sustainable solid waste solutions a comprehensive review of sykesvilles solid waste & recycling...

Sustainable Solid Waste Sustainable Solid Waste SolutionsSolutions

A Comprehensive Review of A Comprehensive Review of Sykesville’s Solid Waste & Sykesville’s Solid Waste &

Recycling Collection OperationsRecycling Collection Operations

Presented by: Brad R. Dyjak, Intern

In Collaboration with: Matthew Candland, Town Manager

Ronald Esworthy, Director of Public Works

““Sustainable Solid Waste Solutions!”Sustainable Solid Waste Solutions!”

MissionMission

““Sykesville’s Public Works Sykesville’s Public Works Department strives to collect Department strives to collect solid waste in an efficient and solid waste in an efficient and professional manner with the professional manner with the express aim to minimize the express aim to minimize the impact on the environment.”impact on the environment.”


GoalsGoals

1.1. Reduce the tonnage of solid waste Reduce the tonnage of solid waste produced by residentsproduced by residents

2.2. Increase amount of waste recycledIncrease amount of waste recycled

3.3. Promote cost equity for service providedPromote cost equity for service provided

4.4. Finance rapidly rising tipping fees in Finance rapidly rising tipping fees in more sustainable mannermore sustainable manner


MottoMotto

While Sykesville has made great While Sykesville has made great strides in bolstering its strides in bolstering its

recycling efforts, we need to do recycling efforts, we need to do more to… more to…

““REDUCE, REUSE & RECYCLE!”REDUCE, REUSE & RECYCLE!”


Reviewing instead of Reviewing instead of ReactingReacting

Therefore, it became necessary to Therefore, it became necessary to review the Town’s current plans review the Town’s current plans for dealing with municipal solid for dealing with municipal solid

waste (MSW) in order to be waste (MSW) in order to be

PROACTIVEPROACTIVE


Current SituationCurrent Situation

• In 2008, Carroll County will dispose of In 2008, Carroll County will dispose of 265,000 tons265,000 tons of MSW of MSW

• About About 64,000 tons64,000 tons will be recycled will be recycled

• 90% of MSW will be transported 190 90% of MSW will be transported 190 miles to a landfill in Virginiamiles to a landfill in Virginia

• Sykesville contributes Sykesville contributes 1,360 tons1,360 tons of of residential MSW p/yrresidential MSW p/yr



• County Landfill charges $61 for each ton of County Landfill charges $61 for each ton of trash dumpedtrash dumped

• Last year’s tipping fees cost the Town nearly Last year’s tipping fees cost the Town nearly $100,000$100,000

– $79,000 for Residential$79,000 for Residential

• Fuel costs were Fuel costs were $13,000$13,000

• Average household in Sykesville generates Average household in Sykesville generates 1.36 TONS1.36 TONS of waste p/yr of waste p/yr• This translates into approx 3 lbs p/person p/day This translates into approx 3 lbs p/person p/day



• Recycling Participation in Town is:Recycling Participation in Town is:70%70%

• Annual Tonnage of Residential MSWAnnual Tonnage of Residential MSW1,3601,360

• Annual Tonnage Recycled Annual Tonnage Recycled (in addition to (in addition to MSW)MSW)

379379

• Percentage of Materials Recycled:Percentage of Materials Recycled:21.78%21.78%


Overview of OperationsOverview of Operations

• Weekly collection of trashWeekly collection of trash

• Friday collection of recyclablesFriday collection of recyclables

• All trash loads taken to Northern All trash loads taken to Northern Landfill (acts as transfer station)Landfill (acts as transfer station)


Overview of BenefitsOverview of Benefits

• Waste Management is contracted by Waste Management is contracted by County to transport majority of waste County to transport majority of waste to Virginiato Virginia

• Recyclables transported to sorting Recyclables transported to sorting facility in Howard Countyfacility in Howard County

– NO Tipping FeeNO Tipping Fee incurred by Town incurred by Town

• As of last year, Single Stream Recycling As of last year, Single Stream Recycling – Allows for greater easeAllows for greater ease


