11 - CR&R 2nd Amendment
ITEM NO. 11
Costa Mesa Sanitary District
&an Independent Special District
Memorandum
To:
Board of Directors
From:
Scott Carroll, General Manager
Date:
February 25, 2014
nd
Amendment to Exclusive Franchise
Subject:CR&R Environmental Services 2
Agreement – Recommendations from Performance Audit and Organics
Recycling Program
Summary
nd
On November 21, 2013, staff presented to the Board the 2Amendment to the exclusive
franchise agreement with CR&R Environmental Services, which is a culmination of
recommended changes from a recent performance audit conducted by Michael Balliet
Consulting, and the implementation of an organics recycling program that will achieve 75%
diversion by 2015.
nd
On January 23, 2014, staff presented to the Board the 2Amendment, but the Board
directed staff to seek more public comment regarding the Organics Recycling Program
and to report back with the proposed amendment in February.
Staff Recommendation
nd
That the Board of Directors considers approvingthe 2Amendmentto the exclusive
franchise agreement with CR&R Environmental Services.
Analysis
A total of four town hall meetings were held to discuss the proposed implementation of the
Organics RecyclingProgram. The fourmeetings were as follows:
Tuesday, December 17, 2013 at 5:30 p.m.in the Neighborhood Community Center
Saturday, January 11, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. in the Neighborhood Community Center
Thursday, February 6, 2014 at 5:30 p.m. in the HalecrestClub
Protecting our communitys health and the environment by providi
www.cmsdca.gov
Board of Directors
February 25, 2014
Page 2 of 3
Saturday, February 8, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. in the Back Bay High School.
Staff conducted extensive community outreach about the upcoming meetings that included
mailing 4”x 4” postcards to every residential household, automated phone calling
approximately 13,836 households, announcements in newspapers (The Daily Pilot and
OC Register), local blogs and the District website. As a result of the outreach, staff
estimates nearly 200 people attended the four meetings.
Residents that attended the meetings received two power point presentations. One from
CR&R abouttheir new anaerobic digestion system and the other presentation was from
staff on how the proposed program will work. Many questions and/or concerns were
raised by the public at all themeetings. The following is a list of those concerns:
Odorsand use of biodegradable bags to control odors
Costs to ratepayers
Physically handling the food waste
Additional trash cans in the street especially for multi-family units serviced by
CMSD.
Increasing the number of trucks on City streets (only one truck will be added
to the fleet).
The Organics Recycling Program is already a done deal.
Tiered rates for residents that opt out of the program.
Wear and tear on streets
Limited space to store a third trash can.
Attachment “A” is a complete list of public concerns and/or questions followed by a
response from the District. In addition, staff received approximately tenemails from
residents expressing their support or opposition of the program (see Attachment “B”).
nd
If the Board approves the 2Amendment, staff and CR&R plan on holding three more
public workshops about the Organics Recycling Program. Implementation of the program
is not expected to begin until November 2014 or it can begin in January 2015 if the Board
desires.
If you approve the amendment tonight, staff will returnwith an ordinance to amend the
District’s Operations Code, Chapter 7.01 -Trash Regulations and Chapter 8.01 –
Recycling. Specifically, the code needs to define green waste and food scraps and how
organics are now being separated from the waste stream.Execution ofthe agreement is
contingent on adopting an organics recycling ordinance.
Board of Directors
February 25, 2014
Page 3 of 3
Strategic Plan Element & Goal
This item complies withStrategic Element 2.0, Solid Wasteand Strategic Goal No. 2.4,
Develop strategies for Zero Wasteand Strategic Goal No 2.5, Monitor advancement and
technology in the solid waste industry.
Legal Review
nd
District Counsel has reviewed and approved the 2Amendment.
Environmental Review
The environmental review was performed as a separate item and considered by the Board
before considering this item.
Financial Review
$504,679
The initial cost to implement a District wide organics recycling program is a year,
which includesAD disposal costs,the cost to purchase additional organic carts, kitchen
pails and community outreach.After the first year of implementation, the additional annual
$494,679
cost is expected to be .
