SR 06:147 - Laserfiche WebLink

The two most prominent waste diversion programs utilized by the SRRE are use of a Materials Recovery Facility (MFR) and a green-wastelcomposting program. The MFR has been in operation at the PIeasanton Garbage Service Transfer Station since 1990. It uses a conveyor belt to facilitate manual removal of recyclable material from the refuse. PGS also operates a buy-back center through an affiliated company at the Transfer Station, and collects cardboard, glass, and paper from commercial and industrial generators. In 2005, approximately 10 to 15 tons a day (about 3,600 to 5,400 tons a year) was removed from the waste stream at the transfer station.'. The City and Pleasanton Garbage Service implemented a green-waste collection program in 1996, and increased this to weekly service in 2004. The program is now diverting approximately 30 tons a day (about 11,000 tons a year) from landfill. Also, in 2004 this program was supplemented by food scrap recycling, although to date this has not added significantly to the amount of waste diverted. In addition, the City participates in educational activities and supports home composting efforts. In 2002, the Go Green Initiative was launched by a concerned parent at Walnut Grove Elementary School. The Go Green Initiative is an environmental program that unites parents, teachers and children to create a culture of conservation on school campuses. The program which now involves all PIeasanton Unified School District (PUSD) schools, has spread to thirteen states. The City of PIeasanton partners with PUSD and Go Green Initiative organizers to encourage recycling and composting, and to educate students regarding environmental stewardship. During the 2004-2005 school year, the initiative resulted in over 335,500 pounds of paper diverted, over 28,700 pounds of cardboard diverted, and 1,882 printer cartridges recycled." In November 2003, the City held its first E-Waste Day for residents to drop off unneeded computers, monitors, and other electrical products. This event resulted in 72 tons of e-waste. In April 2005, the City collected another 74 tons. The City plans to hold an annual E-Waste collection day. Office paper recycling is encouraged through "The Paper Gobbler" program sponsored by PIeasanton Garbage Service. This program is voluntary and has resulted in 504 tons of paper diverted from the waste stream in 2005." Despite the programs described above, the City has not been able to report more than a 48 percent diversion rate, based on a 1990 base year. A study to provide updated information to more accurately calculate the diversion rate will be prepared in 2006. In addition, the City intends to work on implementation of a commingled commercial recycling program and a comprehensive construction and demolition debris recycling ordinance. The City will also be reviewing the existing residential recycling program to determine if collection of recyclables in a separate bin at each residence would result in a higher diversion rate. 16 Jbid. " Karen Brown, Tri- Valley Go Green Coordinator, Personal Connnunication with Jacqui Diaz, Assistant to City Manager, City of Pleasant on, September 9, 2005. " Debbie Jeilley, Recycling Coordinator, Pleasanton Garbage Service, Personal Connnunication with Janice Stem, Principal Planner, City of Pleasant on, February 13, 2006. VI-18