Overview of OperationsOverview of Operations

• Town’s Solid Waste Collection operation Town’s Solid Waste Collection operation is entirely funded through property tax is entirely funded through property tax which goes into General Fund for which goes into General Fund for disbursal by Council each yeardisbursal by Council each year

• Most residents are unaware of the Most residents are unaware of the actual cost of collectionactual cost of collection

– Labor + Collection + TransportationLabor + Collection + Transportation– $238,500 p/y ($238,500 p/y ($208,000 strictly MSW$208,000 strictly MSW))


Solution ConsiderationsSolution Considerations

• Mandatory Recycling OrdinancesMandatory Recycling Ordinances

• Increasing types of recyclables acceptedIncreasing types of recyclables accepted

• Limiting amount of waste collectedLimiting amount of waste collected

• Restricting certain materials from collectionRestricting certain materials from collection

• Greater Educational Efforts on RecyclingGreater Educational Efforts on Recycling

• Connecting individuals to their impactConnecting individuals to their impact


Concept of Variable Rate Concept of Variable Rate CollectionCollection

• Over 7,000 communities nationwide have Over 7,000 communities nationwide have adopted a variable rate systemadopted a variable rate system

• "Economics, Environment, Equity!“"Economics, Environment, Equity!“

• Structure whereby residents take Structure whereby residents take responsibility for their wasteresponsibility for their waste

• Creates a consciousness of residents' waste Creates a consciousness of residents' waste outputoutput

• A proven program endorsed by the EPA and A proven program endorsed by the EPA and various municipal organizationsvarious municipal organizations



• Aims to reduce waste generated, and Aims to reduce waste generated, and simultaneously increase recycling simultaneously increase recycling

• Residents use either bags, bins, or Residents use either bags, bins, or tags authorized by Town tags authorized by Town

• Purchased ahead of curbside pickupPurchased ahead of curbside pickup– Not subject to sales taxNot subject to sales tax



• Town responsible for procurement Town responsible for procurement of bags, bins, or tagsof bags, bins, or tags

• Distribution through Town House Distribution through Town House and various area merchantsand various area merchants

• Sticker attached by DPW Sticker attached by DPW personnel to any non-conforming personnel to any non-conforming bag or bin that is not collectedbag or bin that is not collected


Benefits of Variable Rate Benefits of Variable Rate CollectionCollection

• Significantly Reduces amount of Significantly Reduces amount of waste generated waste generated

– Creates financial incentive to Creates financial incentive to review waste habitsreview waste habits

– Direct correlation in increasing Direct correlation in increasing recycling ratesrecycling rates

• Rewards residents who produce Rewards residents who produce less waste and recycleless waste and recycle



• Residents will identify ways to Residents will identify ways to purchase recyclable materials or purchase recyclable materials or adaptively reuse itemsadaptively reuse items

• Decrease in MSW tonnage produced Decrease in MSW tonnage produced = Decrease in tipping fees incurred= Decrease in tipping fees incurred

• Equitable financing of service cost Equitable financing of service cost burdenburden



• Promotes environmentally Promotes environmentally sound policysound policy

– Less waste to pollute landfillsLess waste to pollute landfills

• Maintains competitive pricing Maintains competitive pricing with contracted private haulerswith contracted private haulers

– Still significantly lower cost than Still significantly lower cost than County residents payCounty residents pay


Cost Comparisons Cost Comparisons (p/y)(p/y)

Town vs. Carroll County Private Haulers Town vs. Carroll County Private Haulers (2007)(2007)

Allied Allied WasteWaste

Area Area Refuse Refuse ServiceService

Carroll Carroll County County Waste Waste ServicesServices

Hughes Hughes Trash Trash RemovalRemoval

Town of Town of SykesvillSykesvillee

$286$286

No yard No yard waste waste servicesservices

$284$284

(up 30%-’03)(up 30%-’03)

Additional for Additional for bulk & yard bulk & yard wastewaste

$270$270

(up 21%-’03)(up 21%-’03)

Additional for Additional for

bulk & yard bulk & yard wastewaste

$264$264

(up 27%-’03)(up 27%-’03)

Additional for Additional for bulk & yard bulk & yard wastewaste

$238*$238*

Incl.Incl.

