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 …
City of Austin Recommendation for Action File #: 25-1500, Agenda Item #: 17. 8/28/2025(cid:4) Posting Language Authorize contracts for compost processing services for Austin Resource Recovery with Employee Owned Nursery Enterprises Ltd. d/b/a Organics By Gosh, and Texas Disposal Systems Landfill, Inc. d/b/a Texas Disposal Systems Inc., for an initial term of three years with up to two one-year extension options in an amount not to exceed $10,000,000 divided among the contractors. Funding: $333,333 is available in the Operating Budget of Austin Resource Recovery, funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. Lead Department Financial Services Department. Client Department(s) Austin Resource Recovery. Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $333,333 is available in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operating Budget of Austin Resource Recovery, funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued an Invitation for Bids solicitation (IFB) 1500 RGW1023REBID for these services. The solicitation was issued on May 19, 2025, and closed on June 12, 2025. Of the two offers received, the recommended contractors submitted the lowest responsive offers. A complete solicitation package, including a tabulation of the bids received, is available for viewing on the City’s website. This information can currently be found at https://financeonline.austintexas.gov/afo/account_services/solicitation/solicitation_details.cfm?sid=142753. MBE/WBE: This contract will be awarded in accordance with City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women- Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). For the services required for this solicitation, there were no subcontracting opportunities; therefore, no subcontracting goals were established. However, one of the recommended contractors identified subcontracting opportunities. For More Information: Direct questions regarding this Recommendation for Council Action to the Financial Services Department - Central Procurement at: FSDCentralProcurementRCAs@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2500. Respondents to the solicitation and their Agents should direct all questions to the Authorized Contact Person identified in the solicitation. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: To be reviewed by the Zero Waste Advisory Commission. City of Austin Page 1 of 2 Printed on 8/8/2025 powered by Legistar™ (cid:5) (cid:6) File #: 25-1500, Agenda Item #: 17. 8/28/2025(cid:4) Additional Backup Information: The purpose of these contracts are to support the City’s Zero Waste initiatives by providing compost processing services, including 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. …
RCA Cover Sheet for ZWAC ORGANICS PROCESSING SERVICES PROGRAM SOLICITATION # (IFB 1500 RGW1023REBID) ZWAC: 08/13/2025 Council: 08/28/2025 OVERVIEW 1. Requested Contract Term, Authorization, and Current Budget Length of contract and total authorization: Authorize contracts for compost processing services for Austin Resource Recovery with Employee Owned Nursery Enterprises Ltd. d/b/a Organics By Gosh, and Texas Disposal Systems Landfill, Inc. d/b/a Texas Disposal Systems Inc., for an initial term of three years with up to two one-year extension options in an amount not to exceed $10,000,000 divided among the contractors. ARR current fiscal year budget: Funding: $333,333 is available in the Operating Budget of Austin Resource Recovery, funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. 2. Solicitation Information Solicitation No: IFB 1500 RGW1023REBID # of bids received: 2 # of non-responsive bids received: 0 Length of time solicitation was out on the street: 5 weeks Was the time extended? NO Issued date: 05/19/2025 Closed date: 06/23/2025 Major Scope Change(s): Scope changes include adding a preference for vendor to have two processing facilities and to accept more materials such as cotton balls and dryer lint. 3. Previous Contract Information Previous contract: Organics Processing Services Program Contract number: NA200000006 Contract length and authorization: Three years with two 1-year extensions Contract actual spend: $5,013,902.98(as of August 2025) Current status: Active Contract execution date: 10/24/2019 Contract expiration date: 10/1/2025 RCA Cover Sheet for ZWAC 4. Notes/Other The purpose of these contracts are to support the City’s Zero Waste initiatives by providing compost processing services, including 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. The Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) Department’s Comprehensive Plan serves as a guide for the City to achieve its Zero Waste goal of reducing the amount of trash sent to landfills by 90% by the year 2040. Zero Waste is a shift from traditional waste management to materials management, where trash is what remains once we reduce, reuse, recycle, and compost. The compost program is expected to expand from 40,846 tons collected in FY24 towards a potential of up to 60,000 tons of compost materials delivered annually. City vehicles will collect and deliver approximately 50-loads daily from current ARR residential and commercial customers with ARR carts (e.g., small businesses, food permitted …
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 …
ZERO WASTE ADVISORY COMMISSION CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION REFORM COMMITTEE Monday June 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; August 25th, 2021 STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing: Overview of C&D Qualified Processor Requirements and enforcement update DISCUSSION 3. Discussion: Meeting schedule for 2025 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 call Cahill Ordones at 512-978-1370 Austin Resource Recovery, or email cahill.ordones@austintexas.gov, 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.
