REGULAR MEETING OF THE ZERO WASTE ADVISORY COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2025, AT 6:00 P.M. CITY HALL ROOM 1001 301 W 2ND ST. AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Zero Waste Advisory Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via 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 by telephone. To register to speak remotely, contact Gustavo Valle, 512-974-4350, Gustavo.Valle@austintexas.gov. CURRENT [BOARD MEMBERS OR COMMISSIONERS]: Gerry Acuna, Chair Ian Steyaert, Vice Chair Melissa Caudle Michael Drohan CALL TO ORDER Caitlin Griffith John L. Harris Ali Ishaq Iris Suddaby AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Seth Whaland Vacant Vacant 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 Regular meeting on November 12, 2025. ACTION ITEMS 2. Approve a recommendation to Council to authorize negotiation and execution of contracts for consulting services for Austin Resource Recovery with Baer Engineering & Environmental Consulting, Inc., Intera Inc., TRC Environmental Corporation d/b/a Trc, and Zara Environmental, LLC., for a term of five years in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000. Funding: $150,000 is available through the Operating Budget, and $50,000 is available through the Capital Budget of Austin Resource Recovery. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. 3. Approve a recommendation to Council to authorize a contract for Central Business District Collection Services for Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) with Texas Disposal Systems, Inc d/b/a Texas Disposal Systems, for an initial term of 3 years with up to two 1-year extension options in an amount not to exceed $20,000,000. Funding: $2,333,333 is available in the Operating Budget of Austin Resource Recovery. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. STAFF BRIEFINGS 4. 5. Staff briefing regarding Public Information and Marketing. Presentation by Paul Bestgen, Marketing Supervisor for the Public Information Office at Austin Resource Recovery. Staff briefing on the status of Austin Resource Recovery Operational and Administrative projects …
CITY OF AUSTIN RECOMMENDATION FOR COUNCIL ACTION CONTRACTOR: MULTIPLE COUNCIL DATE: February 26, 2026 SUBJECT: Authorize negotiation and execution of contracts for consulting services for Austin Resource Recovery with Baer Engineering & Environmental Consulting, Inc., Intera Inc., TRC Environmental Corporation d/b/a Trc, and Zara Environmental, LLC., for a term of five years in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000. Funding: $150,000 is available through the Operating Budget, and $50,000 is available through the Capital Budget of Austin Resource Recovery. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. LEAD DEPARTMENT: Austin Financial Services CLIENT DEPARTMENT: Austin Resource Recovery FISCAL NOTE: Funding in the amount of $150,000 is available through the Operating Budget, and funding in the amount of $50,000 is available through the Capital Budget of Austin Resource Recovery. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. PROCUREMENT: Austin Financial Services issued a Request for Proposals solicitation RFP 1500 MLJ3010REBID for these services. The solicitation was published on October 13, 2025, and closed on November 18, 2025. Of the 6 offers received, the proposals submitted by the recommended contractors represented best value to the city based on the solicitation’s evaluation criteria. A complete solicitation package, including a log of offers 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=143422 MBE/WBE: This solicitation was reviewed for subcontracting opportunities 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, the recommended contractors identified subcontracting opportunities. PRIOR COUNCIL ACTION: FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Direct questions regarding this Recommendation for Council Action to the Austin Financial Services – 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. BOARD AND COMMISSION ACTION: February 11, 2026 – To be reviewed by the Zero Waste Advisory Committee ADDITIONAL BACKUP INFORMATION (RCA BODY) These contracts will provide environmental consulting services to address known and unknown environmental concerns at City facilities, City-interested properties, and grant-eligible Austin Brownfields Revitalization Office (ABRO) projects. The city engages the services of environmental firms to perform analysis, design and support services associated with construction or improvement of City capital assets and community projects. These contracts …