Yard Yard Waste & Waste & BulkBulk


Drawbacks of Variable Rate Drawbacks of Variable Rate CollectionCollection

• Initial public skepticism and confusionInitial public skepticism and confusion

• Up front starting costsUp front starting costs– Costs of bags/bins/tagsCosts of bags/bins/tags– Educational campaign materialsEducational campaign materials

• Potential for illegal dumping as Potential for illegal dumping as alternative to paying for disposalalternative to paying for disposal

• Administration and EnforcementAdministration and Enforcement


Case Studies on VRCCase Studies on VRC

• Numerous communities of varying Numerous communities of varying sizes have implemented VRCsizes have implemented VRC

• Large cities such as:Large cities such as:– San Jose, CASan Jose, CA– Fort Collins, COFort Collins, CO– Norfolk, VANorfolk, VA– Vancouver, WAVancouver, WA

Focus on Regional VRC CasesFocus on Regional VRC Cases



• Poquoson, VAPoquoson, VA Population: 11,811Population: 11,811 Started: 1992Started: 1992 Tag system - converted to bins in 2007Tag system - converted to bins in 2007 Consistent reduction in MSW tonnage Consistent reduction in MSW tonnage

producedproduced Combined with aggressive, mandatory Combined with aggressive, mandatory

recycling programrecycling program Problem with some residents placing Problem with some residents placing

bags in commercial dumpstersbags in commercial dumpsters Leader in recycling rateLeader in recycling rate & participation & participation

rate in regionrate in region



• PennsylvaniaPennsylvania 211 municipalities participate in VRC211 municipalities participate in VRC Encouraged and partially subsidized by Encouraged and partially subsidized by

commonwealthcommonwealth Initiated to combat the rising amounts of Initiated to combat the rising amounts of

MSW in landfills as PA is a net IMPORTER MSW in landfills as PA is a net IMPORTER of wasteof waste

Needed to give incentive to reduceNeeded to give incentive to reduce Numerous variations of VRCNumerous variations of VRC 55%55% also enforce also enforce mandatory recyclingmandatory recycling 12% collect MSW in-house12% collect MSW in-house vs. contracted vs. contracted

haulerhauler



• Perkasie Borough, PAPerkasie Borough, PA Pop: 8,828Pop: 8,828 Started: 1988Started: 1988 Tag systemTag system In-house refuse collectionIn-house refuse collection 59% REDUCTION of MSW59% REDUCTION of MSW first year after first year after

VRC introducedVRC introduced 2007 2007 Recycling rate = 43%Recycling rate = 43% (County (County

Leader)Leader) Newsletters & Brochures promoting VRC Newsletters & Brochures promoting VRC

& recycling& recycling



• Penn Township, PAPenn Township, PA Pop: 15,000Pop: 15,000 Started: 1992Started: 1992 Bag systemBag system Bags sold in 12 area merchants at $3.25 Bags sold in 12 area merchants at $3.25

each (limit 35lbs)each (limit 35lbs) Self-sustaining rate structureSelf-sustaining rate structure Radio, PTA announcementsRadio, PTA announcements While there has been a 55% increase in While there has been a 55% increase in

population since 1992, population since 1992, 20% reduction in 20% reduction in tonstons



Penn Township MSW in Relation to PopulationPenn Township MSW in Relation to Population

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

14,000

16,000

1992 1993 2007

Residents

MSW Tons



• MarylandMaryland Only one municipality has adopted a VRCOnly one municipality has adopted a VRC Charles County has used a similar Charles County has used a similar

program by requiring bags to be program by requiring bags to be “tagged” if brought to landfill“tagged” if brought to landfill

Experiments w/ VRC in Montgomery Experiments w/ VRC in Montgomery County & Mt. AiryCounty & Mt. Airy

Since most of MSW in Maryland is either Since most of MSW in Maryland is either burned in WTE Plants or hauled out of burned in WTE Plants or hauled out of state, there has been little impetus to state, there has been little impetus to adopt a VRCadopt a VRC



