renews - issue 2

ReNewsVol. 1 Issue 2 AUSTIN RESOURCE RECOVERY NEWS

SUMMER 2012 | ReNews 2

MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR

Recently the media identified the most memorable news stories in TV history. Making the top 10 list were the unforget-

table images of the first moon landing in 1969. What happened 43 years ago that gave these Americans the opportunity to achieve this far-reaching scientific advancement? A visionary goal.

In 1961 President John F. Kennedy stated: “First, I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the earth.” This speech represented our nation’s commitment and intent to pursue what some deemed an unreachable goal and ultimate-ly led to those iconic moments when Neil Arm-strong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the moon.

“Intentionality is defined by acting deliberately and valuing the power of the mind.”

Continued on page 12

LOOKING FORWARD: FISCAL YEAR 2013 BRINGS NEW PROGRAMMING AND GROWTH

The end of the fiscal year is quickly approaching. As we look toward the future, it is important to recognize our

accomplishments. During Fiscal Year 2012, the City Council adopted our Department Master Plan, we implemented routing efficiencies to reduce miles on the road and we received high customer service ratings in a national comparison of similar cities. The next fiscal year will open the door to even greater opportunities.

On Aug. 22, 2012, I will present the Department’s Proposed Operating Budget to the City Council

for their consideration and approval. Key elements include:

Rate Changes: Austin Resource Recovery is seeking a rate structure change to support our efforts toward the Department’s Zero Waste mis-sion. Customers using smaller trash carts –64 gallons or smaller– will pay a 16 cent per gallon fee. Those using the largest trash cart– 96 gal-lons– will pay 25 cents per gallon. A $9.50 stan-dard bundled services fee (also known as the base rate) will apply to all curbside customers.


INTENTIONALITY


CONTENTS

Features

RECYCLED READS PROMOTES ZERO WASTE

The Strategic Initiatives Division volunteers time and learns about a green business.

HR CORNER

Kudos, staff changes, and upcoming classes.

GOT BULK?

Employees of the Diversion Facilities Division conducted two waste audits in June to guage waste composition.

UNIVERSAL RECYCLING ORDINANCE

Starting October 1, 2012 a new ordinance will be implemented that will affect large apartment complexes and businesses.

AUSTIN RESOURCE RECOVERY PARTNERS WITH KGSR TO REDUCE WASTE

Zero Waste Ambassadors help increase waste diversion at the summer concert series, Blues on the Green.

SAFETY MATTERS

Learn about safe driving tips and celebrate Austin Resource Recovery staff for Road-E-O accomplishments.

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

Austin Resource Recovery staff joined Austin city residents to celebrate Juneteenth.

GREEN TEAM HOSTING ICE CREAM SOCIAL

Join the Green Team at their upcoming ice cream social. Gain green tips and learn more about workplace recycling!

KIDS TO WORK DAY

The annual “Take Your Kids to Work Day” was a booming success as children of ARR employees were able to tour City facilities while having some fun.

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On the Cover: Volunteers sort through trash at Blues on the Green.


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AUSTIN RESOURCE RECOVERY PARTNERS WITH KGSR TO REDUCE WASTE

MARKETING UPDATE

For the past three years, Austin Resource Recovery has partnered with KGSR to provide recycling services at their annual

Blues on the Green Concert series. In 2011, ARR worked to increase diversion by incorporating composting at the summer series.

Now in its 22nd season, Blues on the Green at-tracts thousands of spectators every other Wednesday from May through August. As one would expect with an event of this scale, a significant amount of waste is generated at Blues on the Green.

To reduce the amount of waste that ends up in the landfill, our department, in conjunction with C3 Presents, coordinated recycling and composting services, as well as provided the volunteer staff to fuel these efforts.

These volunteers, who we proudly call Zero Waste Ambassadors, educate concert goers and direct them on how to properly dispose of their recyclables, compostables and trash. Each volunteer staffs a station, complete with a trash, recycling and composting bin.

