ARR Director's Report January — original pdf

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To: From: Date: Subject: Zero Waste Advisory Commission Ken Snipes Director Austin Resource Recovery January 12, 2022 Director’s Monthly Report to the Zero Waste Advisory Commission Universal Recycling Ordinance (URO) Enforcement Update: The Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) Commercial Compliance Unit (CCU) is comprised of 2 Code Compliance Officers who contact responsible parties and conduct site visits to properties or permit holders identified by City staff or by complaints as non-compliant with ordinances. The goal of the CCU is to support ongoing department public education, and when necessary, hold non-compliant businesses and permit holders accountable in municipal court. 9 The department hired its first CCU staff in 2020 and spent much of the past year creating internal procedures, developing a software system, and contacting potentially non-compliant properties. Prior to 2020, the City had limited opportunity to provide onsite visits from Code Compliance Officers and was reliant upon education alone to seek compliance. CCU began URO inspections in early FY21. As of December 2021, CCU has conducted 742 site visits, responded to 5 complaints, and followed up on 86 denied waivers. Universal Recycling Ordinance (URO) Multifamily Update: In FY21, ARR’s Business Outreach Team (BOT) notified all multifamily properties of the URO’s capacity increase by mail and email in Oct. 2020 and again in June 2021. The BOT also took out print and digital ads March 2020 (FY20) through Dec. 2020 and hosted a joint webinar with Austin Apartments Association (AAA) in Nov. 2020. In terms of compliance, 86% of multifamily properties (1,208) reported meeting the new capacity requirements by either providing at least a 1:1 ratio of landfill trash to recycling/organics services or 24 gallons/unit/week of recycling/organics services. Of the 14% of multifamily properties (201) that requested a waiver for not meeting the new capacity requirements, 13% (181 properties) were above the previous 6.4 gallons/unit/week requirement, but below the new 24 gallons/unit/week increase. Only 1% (20 properties) reported being below the 50% diversion requirement and of 6.4 gallons/unit/week. The BOT contacted all multifamily properties that requested a waiver for being below the new 24 gallons/unit/week requirement to let them know of the new capacity requirements and approved waivers with more than 6.4 gallons/unit/week according to the “implementation year” prescribed by the administrative rules (Administrative Rules Chapter 15-5 Section 8.12.3), but denied waivers below 6.4 gallons/unit/week. So far in FY22, a third of multifamily properties (554) that have reported and 92% (509) have reported being compliant with the new multifamily capacity requirements. 8% (45 properties) reported being below the 50% diversion and the 24 gallons/unit/ week requirement. Of the 23 waivers reviewed so far, 4 have been denied and 19 have been approved. Note that the FY22 reporting deadline is February 1, 2022. U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Expands ‘Beyond 34’ Circular Economy Initiative to Austin and Philadelphia Building on success in Orlando and Cincinnati, the program will work with local stakeholders to help make their recycling and waste management efforts more sustainable WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation today announced that Austin, Texas, and Philadelphia will join its multi-stakeholder initiative, Beyond 34: Scaling Circularity for a Sustainable Economy. Exacerbated by the COVID-induced labor shortages, supply chain disruptions and shifting consumer patterns, America’s waste collection systems continue to face major challenges, with the U.S. recycling rate hovering in the mid-30% range in recent decades. To help address these issues, Beyond 34 provides a model for high-impact waste solutions that can be scaled for implementation in regions across the country. “For five years, the Beyond 34 initiative has helped communities improve their local recycling, reuse, and recovery rates, and provided a collaborative platform for the business community to lead in developing solutions that advance the circular economy in the U.S.,” said Marc DeCourcey, senior vice president of the U.S. Chamber Foundation. “We welcome Austin and Philadelphia as the newest