• AberdeenAberdeen Pop: 14,000Pop: 14,000 Started: 1993Started: 1993 Tag systemTag system Only municipality in MD to utilize Only municipality in MD to utilize

VRCVRC Recycling rate increased Recycling rate increased 41%41% and and

MSW decreased MSW decreased 24%24% in year in year following VRC following VRC

Recycling Leader in Harford County Recycling Leader in Harford County



Aberdeen MSW in Relation to PopulationAberdeen MSW in Relation to Population

0

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

5,000

1992 1993 2006

HouseholdsMSW TonsRecycled Tons



• Mount AiryMount Airy 2000 Study on VRC by Sanitation & Recycling 2000 Study on VRC by Sanitation & Recycling

CommissionCommission

Recommended against adopting VRCRecommended against adopting VRC

Since Mt. Airy contracts their MSW & recycling Since Mt. Airy contracts their MSW & recycling collection, VRC was deemed too difficult to collection, VRC was deemed too difficult to implementimplement

VRC was also considered too confusing to residents VRC was also considered too confusing to residents due to recent changes in recycling and waste policydue to recent changes in recycling and waste policy

Final recommendation was to enforce mandatory Final recommendation was to enforce mandatory recycling w/ transparent bags & to increase recycling w/ transparent bags & to increase recycling educationrecycling education


Summary of LessonsSummary of Lessons

1.1. Combine VRC w/ enhanced recycling Combine VRC w/ enhanced recycling efforts for maximum impactefforts for maximum impact

2.2. Allow plenty of time to educate and Allow plenty of time to educate and involve residents in process (4-6 involve residents in process (4-6 mos)mos)

3.3. Augment current recycling servicesAugment current recycling services

4.4. Continue elementary school Continue elementary school recycling outreach programsrecycling outreach programs


Diagnosis of Current Trends Diagnosis of Current Trends

Catalysts for ChangeCatalysts for Change1.1. Town’s recycling rate, while not paltry, Town’s recycling rate, while not paltry,

has stagnatedhas stagnated

2.2. Participation in curbside residential Participation in curbside residential recycling is at best, only 70%recycling is at best, only 70%

3.3. As the county investigates more As the county investigates more efficient waste management, it is efficient waste management, it is imperative that the Town take the lead imperative that the Town take the lead on its own levelon its own level


Diagnosis of Current TrendsDiagnosis of Current Trends

4.4. Our current model places an undue burden Our current model places an undue burden on those who consciously reduce their on those who consciously reduce their waste and produce less than their waste and produce less than their neighbors, whereby they essentially neighbors, whereby they essentially subsidize the disposal of a more wasteful subsidize the disposal of a more wasteful neighborneighbor

5.5. There is little economic incentive or reward There is little economic incentive or reward to increase recyclingto increase recycling

6.6. Fuel costs for transporting waste to landfill Fuel costs for transporting waste to landfill have outpaced projections have outpaced projections


Diagnosis of Current TrendsDiagnosis of Current Trends

7.7. While tipping fees have continually While tipping fees have continually increased, the Town’s revenue increased, the Town’s revenue dedicated to solid waste collection dedicated to solid waste collection has not kept pace.has not kept pace.

8.8. Tipping fees are anticipated to Tipping fees are anticipated to increase substantially by July 1st by increase substantially by July 1st by 23 %23 % to to $75p/t$75p/t and will most likely and will most likely be raised again in the upcoming be raised again in the upcoming years.years.


Projected Tipping Fees Projected Tipping Fees (p/ton)(p/ton)


Projected Tipping Fee Costs Projected Tipping Fee Costs to Townto Town

Fiscal Fiscal YearYear

Annual Residential Tipping Annual Residential Tipping Fees @ Current MSW OutputFees @ Current MSW Output

20082008 $83,000$83,000

20092009 $102,000$102,000

20102010 $107,500$107,500

20112011 $113,000$113,000

20122012 $118,400$118,400

20132013 $123,800$123,800


Projected Tipping Fee Projected Tipping Fee Costs to TownCosts to Town

$0

$20,000

$40,000

$60,000

$80,000

$100,000

$120,000

$140,000

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

Tipping Fees10% Reduction15% Reduction24% Reduction


Opportunity Knocks…Opportunity Knocks…

The Town has a unique opportunity The Town has a unique opportunity to control these factors as it is the to control these factors as it is the only municipality in the County to only municipality in the County to operate its own collection system.operate its own collection system.