Zero Waste Ambassador Holley Gaskill attended the majority of this summer’s concerts with hopes of doing whatever she could to keep recyclables and compostables out of the waste stream. “I’ve always been passionate about green practices,” Holley said. “It’s fulfilling to make a positive and measurable impact on the environment.”

Throughout the season, approximately 75 volunteers dedicated more than 300 hours to divert waste and play an important role in helping the City reach its Zero Waste goal.

Volunteer Holley Gaskill helps with composting at Blues on the Green on July 25.

June 7 audit


OPERATIONS SUPPORT

GOT BULK?By: Richard Avila

In June and July, Austin Resource Recovery conducted two audits to determine what ma-terials comprise a typical load of bulk waste.

The audits took place in different regions of our service area to help gauge the difference (if any) in the waste composition from the two routes.

The first audit took place on June 7th. Employees of the Diversion Facilities Division conducted an audit of bulk waste from households in the Quail Creek neighborhood. Austin Resource Recovery employees separated the contents of the roughly 11,000-pound load into six different waste streams, including: mattresses, carpets and other textiles, lumber and other wood, rigid plastics, trash, metals and electronics.

The June 7th audit revealed that the majority of resources (65 percent) collected by bulk routes in this area are wood and lumber. Mattresses/textiles and trash follow with roughly 18 percent and 9 percent respectively. Plastics comprised about 5 percent of the total weight. Metals and electronics each made up close to 1 percent of the total weight.

Employees who took part in the audit include: Donald Hardee, Richard McHale, Bert Brown, Darryl Roberts, Roy Cisneros, Richard Avila, Andy Dawson, Eric Harris, Marshall Cool, Bobby Baker and Leslie Dacic.

A second bulk material audit took place on Thursday, July 26th in the Great Hills neighborhood of Northwest Austin. Similar to the Quail Creek neighborhood, wood or lumber were the majority of the approximately 17,000-pound bulk load, comprising 81 percent. Mattresses and textiles followed with over 2,100 pounds. Plastics made up about 800 pounds (5 percent of the total load weight) while trash and metal each contributed 500 pounds.

As Austin Resource Recovery strives toward its goal of Zero Waste, studies like this provide useful tools that eventually give way to new, innovative ways of reusing and recycling materials discarded by Austin residents.

65%Wood and lumber

18%Mattresses

9%Textiles

5%Plastics

1%Metals & Electronics

77%Wood and lumber

13%Mattresses & textiles

4%Rigid Plastic

3%Trash

3%Metals

June 7 audit July 26 audit


OPERATIONS SUPPORT

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

Juneteenth celebrates the official end of slavery. Although President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation

effectively declared slaves free on Jan. 1, 1863, Texans were not aware that freedom had been declared until almost two and a half years later. On June 19, 1865, General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and issued General Order No. 3 – Emancipation. This became the beginning of Juneteenth in Texas.

From this point forward, informal Juneteenth celebrations were held across Texas. Many African-American communities purchased private land, known as “emancipation grounds,” to celebrate the festivities. Emancipation Park in East Austin is an example of such a location. The first official Juneteenth Celebration in Austin was held in 1930 at Rosewood Park.

At this year’s Juneteenth Celebration, Recycling Crew Leader Johnny Williams and Litter Control Operator Herman Dietrich drove an Austin Resource Recovery recycling truck in the parade. ARR also staffed an outreach and education booth at the festival, where both kids and adults enjoyed decorating reusable shopping bags with markers, stamps and stickers.

Austin Resource Recovery has been participating in Juneteenth festivities for several years and has enjoyed the opportunity to be a part of what has become an excellent family tradition for the Austin community.