Construction & Demolition Recycling Ordinance Qualified Processors Background • C&D made up 23% of waste disposed in Texas MSW landfills in 2023 (TCEQ, 2023). • In 2009, the City of Austin adopted the Zero Waste Strategic Plan. • City-wide Zero Waste goal to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill by 90% by 2040. • Austin Energy Green Building (AEGB) • Developed first rating system in the U.S. for evaluating sustainability of buildings in 1991. • Set diversion requirements for construction projects many years before the C&D Recycling Ordinance. Requirements Affected projects: 1. Beginning October 1, 2016, construction projects that exceed 5,000 square feet of new, added, or remodeled floor area; and 2. Beginning October 1, 2019, commercial and multifamily projects that require a demolition permit [§ 25-11-39(C)]. Project requirements: 1. May not dispose more than 2.5 pounds of materials per square foot of the project OR Shall divert a minimum of 50 percent of materials generated by the project for beneficial use [§ 15-6-150(B)]. 2. Requirements cont. A permittee shall provide the department a report at the same time it requests final inspections [§ 15-6-153(A)]. A report must include: 1. The quantity of materials delivered directly to a disposal facility (landfilled); and 2. The quantity delivered to a processor or end-user and diverted for beneficial use [§ 15-6-153(B)]. Metrics Year of Final Inspection 2025 292 40% 34% Affected Projects Submission Rate Compliance Rate 2024 708 68% 59% Affected Projects Submission Rate Compliance Rate 2023 752 81% 72% Affected Projects Submission Rate Compliance Rate As of May 20th, 2025. Compliance Efforts • Ordinance acknowledgment in permit applications • Notifications • Letters • Automated emails • C&D marketing campaign (June-August) • Billboards • Radio • Bus ads • Print ads • Digital ads Enforcement • Since 2023, we have initiated ~500 C&D compliance cases • Voluntary Compliance • Most effective use of staff resources and for attaining compliance • 60% of cases voluntarily submitted a diversion report • Non-compliance • A permittee that fails to meet requirements commits a Class C misdemeanor [§ 15-6-170] Qualified Processors (QPs) Purpose: • Provide a neutral, 3rd party to certify diversion • Decrease paperwork for general contractors QPs have a validated average diversion rate (ADR) that can be applied to the materials they process. i.e., Materials diverted by QP = tons delivered x ADR A permittee may deliver materials to a qualified processor to …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE ZERO WASTE ADVISORY COMMISSION MAY 14, 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 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 April 09, 2025. ACTION ITEMS 2. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair of the Zero Waste Advisory Commission. 3. Approve appointment of two members and one chair for the Construction & Demolition Reform Committee for the 2025 calendar year. STAFF BRIEFINGS 4. Staff briefing regarding the Austin Resource Recovery FY26-30 Forecast Presentation, by Victoria Rieger, Finance Manager of Austin Resource Recovery. 5. 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 or via email Gustavo.Valle@AustinTexas.gov or Karina Camara at Karina.Camara@AustinTexas.gov at (512) 978-0751.
To: From: Date: Zero Waste Advisory Commission Richard McHale, Director, Austin Resource Recovery May 14, 2025 Subject: Director’s Monthly Report to the Zero Waste Advisory Commission 2025 Annual TXSWANA Conference Austin hosted a well-attended 2025 Annual TxSWANA Conference last month, April 20-23rd. The conference included solid waste education and trade in Texas with opportunities to explore the latest in equipment, waste management trends, and regulatory updates. As the host City, the department coordinated opportunities to visit local facilities, including the Recycle and Reuse Drop Off Center and had several staff that presented, including the following sessions: • Disaster Debris Response & Cost Accounting (David McCluggage, Donald Hardee, Samuel Gilbert, Keri Greenwalt) • Talk Trust, Not Trash: The Importance of Community Engagement (Megan Oberdoerster, Lauren Hust) • Austin Resource Recovery ISO 9001:2015 Implementation Project (William Purcell, Marsha Cochran, Erika Phillips, Janet Goode-Gilbert) • Empowered Leaders, Resilient Teams: Driving Efficiency in a Growing City (Monica Allen) Austin Energy’s Electric Lawn Equipment Exchange On April 26, 2025, ARR participated in Austin Energy’s Electric Lawn Equipment Exchange at the Austin Public Health Facility at 2800 Webberville Road. Customers enrolled in the Customer Assistance Program (CAP) were invited to participate in the event. Customers were allowed to drop off their gas-powered string trimmers and blowers and receive a battery powered electric trimmer and/or electric blower in return. ARR’s role was to receive the gas-powered equipment with on-site staff and bring the equipment to the Recycle and Reuse Drop-Off Center (RRDOC) at 2514 Business Center Drive. From there it was packaged for recycling through current contracted vendors. In total, 66 units were exchanged. There have been preliminary conversations of another event later this year. ARR PARD Cleanup Initiatives Resolution No. 20240814-027 directed Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) to provide recommendations to the Mayor and City Council on how we can further prevent and abate litter in City parks. ARR began cleaning several PARD locations through March and April. The cleanups focused both on illegal dumping and homeless encampment removal. Cleanups were conducted in the Onion Creek Greenbelt (Brandt Rd), Walnut Creek-East (Old Manor Rd), Levander Loop, Govalle Park and Yaupon/Spicewood Springs. Crews removed a total of 360 tons of trash/debris. They also diverted 12 tons of material such as metals, tires and shopping carts from the locations. The importance of these cleanups keeps PARD land clean and trash from entering waterways. Below is a snapshot of the …
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 …