cities to join our movement and look forward to seeing the progress they achieve.” Initially running in Orlando, Fla., and Cincinnati, Ohio, Beyond 34 helps communities and businesses build sustainable local economies through the application of a three-phased model: engage stakeholders across the waste management value chain; conduct analysis to identify areas of greatest impact; and empower communities to implement solutions. Austin and Philadelphia were chosen because of their commitment to making their cities more sustainable and the opportunity that exists for significant economic and environmental impact through circular solutions. As one of the fastest growing cities in America, Austin is prioritizing sustainability as a path to prosperity. The city is working toward its goal of reducing the amount of trash sent to landfills by 90% by 2040 and has a number of programs that help residents grow the local circular economy. For example, Austin engaged zero waste “block leaders” to educate neighbors on recycling and composting, the plastics recycling system, and more. “We know our ambitious goals for a circular economy here in Austin can’t be reached alone. We need the support of our nonprofit partners, businesses who share our values, and other cities that can pass along their own wisdom – we’re all ears and we want to learn,” said Steve Adler, mayor of Austin. “That’s why we jumped at the chance to be a part of the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s exciting work in the Beyond 34 initiative.” Philadelphia is committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, and is working toward a goal to become 90% zero waste and litter-free by 2035. Philadelphia is also a leading smart city, utilizing data through its SmartCityPHL program to help the city become more efficient and improve quality of life for its residents. “We are working diligently to make ‘smart city’ an overarching planning paradigm in Philadelphia, much like the term ‘sustainability’ has become,” said Mark Wheeler, chief information officer at the City of Philadelphia. “We need innovative tech, quality data, and partnerships—especially partnerships like the ones through the Beyond 34 initiative—to achieve a local circular economy that will provide equitable job opportunities, create resilient communities, and support global climate goals.” Through tools like Beyond 34’s Recycling and Recovery Resources Hub, cities across the country can learn from other regions that are addressing barriers and driving action toward waste elimination. Since its launch, The Coca-Cola Company, Coca-Cola Consolidated, Kroger Co., Dow, PLASTICS Industry Association, Procter and Gamble, Republic Services, Target, Walgreens Boots Alliance, and the Walmart Foundation have supported the Beyond 34 program, with Walmart.org and Walgreens funding the expansion to Austin and Philadelphia. “The Beyond 34 model provides important insights and resources to cities and regions around the country. The Walmart Foundation is proud to support the expansion of Beyond 34 to Austin and Philadelphia. Strong policy and public sector activities to reduce waste are critical supplements to private sector investments. Shifting to behaving and operating in a circular economy will require everyone to work strategically together – exactly the kind of systemic change we are working to enable at the Walmart Foundation,” said Chelsea Scantlan, sustainability program officer at Walmart.org. “We recognize that creating some waste is unavoidable. Beyond 34 is a perfect way to bring like-minded problem solvers together to deal with things like waste, recycling, and problematic plastics. By collaborating with members of the communities we serve and other businesses in those communities, we are certain that we can make an impact. By lending our support, we are not only doing our part, but hopefully inspiring others to do their part as well,” said John Kotlarczyk, senior director, waste reduction, Walgreens Boots Alliance. Those interested in bringing Beyond 34 to a new city or region should contact Peter Fadoul for instructions on how to apply. For more information on Beyond 34 and how it’s working to solve U.S. waste management issues, visit our website here. ARR Solicitations Update As of January 3, 2022 ZWAC Meeting January 12, 2022 Upcoming Solicitations Under Development (in alphabetical order): 1. GIS Software: RFP – The Contractor shall design and develop database(s) and a survey platform to collect, organize, warehouse, and protect the relevant City waste diversion ordinance data of the businesses, properties, and food permittees, building permittees, and construction and demolition permittees affected by City waste diversion ordinances. No existing contract. 