By: Julia McCarthy


HR CORNER

STAFF CHANGES: MAY – JULY 2012New Hires

Dan Brown, Marketing InternRobert Baker, Environmental Program TechnicianLeland Barrow, Service WriterTony Bolden, Solid Waste OperatorLeslie Dacic, Administrative AssistantMarshall Cool, Environmental Program TechnicianRodolfo Reyes, Administrative AssistantAdrienne Dawes, Human Resources Assistant Julio Albiter, ARR AssociateCharlotte Huskey, Waste Diversion PlannerDonald Holmes, ARR AssociateRobert Jones, Contract AdministratorStephon Joiner, ARR AssociateBrian Kelly, ARR AssociatePerminder Klair, ARR AssociateArmando Martinez, ARR AssociateEndicott McCray, ARR AssociateCarlos Mendez, ARR AssociateLarry Middleton, ARR AssociateEmilio Narro, ARR AssociateIsaac Nash, ARR AssociateKenneth Perkins, ARR AssociateRudy Reyna, ARR AssociatePeter Rodriguez, Solid Waste OperatorRobert Sanchez, ARR AssociateJeffrey Sauls, ARR AssociateNickolas Sykes, ARR AssociateRandall Taylor, ARR AssociateRobert Torres, ARR AssociateChristopher White, ARR Associate

Temp to Reg

Jason Alvarez, Solid Waste OperatorAntowain Hubert, Solid Waste Operator

Promotions

Richard Angelo, Solid Waste Operator SpecialistVincent Cordova, Program SpecialistTerrance Carr, Solid Waste Operator SpecialistGregory Jones, Solid Waste Operator SpecialistSylba Everett, Waste Diversion Planner Sr.

Retirees

Ricky Aldridge, Solid Waste Operator Specialist

Injured on the Job?

Need to Discuss a Medical Issue?

Have Questions about FMLA?

Maggie Perales can help.

Contact Maggie Perales in Human Resources with any questions or concerns regarding Workers Compensation, medical issues or Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

(512) 974-1946

[email protected]

Office Location: RLC 2nd Floor – HR


KUDOS

HR CORNER

Claude Moore and his crew shoveled and swept up debris in front of a resident’s address without being prompted. This is certainly going above and beyond!

Vidal Maldonado, Dennis Roberts and Chris Farr were recently interviewed by two local media outlets about ARR’s Dead Animal Collection Program. Both stories highlighted our Zero Waste initiative and the hard work ARR employees do every day to help us achieve our goals. Kudos for helping KUT Radio and KVUE-TV tell our story!

Scott Johnson was recognized by a HHW customer for his outstanding customer service

skills while assisting the customer with paint needed for a public art project. The customer sent an e-mail complimenting Scott’s service and included pictures of the project as well.

Kudos to Training Instructor Sharlene Daniels, who served as proctor for the Austin Fire Department in July.

Kudos to Annette Moreno for successfully plan-ning and executing a move for a portion of ARR staff at the RLC Campus. CTM commented that this was the “smoothest move they had ever seen.” Annette showed superior organization and communication skills. We all appreciated her hard work during the transition. Thanks, Annette!

EIA DRIVER OF THE YEARBy: Roy Rivers

Each year at WasteExpo, the Environmental Industry Association (EIA) recognizes a select list of drivers who have the best

safety record in the solid waste industry. This year, the EIA chose Jerry Williams as a finalist. Jerry has been employed with the City of Austin since 1998 and has proven to be an excellent member of the team.

The criteria to be considered for this award are:

• Number of years of experience driving a refuse vehicle

• Department of Public Safety Driving Record (>3 year record)

• Austin Resource Recovery Driving Record (Commercial Motor Vehicle on-the-job recorded violations and collisions)

• Completion of Defensive Driver and Professional Truck Driver Classes

• Driver-specific training (e.g. Commercial Driver’s License Review/Coaching the Refuse Driver)

• Driving Conditions (e.g. Average miles driven per week, day/night hours, population, residential/commercial)

This competition is a great way to recognize the best and safest drivers in America.


HR CORNER

UPCOMING CLASSESBy: Ourana Cacho

Healthy Cooking Series Coming to RLCWant to learn more about nutrition and healthy cooking on a budget? Interested in taking a class where the instructor teaches you well-balanced recipes step-by-step? If so, the Healthy Cooking Series is for you! The Sustainable Foods Center (SFC) will conduct a six-week healthy cooking series that highlights cooking tips and recipes. Called The Happy Kitchen/La Cocina Alegre™, this nationally recognized cooking and nutrition education program is designed to aid individuals and institutions in making lasting dietary and behavioral changes. Not only will you gain confidence in the kitchen from the nine hours of class time, you will receive five bags of groceries and a Happy Kitchen Cookbook. Registration is open for City of Austin employees only. Be sure to invite your co-workers to register too!