Prognosis of OperationsPrognosis of Operations

Therefore, with each of these Therefore, with each of these factors considered, the Town’s factors considered, the Town’s current system for solid waste current system for solid waste and recycling collection is… and recycling collection is…

UNSUSTAINABLE!UNSUSTAINABLE!


Prescription for Sustainable Prescription for Sustainable SolutionsSolutions

• Recommendations:Recommendations:1.1. Adoption of a Variable Rate Collection System Adoption of a Variable Rate Collection System

which finances tipping fee costs, while which finances tipping fee costs, while property tax continues to fund labor & hauling property tax continues to fund labor & hauling costscosts

2.2. Increasing recycling services offered to Increasing recycling services offered to residentsresidents

3.3. Order larger capacity recycling bins to replace Order larger capacity recycling bins to replace old bins as needed old bins as needed

4.4. Continue Recycling education –both adults & Continue Recycling education –both adults & childrenchildren


Goals RevisitedGoals Revisited

1.1. Reduce the tonnage Reduce the tonnage of solid waste of solid waste produced by residentsproduced by residents

2.2. Increase amount of Increase amount of waste recycledwaste recycled

3.3. Promote cost equity Promote cost equity for service providedfor service provided

4.4. Finance rapidly rising Finance rapidly rising tipping fees in more tipping fees in more sustainable mannersustainable manner

Adopt a competitive VRC Adopt a competitive VRC structure promoting structure promoting incentives to recycleincentives to recycle

Education & Enhancing Education & Enhancing servicesservices

Create a VRC pricing that Create a VRC pricing that permits residents to permits residents to control their expenditurecontrol their expenditure

Reduce MSW tonnage & Reduce MSW tonnage & recuperate a fair cost from recuperate a fair cost from VRC feesVRC fees


Enhancing ServicesEnhancing Services

• Enhance recycling programEnhance recycling program– Potential tire recycling Potential tire recycling – Curbside pickup of batteries, Curbside pickup of batteries,

electronicselectronics– Grasscycling/ additional yard waste Grasscycling/ additional yard waste

• Additional Cleanup day in Additional Cleanup day in NovemberNovember

• Recycling & Composting EducationRecycling & Composting Education


Implementation IssuesImplementation Issues

• Bags v. Bins v. Tags ?Bags v. Bins v. Tags ?– Bags are most efficient & effectiveBags are most efficient & effective

– Bags control amount of waste placedBags control amount of waste placed

– Prevents the uneven sizes of bins/cansPrevents the uneven sizes of bins/cans

– Less expensive than uniformed bins Less expensive than uniformed bins

– Easier to enforce and collect than tagsEasier to enforce and collect than tags – Low likelihood of being counterfeitedLow likelihood of being counterfeited

– Convenience to residents Convenience to residents


Implementation CostsImplementation Costs

• 85,000 bags p/y x $0.20 p/b = 85,000 bags p/y x $0.20 p/b = $17,000$17,000 annually annually• Recycling bins @ $8 p/b = Recycling bins @ $8 p/b = $8,000$8,000

• Educational brochuresEducational brochures

• Workshop flyers Workshop flyers

• Allot set amt. of free bags for first yrAllot set amt. of free bags for first yr– Permit a “Grace Period” for initial mos.Permit a “Grace Period” for initial mos.