When to raise rates and by how much will be determined on an annual basis, but it is
feasible rates will not be raised for at least five years.
Public Notice Process
Copies of this report are on file and will be included with the entire agenda packet for the
February 25, 2014Board of Directors regularmeetingat District headquarters and on
District’s website.
Alternative Actions
nd
1.Do not approve the 2Amendment and refer the matter back to staff.
AttachmentsA:Public comments/questions and answersfrom town hall meetings
B:Emails from residents
nd
C:CR&R Environmental Services 2Amendment to Exclusive
Franchise Agreement
Attachment A
ORGANICS RECYCLING PROGRAM
TOWN HALL MEETINGS
PUBLIC COMMENTS/QUESTIONS& ANSWERS
1.The proposed program will create odors.
A.The anaerobic digestion facility in Perris, California can accept biodegradable
bags. Glad, the manufacturer of kitchen, storage and trash bagshas
available to consumers 100% compostablekitchen bags with a capacity of
2.6 gallons each that can fit in District supplied kitchen pails. The bags also
have an odor shield. The bags come in a box of 20 at a cost of $5.17 per
box. These bags are currently available on the internet; however, if the
organics recycling program is approved by the Board of Directors, staff will
inform local Costa Mesa Stores like Target, Kmart, Albertsons, Vons and
Ralphs about the organics program and encourage store managers to carry
100% compostable kitchen bags.
Glad also has 100% compostable tall kitchen bags with a capacity of 13
gallons available at Walmart in Huntington Beach (8230 Talbert Avenue).
The bags come in a box of 10 at a cost of $5.58 per box.
2.What are the penalties from the State for not complying with the new
regulations?
A.If the State repeals green waste as alternative daily cover at landfills, the
District’s diversion rate will fall below 50%, which could jeopardize the City’s
mandated 50% landfill diversion. If the City falls below 50% diversion, it could
be subject to fines from the State that can be as high as $10,000 a day for
being noncompliant.
3.The additional trucks will create more wear and tear on City streets.
A.Additional trucks will not create more wear and tear on City Streets because
like all paved surfaces, street asphalt is susceptible to deterioration due to the
long term exposure of the elements such as water, sunlight and
chemical/petroleum exposure. More information about these elements is
described below.
Water –Over time and especially without propermaintenance water
penetrates the asphalt, washes out the base underneath it, causing it to
crack, break down and collapse.
118
Page of
Sunlight –Oxidation breaks down and dries out the once flexible liquid
asphalt that holds the aggregate together. The causes raveling and
shrinking cracks, which water to penetrate beneath the surface.
Chemical/Petroleum –The introduction of chemicals to asphalt, such as
gasoline and motor oil, can soften the asphalt and cause it to break down
more rapidly. Doubling the mileage of CR&R trucks could increase the
risk of a petroleum product spillage such as hydraulic fluid. However, this
risk is insignificant when compared to the average daily vehicle trips
identified in the City of Costa Mesa’s General Plan. In 2000, the average
daily vehicle trip on residential streets is 316,499 and the average daily
trip is projected to increase by 22,594 in 2020. In addition, the City is
expecting a 20% increase in traffic volume by 2020.Each CR&R truck
contains a spill kit and drivers are train to contain petroleum spills from
entering the storm drain. Spills are absorbed using absorbent products
No asphalt is exempt from deterioration no matter how well it is constructed.
Asphalt deterioration begins immediately. Even in normal conditions
substantial deterioration can begin to take place after three to five years.
Typically after five years the asphalt will be begin to turn gray, become brittle
and start cracking. Then, water begins entering the cracks that will cause
larger cracksand potholes. When street asphalt is maintained and protected
well it will maximize its useful lifespan. Industry experts believe sealing the
pavement with a quality asphalt or coal tar based sealant is the best way to
protect the street investment. Infact, it is recommended by industry experts
that new asphalt be sealed within 60 to 90 days of the application (after it has
cured, hardened) to begin protecting it from the elements.