Thursdays, September 13 - October 185:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.Rutherford Lane Campus, 1520 Rutherford Ln., Bldg. 1, Cafeteria$145 per person (check or credit card accepted)

Registration: http://www.sustainablefoodcenter.org/happy-kitchen/upcomingclasses

Sept. 1 is the last day to register for this class.

Mental Health Matters: An Important Community Wellness TopicThis September, The University of Texas Hogg Foundation for Mental Health and Austin/Travis County HHSD will be presenting “Mental Health Matters: An Important Community Wellness Topic to City of Austin Employees.” The presentation will address mental health facts and myths,

mental health in the workplace, symptoms of stress, mental health resources, and more. You are welcomed to bring your lunch and stick around afterwards to meet and speak with the presenters.

Mental Health affects everyone and refers to how one thinks, feels and behaves. It is influenced by biological, psychological and environmental health and must be monitored, treated (when necessary) and nurtured.

Register in TRAIN to receive credit!

Wednesday, September 12, 201211:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.Rutherford Lane Campus, 1520 Rutherford Ln., Bldg. 1, CafeteriaFree!

Free Cooking Workshop at KGSC!In October, the Sustainable Foods Center’s (SFC) The Happy Kitchen/La Cocina Alegre™ will provide a cooking demo, healthy cooking tips and handouts you can share with your family and friends! There will also be samples of the dish for you to try!

Wednesday, October 17, 20121 p.m. - 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.KGSC, 4108 Todd LaneFree!No registration is required.


SAFETY MATTERS

SAFE DRIVING TIPSBy: Ellen Jensen

Summer is over, school is back in session and teenagers are once again driving to school on a daily basis. Approximately 15

teens are killed each day in the United States as a result of automobile-related accidents. Experience plays a large role in many accidents, but you can take the following precautions to reduce your risk of being involved in an accident.

• Always wear your seat belt. This greatly increases your chance of surviving an accident and reduces the chance of you being seriously injured.

• Be aware and drive defensively. Drowsy drivers perform as poorly as intoxicated drivers. Statistics show most fatalities are the result of failing to yield the right of way, passing a stop sign or disregarding a signal. Don’t drive while using cell phones and avoid other distractions.

• Adjust speed for the conditions. Drive with an eye on the traffic and road conditions. Always slow down when visibility is impaired, or when in rain, snow or ice. Maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and those around you.

• Anticipate difficult situations. Constantly look around you to identify and avoid problems. Be ready to react. If an accident appears imminent, take control and choose the action that appears least damaging.

• Know your vehicle’s capabilities. Vehicles with higher centers of gravity must be driven slower around corners and on highway ramps.

• Maintain a safe environment. Windows and headlamps should be clean. Set mirrors for maximum vision. Secure loose items. Drive with hands ready to react.

• Stay sober. Up to 200 decisions are made for every mile you drive. These decisions require good judgment, coordination, quick responses and good vision, which are impaired with alcohol.

• Keep driving lanes clear. Stay out of the far-left lane and yield the right for any vehicle that wants to pass. If you are driving slowly and blocking traffic, pull over so others can pass.

• Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. Dozens of deadly traffic altercations begin when a driver tailgates another.

• Signal your intentions. Watch ahead and ensure you don’t cut off another vehicle when changing lanes. Don’t forget to turn off your signal.

• Merge and yield as needed. Move over to allow vehicles to enter from the on-ramps. Yield on service roads to traffic exiting the highway.

Following these tips is the start to being a safe and conscientious driver. Whether you are a professional driver or an adult or teen driver it is important to be mindful of these practices and make safe decisions whenever possible.