2. Household Hazardous Waste and Recycling Collection Services: ILA – The City will provide household hazardous waste, recycling, and other collection services for Travis County households located outside the incorporated limits of the City. Solicitations Expected to be Posted Within the Next 90 Days: 1. Lead Abatement Services: IFB/CCO – The Contractor shall provide removal, encapsulation, and disposition of lead. No existing contract. 2. Solid Waste Industry Consulting Services: RFQS – The Consultants shall provide professional solid waste industry consulting services, including delivering industry knowledge, technical advice, and recommendations on solid waste industry marketing indexes and definitions on an as-needed basis. No existing contract. Published Solicitations: Solicitations in Evaluation or Negotiation: 1. Post-Disaster Debris Removal and Disposal Services: RFP 1500 SLW3011 – This solicitation was posted on March 29, 2021, and closed on May 13, 2021. Contractor to provide emergency debris removal and debris disposal services in accordance with Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) guidelines. No existing contract. (Awaiting final documents & signatures) 2. Violet Trash Bags: IFB 1500 SLW1060 – The Contractor shall provide purple- or violet-colored trash bags in support of the City’s Violet Bag Trash Collection Program. The program empowers people experiencing homelessness to maintain spaces around them by providing trash bags, disposal kiosks, and carts near known encampments which helps provide a safe environment for those persons experiencing homelessness to assist in keeping the city of Austin and its waterways clean. Definitions: CCO (Capital Contracting Office): Administers the procurement of professional and construction services. CO-OP (Cooperative Contract): A contract that has been competitively bid and issued by another government or purchasing alliance with the intention of sharing it with other governmental entities. ILA (Interlocal Agreement): A collaborative contract between local government entities (for example, ARR and a county, state, or school district) to provide more efficient and less costly services, where any payments are made from current revenues. IFB (Invitation for Bid): Formal bidding documents inviting suppliers to submit pricing for goods or services. RFI (Request for Information): Used to obtain industry input, feedback, or reactions from potential suppliers prior to issuing a solicitation. RFQ (Request for Quotation): Informal request to suppliers to provide quotes on specific goods or services. RFQS (Request for Qualifications): Formal solicitation is used when qualifications are the main criteria for professional services. RFP (Request for Proposals): Formal request for a supplier to provide a solution and cost estimate to a complex need. Page 1 of 1  d e s o p s D s n o T i i d e t r e v D s n o T Austin Resource Recovery Curbside Collection and Drop Off Center Operations LAST FISCAL YEAR CURRENT FISCAL YEAR FY 2020 FY 2021 Oct 2020 Nov 2020 Oct 2021 Nov 2021 FY21 YTD (Oct 20-Nov 20) FY22 YTD (Oct 21-Nov 21) 136,709 5,379 347 138,955 11,651 765 11,332 402 55 11,553 1,027 48 22,885 1,429 102 10,645 895 46 11,951 722 47 22,596 1,617 92 11,302 11,321 956 924 1,880 858 1,003 1,861 Description of Services Tons of curbside Trash Tons of Curbside Bulk Disposed HHW Operations Tons Disposed Estimated Tons of Curbside Recycling Residuals* Total Disposed Tons Collected Curbside and from Drop Off Center Operations 153,737 162,693 12,745 13,551 26,296 12,444 13,723 26,167 156,353 *Estimated tons of curbside recycling processed by vendors as residual - based on bi-annual sample route audit Tons of curbside recycling RRC Tons Recycled/Reused RRC Tons of Brush Collected HHW Operations Tons recycled/reused Tons of Drop Off Center Collections Recycled/Reused Tons of Curbside Yard Trimmings Tons of Curbside Bulk Recycled Tons of Curbside Brush Collected Tons of Curbside Textiles Collected Tons of Carts Recycled 52,122 1,218 1,722 247 3,060 48,105 127 3,323 25 193 51,709 1,323 563 222 1,784 56,481 