4.Is the District considering instituting a franchise fee to assist the City in
maintaining streets?
A.No. A franchise fee will further increase rates.
5.There is not enough parking for rental neighborhoods and adding an additional
container will make matters worse.
A.The District acknowledges that some multi-family units do not have
landscaping. These units will be exempt from the program. Other multi-
family units may have their homeowner association responsible forthe
landscaping by having a hiredgardener haul away green waste. These units
may also be exempt from the program. Multi-family units that want an
218
Page of
exemption from the program must contact the District in writing explaining the
reasons for the exemption. District staff will visit the units to determine if the
multi-family units areeligible for exemption or not. The general manager will
grant exemptions on a case-by-case basis.
6.If I am exempt from the program will my rates still go up?
A.Rates will remain stabilized until June 30, 2015 and could remain stabilized
for some years thereafter depending on how the Board allocates the District’s
solid waste reserve fund for rate stabilization.In the future, the Board may
direct staff to bring back a plan for establishing a tiered rate system.
7.Why must Costa Mesa be the first city to experiment with thisnew technology?
We should wait until a larger city uses the system and learn from their
experience.
A.The benefit for being the first organization to use CR&R’s anaerobic digestive
(AD) system is so that CMSD is guaranteed the lowest AD rate at $71.50 a
ton. If CR&R negotiates a lower rate with another entity, CR&R must honor
that rate with CMSD. The real cost to use the AD is $125a ton. Waiting for
another entity to use this technology before CMSD means we will not be
guaranteed to lowest rate, whichcould result in CMSD’s AD rate being closer
to the real cost of $125 a ton.
8.Currently, we are in the worst recession, we are paying for health taxes,
increased water rates and our gasoline has doubled in the last five years;
therefore, I question the timing of this program?
A.The likelihood CMSD’s cost for using AD technology willincrease if we wait
too long.Currently, CMSD is guaranteed the lowest AD rate at $71.50 a ton.
9.Can you recycle bones such as chicken bones from Kentucky Fried Chicken?
A.Yes, the anaerobic digestion facility will accept poultry and meat bones.
10.How much separating am I going to have to do?
A.You do not have to separate your recyclables (e.g. glass, cans, plastic,
paper, cardboard, etc.). Recyclables will continue to be mixed with your trash
and later separated at CR&R’s transfer station in the City of Stanton. If you
318
Page of
are cutting your lawn, pruning trees, raking leaves, edging shrubs or any
other type of gardening then you will be required to place your green waste in
a separate organic container.
You have the option of throwing food scraps such as fruits, vegetables,
meats, bread, pasta, egg shells, rice, etc. in the organic or mixed waste
container. If you want to throw food scraps in the organic container, the
District has available kitchen pails where you can line it with biodegradable
bags to control odors. There will be no fines and/or penalties from the District
if you throw food scraps in the mixed waste container.
11.How many grants did CR&R receive? What was the value of those grants and
when does CR&R expect to receive the grant funds?
A.CR&R received four grants totaling $5 million that is applied to the
construction of the AD facility and the grant nets out the true cost of utilizing
this facility. CR&R will receive the grant funds when construction begins.
12.How much does a new trash truck cost?
A.$250 million because the trucks must be operated on alternative fuel (e.g.
compressed natural gas, renewable natural gas, etc.) as mandated by the
South Coast Air Quality Management District.
13.How much does the District have in the reserve fund and what does the District
use the reserve funds for?
A.Approximately $4 million is available in the Solid Waste Reserve Fund. For
the past two consecutive years, the District has used the reserve fund to
lower trash rates from $19.95 to $18.00 a month.
14.Why don’t we encourage more source separating?
A.It’s not cost effective to source separate every recyclable material such as
glass, aluminum, paper, plastics, etc.
15.CR&R mentioned the use of chemicals in the anaerobic digestion (AD) facility.