SAFETY MATTERS

ARR WINS AT STATE ROAD-E-OBy: Ellen Jensen

Every year our most skilled drivers wait in anticipation for the TxSWANA Road-E-O. Who can blame them? The premier event

showcases their truck driving skills, and winning drivers earn the opportunity to represent Texas at the International Road-E-O. The annual Road-E-O fosters a spirit of competition and goodwill, while also promoting professionalism and safety among participants. In addition, it affords our employees the chance to network with their peers across the state and share Road-E-O fun with their families.

This past June, Chris Gonzales won the “Top Gun” award at the TXSWANA Road-E-O in Denton, Texas, scoring the highest num-ber of points of all truck driving contestants. He won the Transfer Trailer category and qualified for the International SWANA Road-E-O,

which will take place in Lexington, KY., on Sept. 15 and 16. We wish Mr. Gonzales well in the inter-national competition!

Congratulations to Aaron Green, who placed third in the Transfer Trailer category.

Other ARR employees competing at the Road-E-O were Mike Carnline, Jesse Sanchez and Gerald Watson in the Rear Loading Truck category; Chris Guerrero, Louis Rodriguez and

Jacob Cervantes in the Side Loading Truck category; and Bobby Brown in the Transfer Trailer category. Steven Dixon participated as a judge.

Chris Gonzalez (pictured above) accepts award for “Top Gun” and first in the Transfer Trailer category.

Aaron Green (pictured above) accepts award for third in the Transfer Trailer category.


Continued from page 2

This American story is a classic example of “in-tentionality,” Intentionality is defined by acting deliberately and valuing the power of the mind. When an intention is identified, steps may be taken to achieve that visionary goal. This goal may seem lofty, but the belief in the mission makes it attainable. We too have a visionary goal: Zero Waste. Much like sending a man to the moon, Zero Waste is a lofty goal that seems unreachable. But, goals are achieved by intention. We, the employees of Austin Resource Recovery, can achieve our Zero Waste goal by setting our in-tentions and implementing the programs in the Master Plan. Intentionality for us means commit-ting to our Zero Waste goal and ensuring that every step we take and every program we imple-ment is done with the intent of achieving Zero Waste.

The new programs we plan to implement in the coming year include:

• Council adoption of amendments to the Uni-versal Recycling Ordinance

• Implementation of recycling in public areas• Implementation of a Storm Debris Manage-

ment Plan • Routing efficiencies to reduce carbon foot-

print• Initiation of new recycling contracts• Development of reuse and recycling drop-off

centers• Development of compost classification labels• Deployment of curbside organics pilot program

• Pilot a mattress collection program• Implement a landfill gas-to-energy project• Develop the Eco-Industrial Park at the FM812

landfill• Continue to provide excellent customer service.

Our Department’s vision is “To be the national Zero Waste leader in the transformation from traditional integrated waste collection to sustain-able resource recovery.” Be a part of this vision – by your intent.

Bob Gedert, Director

Talk with the Director

Director Gedert wants to hear from you. He’s available to chat with any ARR employee at the following times:

Pay Day Fridays• 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. - KGSC Auditorium• 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. - Director’s Office,

Rutherford Lane Campus

Stop by with questions or comments. No appointment is needed.

MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR CONTINUED

INTENTIONALITY


MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR CONTINUED

Continued from page 2

Trash Cart Size Monthly Rates

24-gallon $13.35

32-gallon $14.60

64-gallon $19.75

96-gallon $33.50

New Positions: I am requesting 10 new positions for Fiscal Year 2013. These positions will be focused on implementing programs identified in the Master Plan, improving customer service and supporting our operations.

Proposed Pay Increases: The City Manager has proposed recommendations to the City Council to issue a 3% across-the-board increase to base pay in October 12, 2012 paychecks for employees who meet the following requirements:

• Are in a regular position, hired on or before April 1, 2012

• If in a temporary position, hired on or before April 1, 2012 and converted to a regular status prior to Sept. 30, 2012

• Are not covered by contract negotiations or appointed by Council.

Salary ranges will be adjusted by the same amount as the pay increase. The increase to the base pay will not exceed the maximum for the pay range.

