, Strategic Initiatives Division Manager of Austin Resource Recovery 6. 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 or email Karina.Camara@AustinTexas.gov , for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Zero Waste Advisory Commission, please contact Gustavo Valle at (512) 974-4350 4350 …
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 …
Proposed Department Rule Amendments for ARR Services Jason McCombs, Division Manager August 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 August September October November December/January 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 for consideration & CWEP briefing 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. Drop Off Services (5.8), Extra trash (6.3), 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. 4 Proposed Rule Amendment for ARR Services 5.6 6.2 6.3 Reuse and Recycling Drop Off Locations (formerly 5.8) Drop off procedure to confirm customer status. Photo ID and utility bill. Payments must be with credit or debit card. 5.6.1 5.6.2 5.6.3 Recycle and Reuse Drop-off Center rules HHW Drop Off rules Brush drop off rules, includes daily drop off limit of 6 yd3 Maintenance of Carts 6.2.5 Removed (references customers without organics service) Extra Trash, Recycling, and Composting Clarifies extra trash rules and adds details for extra recycling and composting (collected at no additional cost). 5 Proposed Rule Amendment for ARR Services - Curbside 7.1 7.3 7.4 Curbside Trash Collection Guidelines Updates current procedures. Adds details moved from extra trash section regarding carts with lids that cannot close. Curbside Recycling Collection Guidelines …
City of Austin Austin Resource Recovery Chapter 15-6 Administrative Rules 5.1 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Disposal The City of Austin FM 812 Landfill is permanently closed and no longer accepts material for disposal. However, there are several locations in the Austin area where the public may drop off appliances, construction waste, and other large items. 5.2 Street and Boulevard Sweeping The Street Cleaning unit provides frequent street, and boulevard, and bike lane sweeping throughout the City. This service is designed to clean the gutters and limit contaminants from polluting Austin's creeks and drainage ways. 5.3 Litter Control Litter control services, provided by the City's Litter Abatement Division, include litter pick up, litter container management, and illegal dump clean ups. Litter abatement is performed nightly in the downtown central business district with additional litter abatement on the public right-of-way and City of Austin properties scheduled as reported. 5.4 Dead Animal Collection Dead animal collection is provided Monday through Saturdays Sunday as reported on public rights-of-way throughout Austin and from the City's Animal Shelter. 5.5 Alley and Street Flushing Alley and street flushing utilizes a cold water flushing process to clear contaminants from alleys and streets in the Central Business District (CBD). 5.6 Landfill Services The City of Austin FM 812 Landfill is permanently closed and no longer accepts material for disposal. However, there are several locations in the Austin area where the public may drop off appliances, construction waste, and other large items. 5.7 Resource Recovery Center (RRC) 5.7.1 The Resource Recovery Center (RRC) is operated by City staff, or a private contractor, and accepts the following materials at this time: 5.7.1.1 Air Conditioners. 5.7.1.2 Water heaters. 5.7.1.3 Appliances including washers, dryers, stoves, refrigerators, dishwashers. 5.7.1.4 Car batteries. 5.7.1.5 Metals of all types. 5.7.1.6 Used antifreeze. 5.7.1.7 Porcelain Toilets. 5.7.1.8 Used motor oil and oil filters. 5.7.1.9 Automobile tires. Revised July 2025 1 of 12 City of Austin Austin Resource Recovery Chapter 15-6 Administrative Rules 5.6 5.7.2 The list of accepted materials is subject to change. Please contact the RRC for a complete and current list of materials accepted. Further details and contact information can be found online at the Department's website. 5.8 Reuse and Recycling Drop-off Locations The Director may establish additional reuse and recycling centers or drop-off locations operated by City personnel, volunteers, non-profit organizations, or private contractors. A photo ID and a current …
To: From: Date: Zero Waste Advisory Commission Richard McHale, Director, Austin Resource Recovery August 13, 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. Circular Austin Showcase Circular Austin Showcase connects circular economy businesses with potential investors in the region. Circular businesses will have a chance to compete in the Showcase on August 26 at 5:30 p.m. at The Cathedral, 2403 E 16th St. This event will be held in Council district 1. Learn more at: austintexas.gov/circularshowcase. Fix-It Austin: Sewing & Textiles Fix-It Clinic Fix-It Austin will host a community sewing repair event on August 16 from 2 to 4 p.m. focused on extending the life of textiles through hands-on skill-building. Participants will work alongside experienced volunteers to learn basic mending techniques such as patching holes, repairing zippers, and fixing seams. This event will be held in Council district 2. Learn more at: austintexas.gov/FixIt. Fix-It Austin: Pants Zipper Replacement Workshop Fix-It Austin will host a zipper replacement sewing event led by a professional fashion designer on August 12 at 6:00 p.m. at the Cepeda Branch Library. Participants will gain practical experience removing and replacing faulty zippers on pants, while building confidence with sewing machines and learning techniques to extend the life of their clothing. This event will be held in Council district 3. Learn more at: austintexas.gov/FixIt. Austin Resource Recovery FY 2025-2026 Proposed Budget Highlights …