• Total startupTotal startup = = $33,000$33,000– All to be recuperatedAll to be recuperated


Implementation IssuesImplementation Issues

• Pricing of bagsPricing of bags

Price p/ Price p/ 50lb bag50lb bag

Costs Costs CoveredCovered

2008-09 2008-09 RevenueRevenue

$0.95$0.95 79% of 79% of tipping feestipping fees

$80,000$80,000

$1.20$1.20 100% of 100% of tipping feestipping fees

$102,000$102,000

$1.40$1.40 Tipping fees Tipping fees + cost of + cost of bagsbags

$119,000$119,000


Implementation Schedule Implementation Schedule (1/2)(1/2)

March 8

Mayor & Council Retreat

Present Framework for VRC, Establish TimelinePresent Framework for VRC, Establish Timeline

March 10 Mayor & Council Meeting Create Brochures to advertise VRC Workshops in A,M,JCreate Brochures to advertise VRC Workshops in A,M,J

March Elementary Schools Classroom Recycling Outreach Classroom Recycling Outreach Recycling Poster Contest w/ James FlemingRecycling Poster Contest w/ James Fleming

April 14 Mayor & Council Meeting First VRC WorkshopFirst VRC Workshop

April 22 Poster Contest Deadline Judge Posters, Award Prizes, School PresentationJudge Posters, Award Prizes, School Presentation

April1.1.Flyer summarizing April Workshop & advertising MayFlyer summarizing April Workshop & advertising May2.2.Continue Classroom OutreachContinue Classroom Outreach

May 12 Mayor & Council Meeting Workshop 2Workshop 2

May1.1.Flyer summarizing May Workshop & advertising June Flyer summarizing May Workshop & advertising June 2.2.Include recycling tips in flyerInclude recycling tips in flyer3.3.Identify manufacturers for bagsIdentify manufacturers for bags4.4.Solicit area merchants for sale of bagsSolicit area merchants for sale of bags5.5.Draft Ordinance & Fee schedule for June meetingDraft Ordinance & Fee schedule for June meeting


Implementation Schedule Implementation Schedule (2/2)(2/2)

June 9 Mayor & Council Meeting1.1. Final WorkshopFinal Workshop2.2. Introduction of VRC Ordinance by CouncilIntroduction of VRC Ordinance by Council

June1.1. Flyer advertising public hearing on VRC Ordinance at Flyer advertising public hearing on VRC Ordinance at

July meetingJuly meeting

July 14 Mayor & Council Meeting1.1. Public Hearing on VRC OrdinancePublic Hearing on VRC Ordinance2.2. Motion to Adopt Ordinance following public commentMotion to Adopt Ordinance following public comment

July/August 1.1. Advertising Campaign for VRC programAdvertising Campaign for VRC program2.2. Place Request for Bids on bagsPlace Request for Bids on bags3.3. Finalize merchant participants & advertise them in Finalize merchant participants & advertise them in

newsletternewsletter4.4. Procure bags, distribute to merchants & Town HouseProcure bags, distribute to merchants & Town House

September 2 **Implementation on Trash Route**

***Variable Rate Collection Begins******Variable Rate Collection Begins***


Summary of Opportunities for Summary of Opportunities for Public Input & OutreachPublic Input & Outreach

1.1. Three Public Workshops (3)Three Public Workshops (3)

2.2. Two Public Hearings (2)Two Public Hearings (2)

3.3. Four flyer mailings to all town Four flyer mailings to all town households (4)households (4)

4.4. Article/Advertisement in Article/Advertisement in NewsletterNewsletter

5.5. Recycling Poster CompetitionRecycling Poster Competition

6.6. Recycling EducationRecycling Education


Finding a sustainable solution to Finding a sustainable solution to our solid waste issues is our solid waste issues is certainly a challenge, and certainly a challenge, and adapting to a variable rate adapting to a variable rate collection will no doubt pose collection will no doubt pose challenges as well. challenges as well.


However, this is an opportunity for the However, this is an opportunity for the entire town to collaborate to have entire town to collaborate to have lasting tangible impact.lasting tangible impact.

Therefore, we encourage all residents to Therefore, we encourage all residents to solicit their input throughout the solicit their input throughout the process to make this a success!process to make this a success!

sustainable solid waste solutions a comprehensive review of sykesvilles solid waste & recycling...

Documents

tonnage of solid waste

majority of waste

waste structure

municipal solid waste

tons of waste pyr

virginia waste management

msw slide

sustainable manner slide