LOOKING FORWARD: FISCAL YEAR 2013 BRINGS NEW PROGRAMMING AND GROWTH

Service Incentive Pay (SIP): SIP will be issued within the Dec. 7, 2012 paychecks to regular, non-civil service employees with five or more years of continuous service as of Dec. 1, 2012.

• Up to $500 for five and up to seven years of continuous service

• Up to $1,000 for seven and up to 15 years of continuous service

• Up to $1,500 for 15 years or more of continuous service

Bob Gedert, Director


FEATURE STORY

RECYCLED READS PROMOTES ZERO WASTE AND HELPS KEEP AUSTIN GREEN

In mid-July, the Strategic Initiatives team volunteered at one of Austin’s Zero Waste gems, Recycled Reads. Staff shelved books,

sorted donations and learned a bit about what it means to be a “green” business.

Recycled Reads gives books and audio visual materials, otherwise destined for the landfill, a second life by offering them for sale at prices well below their retail value. For example, hardback books are $2, paperback books are $1, and children’s books are around $0.50. On average, the store receives 10-12 tons of book and audiovisual donations per month from both the Austin Public Library and the general public – all of which is recycled or reused. Recycled Reads Manager Mindy Reed is extremely proud of this program, and says that staff members consider themselves “trailblazers” in the effort to help achieve Zero Waste. “This program is unlike any other in the country,” Mindy said. “We are happy to help Austin become one of the greenest cities in America.”

If an item can’t be sold, Recycled Reads donate them to third party recyclers that fund and support literacy programs. Books that are unusable as reading material are responsibly recycled or are crafted into unique pieces of recycled book art.

Based on monthly statistics, Recycled Reads kept approximately 435 cubic yards of material out of COA landfills during Fiscal Year 2011. This is the equivalent to annual emission reduction of: 73 cars, 41,700 gallons of gasoline, 865 barrels of oil, 15,500 propane cylinders and the electricity use of 46 homes.

Recycled Reads is run primarily by volunteers. For information about volunteering (512) 974-7443. Have books or audio visual materials to donate? Drop by Recycled Reads during open hours, or by appointment.

Recycled Reads5335 Burnet RoadAustin, TX 78756(512) 323-5123www.recycledreads.org

Marketing intern Dan Brown categorizes recycled books to be shelved.

Gena McKinley prepares books to be placed on the sales floor.


FEATURE STORY

THE GREEN TEAM HOSTS ICE CREAM SOCIAL, HELPS PROMOTE OFFICE RECYCLINGBy: Angie Baker

Austin Resource Recovery’s Green Team is hosting a snow cone and ice cream social this coming September. Green Team

members will be stationed at each ARR facility location on varying days (TBD) to provide employees with free snow cones, ice cream, games and a few tips on how to recycle right at work!

The Green Team is an internal grassroots group that strives to educate ARR employees on correct recycling procedures. The team’s goal is to make a difference, not only in the workplace,

but also at home. “Being on the Green Team is a fun way to help the department reach its goal to decrease waste and increase recycling,” Green Team member Victoria Sanchez said.

The Green Team will be seeking new members in the upcoming fiscal year. If you are interested in serving on this team please contact Shirley Gillespie (974-4306) or Angie Baker (974-4334) for more information.

Please stay tuned for the dates of the social to be announced!

Green team members: Top row, from left to right: Jermain Defreeze, Lynn Wolfe, Shirley Gillespie, Debbie Kelton, Conley Leloux. Bottom row, from left to right: Victoria Sanchez, Woody Raine, Angie Baker. Not pictured: Aiden Cohen, Andy Dawson, Jessica Edwards, Sylba Everett and Vidal Maldonado


FEATURED STORY

UNIVERSAL RECYCLING ORDINANCE TO REQUIRE ALL CITY PROPERTIES TO RECYCLE BY 2016

In order to reach our Zero Waste goals, we all need to do our part to recycle in Austin – especially at large apartment complexes and

businesses.

