ZERO WASTE ADVISORY COMMISSION CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION REFORM COMMITTEE Thursday October 9th, 2025 11:00 AM Cepeda Branch Library 651 N Pleasant Valley Rd, Austin, TX 78702 CURRENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Ian Steyaert (Chair); Amanda Masino; and Gerald Acuna CALL TO ORDER AGENDA 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. Meeting minutes; June 9th, 2025 STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing: Review of potential amendments for Qualified Processors, Registered Evaluators, diversion rate calculations for Qualified Processors, and requiring all projects to use third party verified processors. DISCUSSION 3. Discussion of possible changes to the C&D Recycling Ordinance and rules related to Qualified Processors, Registered Evaluators, and project diversion requirements. 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 4 days before the meeting date. Please email Cahill Ordones at cahill.ordones@austintexas.gov, or call at 512-978-1370, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Construction and Demolition Reform Committee, please contact Cahill Ordones at cahill.ordones@austintexas.gov.
C&D Committee Meeting October 9th, 2025 Overview 1. Qualified Processors vs Registered Evaluators 2. Review objectives identified in past meetings 3. Refresher on RCI presentation from 2021 4. Amendment options Processors vs Evaluators Qualified Processors Registered Evaluators • Located in the Austin Metro Area; • Can weigh inbound mixed materials; materials reclaimed for use from mixed materials; and residual material disposed • Authorizes inspections of its facility by the department • Makes records available for audit by the department • Has average diversion rate validated by RCI or a registered evaluator • Once registered, submits a report each six months with the average diversion rate, the types of materials recovered, and the beneficial uses for the materials. • Registration is valid for two years • Third-party individual or organization that ARR approves to: • Validate average diversion rates through review of QP’s application • Conduct onsite inspections and onsite audits of QPs • Must have operational or consulting experience • Must complete City-approved training • Registration is valid for one year ARR Comprehensive Plan NEAR-TERM GOAL (0-5 YEARS) Assess potential changes to the Qualified Processor rules. 1. Consider requiring all projects to use a Qualified Processor to improve accuracy of contractor reports and incentivize processors to increase diversion rates. 2. Consider policy changes to remove material that is burned from diversion calculations. 3. Align Qualified Processor rules with any changes made to the C&D Ordinance diversion requirements. Source: ARR. 2023 Comprehensive Plan. Chapter 13, "Construction and Demolition" Committee Considerations 1. Require all projects use a Qualified Processor 2. Change how Qualified Processors report and apply 3. Increase the number of Qualified Processors and Registered Evaluators 4. Remove wood derived fuel / biofuel from RCI diversion rate calculations to align with the City’s definition of “Beneficial Use” in § 15-6-1(3) RCI Meeting Review Thorough Process to Become Certified • Registration Application → Onboarding → Application for Certification (desk audit, prequalification, on-site evaluation by RCI evaluator to verify what was found in audit) → Final Certification Certification • Costs ~$8k to get certified + $629/month subscription fee – RCI Rate Structure • Lasts for five years; initial certification is year one • Recertification required each year for years 2 through 5 • New certification happens in year 6 RCI Benefits • Transparent, consistently accurate reporting • Accurate - requires use of scale weights rather than estimated volumes Potential Amendment Changes Committee Consideration …