CITY OF AUSTIN RECOMMENDATION FOR COUNCIL ACTION CONTRACTOR: TEXAS DISPOSAL SYSTEMS, INC D/B/A TEXAS DISPOSAL SYSTEMS COUNCIL DATE: 03/26/2026 SUBJECT: Authorize a contract for Central Business District Collection Services for Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) with Texas Disposal Systems, Inc d/b/a Texas Disposal Systems, for an initial term of 3 years with up to two 1-year extension options in an amount not to exceed $20,000,000. Funding: $2,333,333 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: Austin Financial Services CLIENT DEPARTMENT(S): Austin Resource Recovery FISCAL NOTE: Funding in the amount of $2,333,333 is available in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Operating Budget of Austin Resource Recovery. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. PURCHASING: Austin Financial Services issued an Invitation for Bids solicitation IFB 1500 RGW1030 for these services. The solicitation was published on October 13, 2025, and closed on December 02, 2025. Of the two offers received, the bid submitted by the recommended contractor was the lowest responsive bid received. 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=142394 MBE/WBE: This solicitation was reviewed for subcontracting opportunities 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 insufficient subcontracting opportunities and an insufficient number of certified M/WBEs; therefore, no subcontracting goals were established. PRIOR COUNCIL ACTION: FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Direct questions regarding this Recommendation for Council Action to Austin Financial Services – 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. BOARD AND COMMISSION ACTION: February 11, 2026 - To be reviewed by the Zero Waste Advisory Commission ADDITIONAL BACKUP INFORMATION (RCA BODY) The Austin City Council, under City Code section 15-16-4, requires that the City shall contract with a private collection company to provide solid waste services for the downtown contract service area. The contract will provide services which include daily collection, transporting, processing, and disposal of trash, recycling, compost, and daily litter cleanups within the Downtown Central Business District ("CBD") of Austin, Texas. This recommendation is in accordance with Local Government Code 271.905 and Resolution Number …
Public Information and Marketing Public Information and Marketing Division overview | Paul Bestgen, Marketing Supervisor Zero Waste Advisory Commission | February 2026 Public Information and Marketing Media relations and marketing Digital and creative services Community engagement Public Information and Marketing 2 Media relations and Marketing Media relations and marketing Press releases and media advisories Media interview requests and inquiry responses Customer messaging Marketing campaigns and paid advertising Special projects Industry information requests 4 Press releases in 2025 Holiday Tree Recycling | December 22 Circular Showcase | August 27 MoveOutATX | July 22 Cartons can now be recycled | June 2 Media advisories Electric collection vehicle and multifamily composting outreach b-roll and interview opportunity 5 Marketing campaigns Recycling contamination Battery and electronics recycling ads started in January Styrofoam and plastic bag recycling ads launch in March General recycling messaging Composting participation Launched campaign in February Encouraging curbside customers to compost more If it grows, it goes in your green cart 6 7 Marketing campaigns Multifamily composting Paid campaign runs January – February Posters in grocery stores near apartments/condos that have composting Geo-fenced digital ads reaching residents in those apartments 8 Marketing campaigns Bulk and brush collections Reminding customers that bulk and brush are now on- demand services A mailer is scheduled to be sent starting in April HHW collection Ongoing promotion of HHW collection A mailer is scheduled to be sent starting in April Ad campaign will launch in early summer 9 Marketing campaigns Holiday tree recycling Events at Zilker Park held on Dec. 28 and Jan. 3 950 cubic yards of trees (over 1,000 trees) 260 cubic yards of mulch 10 Internal marketing projects Zero Waste at City Facilities Employee training video Creating educational resources and messaging to employees Safety messaging (internal) Created reminder messaging for heat safety, cold weather safety and avoiding distracted driving 11 Digital and creative services Digital and creative services Graphic design Department website management and content creation Social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, NextDoor Austin Recycles App / ReCollect tools Austin Recycles newsletter Online forms for public use 13 Graphic design | Citywide rebrand Redesign all campaign and marketing materials …