323 8,339 42 163 Total Diverted Tons Collected Curbside and from Drop Off Center Operations Tons of Curbside Compost Collected** 106,955 118,841 38,711 53,455 4,315 95 68 16 168 3,359 11 506 3 0 8,362 2,731 4,313 135 27 18 146 4,809 34 413 3 17 9,735 4,008 8,628 230 95 34 314 8,168 45 919 6 17 18,098 6,738 3,934 123 4 17 131 3,034 12 579 2 18 7,710 3,034 4,084 147 4 15 148 3,827 18 550 3 18 8,648 3,827 8,019 270 8 32 280 6,861 30 1,129 5 36 16,359 6,861 113,014 50,000 **"Tons of Curbside Compost Collected" is included in the "Tons of Yard Trimmings Collected" Total Tons Collected Curbside and from Drop Off Center Operations 260,692 281,534 21,107 23,287 44,394 20,154 22,372 42,525 269,367 40.38% 41.96% 39.24% 41.52% 40.44% 37.94% 38.33% 38.14% 41.07% FY 2022 Goal 133,800 11,220 530 10,803 51,197 2,200 2,000 470 4,415 50,000 255 6,872 75 200 Estimated Percent of Curbside Collected Materials Diverted from Landfills by ARR Pounds of Trash collected per customer per pickup Pounds of Recycled materials collected per customer per pickup (every other week) Pounds of Yard Trimmings collected per customer per week Number of Trash and Recycling Customers 205,670 209,419 207,626 207,654 207,640 211,033 211,019 211,026 211,603 25.57 25.52 25.19 25.68 25.43 23.28 26.14 24.71 24.32 19.61 19.10 19.29 19.28 19.29 17.31 17.97 17.64 18.74 9.05 10.43 7.51 10.75 9.13 6.67 8.42 7.55 9.15 Number of Yard Trimmings/Organics Customers 204,506 208,209 206,433 206,464 206,449 209,790 209,775 209,783 210,128 Total tons of Dead Animals Collected from COA rights- of-way and the animal shelter 34 31 3 4 7 3 3 6 30 25,000 20,000 15,000 10,000 5,000 0 60% 55% 50% 45% 40% 35% 30% 25% 45.00% 40.00% 35.00% 30.00% 25.00% Austin Resource Recovery Curbside Collection and Drop Off Center Operations 21,107 23,287 20,154 22,372 8,362 9,735 8,648 Oct 2020 Nov 2020 Oct 2021 Nov 2021 Total Diverted Tons Collected Curbside and from Drop Off Center Operations Total Tons Collected Curbside and from Drop Off Center Operations Estimated Percent of Curbside Collected Materials Diverted from Landfills by ARR 7,710 0 0 39% 42% 40% 38% 38% 38% Oct 2020 Nov 2020 FY21 YTD (Oct 20-Nov 20) Oct 2021 Nov 2021 FY22 YTD (Oct 21-Nov 21) Reporting Status and Diversion Results for All Categories of Waste Generation Category of Waste Generation Residential Waste Diversion (city serviced accounts) Community Diversion Rate FY2017-18 Actual FY2018-19 Actual FY2019-20 Actual FY2020-21 Actual FY2021-22 Goal FY2021-22 Current 36.77% 37.47% 40.38% 41.96% 41.07% 38.14% * * * * * * *As prescribed in the Austin Resource Recovery Master Plan, the Department will conduct a detailed waste assessment study every five years to determine progress toward our Zero Waste goal. The first such study was published in 2015 and is titled Austin’s 2015 Community Diversion Study. The study focused on estimating diversion from both ARR-serviced properties and commercial properties. Commercial properties include retail businesses, food service establishments, professional offices, industrial properties, institutional facilities, government facilities, and multifamily properties five units and larger. According to Austin's 2015 Community Diversion Study, Residential Waste Diversion Rate (city serviced accounts) represents approximately 15% and the Community Diversion Rate (accounts serviced by private waste haulers) represents approximately 85% of the total citywide wastage. Residential Waste Diversion (city serviced accounts) 36.77% 37.47% 40.38% 41.96% 41.07% 38.14% FY2017-18 Actual FY2018-19 Actual FY2019-20 Actual FY2020-21 Actual FY2021-22 Goal FY2021-22 Current Category of Waste Generation Commercial Tons Landfilled** Commercial Tons Recycled** Commercial Organics Tons** CY 2018 CY 2019 CY 2020 1,079,312 402,292 80,906 1,401,619 470,786 102,215 1,359,207 435,875 81,436 ** Numbers reported here are compiled from self-reported data submitted by licensed private waste haulers via semi-annual tonnage reports required under Section 15-6-3 of the City Code on a calendar year basis and as such, ARR does not attest to the accuracy of these amounts. These numbers reflect data from 100-200 licensed haulers (number of haulers varies over time), and include haulers servicing dumpsters, roll-offs, construction and demolition debris, landscaping debris, and metal scrap. These numbers do not reflect all data sources included in Austin's 2015 Community Diversion Study.