Starting October 1, 2012, the Universal Recycling Ordinance will require properties to provide recycling of paper, cardboard, aluminum, glass, and plastics #1 and #2. The ordinance will also require convenient access to well-labeled recycling bins, including bilingual signs that il-lustrate proper recycling methods. Properties will be phased in over time. (See table below) By 2016, all properties will be required to provide recycling services to their tenants and customers.

ARR Business Outreach staff will be responsible for ensuring compliance and providing education and outreach efforts to businesses. If a property refuses to make good faith efforts to establish a recycling program, the ordinance will be enforced by Code Compliance and can result in significant fines and citations. City properties are not exempt; like all other commercial properties, the City of Austin and Austin Resource Recovery must meet the ordinance’s requirements.

“The City of Austin is dedicated to leading by example and implementing all aspects of the Universal Recycling Ordinance at its facilities,” Program Manager Aiden Cohen said. “We believe this ordinance will help us move our city toward our Zero Waste goals.”

The City is also developing amendments to the ordinance that will expand the list of affected properties in future years. These amendments will include retailers, grocery stores, restaurants, hotels and motels, as well as industrial facilities. In addition, compostable materials such as food scraps may be added to the ordinance in the near future.

Learn more about the Universal Recycling Ordi-nance at austintexas.gov/commercialrecycling

By: Dan Brown

ATTENTION PROPERTY OWNERS AND MANAGERS IN AUSTIN:

New Recycling Requirements Begin Oct. 1, 2012

In the next four years, the Universal Recycling Ordinance will require all Austin properties to recycle.

www.austintexas.gov/commercialrecycling

Multifamily residential properties with 75 units or more

Commercial office buildings 100,000 square feet or larger

OFFICE PAPER PLASTICS #1 & #2 CARDBOARD ALUMINUM GLASS

These properties must provide recycling of all 5 materials:

Affected properties include:

75 units+

100,000 sq. ft.+

Effective Date: October 1

Affected Properties

Multifamily (dwelling units)

Commercial Offices (sq. ft. of floor area)

2012 > 75 > 100,000

2013 > 50 > 75,000

2014 > 25 > 50,000

2015 > 25,000


FEATURED STORY

ANNUAL TAKE YOUR KIDS TO WORK DAYBy: Adrienne Dawes

On June 22, Austin Resource Recovery hosted a series of educational activities as part of the City’s annual “Take Your

Kids to Work Day” at the Kenneth Gardner Service Center. Participants observed an automated truck demo by Mike Carnline, took a tour of the HHW facility with Dawn Whipple, received a safety demonstration from Debbie Kelton and made balloon animals with Hannah Hammack.

Special thanks to the following employees for helping with the event:

Debbie KeltonBobby BrownMike CarnlineTerrance CarrTrena CarterSharlene Daniels

Andy DawsonAaron GreenHannah HammackDonald Hardee Greg Jones Dawn Whipple


CURRENT ADS RUNNING

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Rethink�waste.�Reuse�a�bag.�Reduce�litter.

In March 2013, businesses will be required to provide customers with a choice at checkout:

Plastic bags (at least 4 millimeters thick) with handles Paper bags with handles Reusable bags available at the store

Or, you can bring your own bag!

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3

You still have a choice at checkout.Get the facts at www.austintexas.gov/bags

TAKE THE HOME COMPOSTING REBATE CHALLENGE!

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1

2

3

Downsize to a 32-gallon or 21-gallon trash cart

Take a free home composting class online at austintexas.gov/composting

Purchase a home composting system

Save 75% on a Composting System*

Funding is limited. Apply now for your rebate at austintexas.gov/composting.

*Must be an Austin Resource Recovery residential collection customer. Rebates are for 75 percent of the total cost of the composting system (taxes excluded), up to $75 in value. Funding is limited, apply today. A CITY OF AUSTIN SERVICE

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5 FEET?

How Do YOU

HOWEVER YOU MEASURE IT, MAKE IT 5 FEET

How do you measure it? Show us how at facebook.com/austinrecycles

5 FEET

renews - issue 2

Documents

fiscal year

waste diversion

green tips

austin city residents

waste audits

city council

city facilities

staff changes