Mixing chemicals with organics is not a good mixture.
418
Page of
A.The AD facility is 100% natural. The chemicals in the facility are based on
the demand from farmers that may want more phosphorus in the fertilizer
the AD produces.
16.Can you accept pest waste?
A.Yes. As long as it’snot in plastic groceryor trashbags.You can throw your
pet waste away in 100% compostable bags and then throw the compostable
bags in your organic cart.The AD facility will also accept kitty litter.
17.How are you going to make people more aware about the program?
A.If the Board approves the Organics Recycling Program, the District and
CR&R will hold at least three community workshops to inform the public about
the program. The January 11, 2014 town hall meeting is videotaped and
available for viewing on the District’s website. In addition, information about
the program will be advertised in the District’s newsletter, available at District
booths during community events (e.g. Fish Fry, Community Run, Concerts in
the Park) and possible radio and television coverage.
18.In an effort to promote transparency, can the District and CR&R indicate they
actively encourage these new regulations being placed on us?
A.CR&R and the District did not promote state legislators to adopt a 75%
diversion goal by 2020, nor did CR&R and the District encourage
CalRecycle, the state agency responsible for administering solid waste in
California, toconsider repealing alternative daily cover and organics from
entering the landfills. Many environmental groups such as Californians
Against Waste andNatural Resources Defense Council are lobbying policy
makers in Sacramento to adopt policies and programs that conserve
resources, prevent pollution and protects the environment.
19.You are retaining both mixed waste carts and now adding an organic cart,
which seems counterintuitive to reducing waste. Doesn’t adding a third cart
increase capacity?
A.The path to zero waste is not about getting to zero waste, but rather it’s about
changing people’s behavior to reducing waste.We believe many residents
will realize they don’t need a third cart and will return one of the mixed waste
carts to CR&R. Through extensive outreach along with new and existing
518
Page of
programs to encourage waste reduction, the District believes trash capacity
will not increase.
20.Proposed program seems like a done deal.
A.The proposed program was first presented to the Board for approval
consideration on November 21, 2013. The Board did not approve the
st
program onNovember 21, but instead directed staff to inform the public
about the program and report back the questions and/or concerns the public
st
may have. Since November 21,the District will havefour town hall meetings
to inform the public about the proposed program.The Board will consider the
program for approval on February 25, 2014.
21.What happens to the water that is used in the anaerobic digestion (AD) process?
A.Most of the water is recycled back into the AD facility. Water stays in the
facility or it’s usedfor making fertilizer.
22.Why should we be paying more for the program because we will be required to
do more by separating while CR&R is doing less?
A.CR&R is doing more by funding $20 million to construct the anaerobic
digestion facility, acquiring a new truck and making sure green waste is not
contaminated.
23.Can you bottle the carbon monoxide and sell it?
A.No. It’s still not cost effective to sell carbon monoxide because CR&R will not
make enough to be commercially viable.
24.Will our rates go down after construction of the AD facility is complete?
A.Probably not. The financing for the AD facility is for 15 years and by then
costs for upgrades will most likely be needed.
25.What do I do with large tree limbs? Can I put them in the organic cart?
A.Yes. If you can fit tree limbs in the organic cart, CR&R will take the limbs to a
tree grinder.
618
Page of
26.You mentioned that the District polled 1,000 people about solid waste. How can
you justify this program by polling just 1,000 people? This program should be
considered by a vote of the people.
A.Opinion polls do not require polling the entire population. A statistical sample
size of the population will help determine the preferences of the entire
population. A large sample size is not necessarily the better poll. On the
other hand, a sample size may be too small to state anything meaningful
about public opinion. According to the District’s polling expert, Probolsky
Research, polling 1,000 out of 21,500 CMSD households is a statistically
valid sample size to reflect the community’s opinion about solid waste and
organics recycling.
27.The City of Newport Beach just awarded a contract to CR&R after conducting a
bid process. As a result, Newport Beach residential rates will be $11.00 a
month per household. Why doesn’t the san board go out to bid for solid waste
services?