To: Zero Waste Advisory Commission From: Richard McHale, Director, Austin Resource Recovery Date: February 11, 2026 Subject: Director’s Monthly Report to the Zero Waste Advisory Commission 2025 Austin Resource Recovery Customer Satisfaction Survey In partnership with Austin Energy, Austin Resource Recovery launched its Customer Satisfaction Survey in January 2026. The survey is intended to measure customer satisfaction with services provided by the department in the 2025 calendar year. ARR develops the survey content. Survey outreach is distributed in collaboration with Austin Energy in English and Spanish and conducted through phone calls and email. Results of the survey are typically available in late spring. ZWAC C&D Committee Meeting Austin Resource Recovery is supporting the ZWAC C&D Committee meeting on February 18 at 11:00 a.m. at Howson Branch Library. This meeting will convene to continue discussions with construction and demolition recycling stakeholders to discuss potential changes to the Construction and Demolition Recycling Ordinance. Recycling contamination campaign ARR launched a citywide recycling contamination campaign in January to remind Austinites that batteries and electronics can’t be recycled in their curbside carts or dumpsters. Styrofoam and plastic bag recycling messaging will follow in March. Austinites can go to austintexas.gov/recycling to learn how to recycle these items the right way. A mailer encouraging proper recycling will be sent to all curbside customers in March. Bus ads will also run in March for batteries and electronics, followed by plastic bags and Styrofoam in April. Multifamily composting campaign ARR launched a multifamily composting advertising campaign in January to remind residents that composting is now required in multifamily properties. The campaign includes posters in grocery stores near apartments and condos that have added composting. The advertising campaign runs through February. Composting participation campaign ARR launched a composting participation campaign in February to encourage curbside customers to in their green cart, including compost more. Messaging informs customers that if foil, to keep aluminum meat, dairy and seafood. Additional messaging also reminds customers Styrofoam, plastic and glass out of their green cart. The advertising campaign runs through March. it grows, it goes Furniture Reuse Warehouse Update After two years of searching for a suitable location for the Furniture Reuse Warehouse, ARR has identified a property and a Purchase and Sales Agreement was recently executed a Purchase and Sales Agreement with the property owner. The City is currently in the due diligence phase, and all standard due diligence items have been initiated, …
To: Zero Waste Advisory Commission From: Richard McHale, Director, Austin Resource Recovery Date: February 11, 2026 Subject: Director’s Monthly Report to the Zero Waste Advisory Commission 2025 Austin Resource Recovery Customer Satisfaction Survey In partnership with Austin Energy, Austin Resource Recovery launched its Customer Satisfaction Survey in January 2026. The survey is intended to measure customer satisfaction with services provided by the department in the 2025 calendar year. ARR develops the survey content. Survey outreach is distributed in collaboration with Austin Energy in English and Spanish and conducted through phone calls and email. Results of the survey are typically available in late spring. ZWAC C&D Committee Meeting Austin Resource Recovery is supporting the ZWAC C&D Committee meeting on February 18 at 11:00 a.m. at Howson Branch Library. This meeting will convene to continue discussions with construction and demolition recycling stakeholders to discuss potential changes to the Construction and Demolition Recycling Ordinance. Recycling contamination campaign ARR launched a citywide recycling contamination campaign in January to remind Austinites that batteries and electronics can’t be recycled in their curbside carts or dumpsters. Styrofoam and plastic bag recycling messaging will follow in March. Austinites can go to austintexas.gov/recycling to learn how to recycle these items the right way. A mailer encouraging proper recycling will be sent to all curbside customers in March. Bus ads will also run in March for batteries and electronics, followed by plastic bags and Styrofoam in April. Multifamily composting campaign ARR launched a multifamily composting advertising campaign in January to remind residents that composting is now required in multifamily properties. The campaign includes posters in grocery stores near apartments and condos that have added composting. The advertising campaign runs through February. Composting participation campaign ARR launched a composting participation campaign in February to encourage curbside customers to in their green cart, including compost more. Messaging informs customers that if foil, to keep aluminum meat, dairy and seafood. Additional messaging also reminds customers Styrofoam, plastic and glass out of their green cart. The advertising campaign runs through March. it grows, it goes Furniture Reuse Warehouse Update After two years of searching for a suitable location for the Furniture Reuse Warehouse, ARR has identified a property and a Purchase and Sales Agreement was recently executed a Purchase and Sales Agreement with the property owner. The City is currently in the due diligence phase, and all standard due diligence items have been initiated, …