A.Comparing Newport Beach solid waste collection services with CMSD is
like comparing apples to oranges. For instance, Newport Beach has a
transfer station at its corporate yard that CR&R will be utilizing. In addition,
CR&R is required to divert 45%of Newport Beach residential trash away
from the landfill. Contact CR&R to obtain more information about the new
contract with the City of Newport Beach.
28.I would like to see a facility where periodically free wood chips are made
available to the public.
A.District staff is exploring this idea.
29.There are currently three incinerators in Southern California that are more
economical for diverting waste from the landfill.
A.Trying to construct new incinerators will be nearly impossible due to cost
($250 millionto construct) and acquiring permits from the South Coast Air
Quality Management District.
30.I’m concerned about slopping food in the bucket every week and then washing
out the bucket.
718
Page of
A.The kitchen pails are available for convenience and are not recommended to
store food scraps for a week. It is recommended that the pails are used while
meal prepping and throwing away left oversand then after cleaning up from a
meal, residents can taketheir pailfull offood scraps to the organic cart to
empty. After emptying the pail, the District recommends washing it out with
soap and water just like cleaning dishes. Another option is to line the pail with
100% compostable bags.
31.I’m concerned food sitting in the cart and kitchen pail for a week will attract
raccoons, rats, possums and other critters.
A.You should not store food scraps in the kitchen pail overnight. Empty the
kitchen pail every day in the organic cart. Food odors will attract animals, but
if the lid to the organic cart is closed tightly, meaning no air getting into the
cart, then animals will not be attracted to it.
32.Can I pour used kitchen grease in the organic cart or do I still have to take it to
the Orange Coast CollegeRecycling Center?
A.You can do one or the other. Simply pour your grease in the organic cart, but
please, do not throw plastic jugs and/or containers filled with grease in the
cart because the anaerobic digestion facility cannot process plastics. You
canalso take your plastic jugs and/or containers filled with grease to OCC’s
Recycling Center where the grease will be collected and recycled into
reusable products such as fuel, candles, pet food, etc.
33.A couple times a year I will have overgrown vegetation that will overwhelm the
organic container. What can I do if I have more green waste than my container
can hold?
A.The District has a green cub program where CR&R will drop off a temporary
3-yard bin at your homefor half the price.For approximately $50.24
residents can throw their grass clippings and landscape trimmings in the 3-
yard bin. Please contact CR&R at 949-646-4617 or contact the District at
949-645-8400 to schedule delivery of a green cub.
34.How much less landfill space will be used as a result of the program?
A.The proposed program will recyclean additional 10,000 tons of solid waste
per year. That is 10,000 tons that does not need to be managed and
818
Page of
covered at the landfill by Orange County Waste & Recycle. This reduction in
tonnage willsave approximately 7.69acres of landfill space per year and
assists in lengthening the life of the landfill system.
35.What will this cost me?
A.Approximately an additional $1.95 a month per household. However, the
additional cost may not occur until July 1, 2015 and depending on the Board’s
decision for rate stabilization, the increase may be modest (e.g. $0.50 a
month per household), or the rates will not increase for several years because
the District will use its solid waste reserve fund to offset costs.
36.Why can’t alternative daily cover (ADC) be used in the anaerobic digestion
facility?
A.ADC has broken glassand other contaminants that will not go through the
anaerobic digestion facility.
37.What goes in each type of can?
A.The following materials can go in each can:
Organic Cart
Fruits & vegetables
Meat, poultry and seafood
Eggshells, rice, beans
Bones (yes, bones)
Waxed cardboard products (e.g. Chinese take-out boxes)
Frozen/refrigerated food boxes
Napkins, paper towels, paper plates
Milkcartons, tea bags, coffee grounds, filters
Bread, donuts, cookies, crackers, pizza crust, noodles (anything made out
of flour)
Grains (cooked or uncooked): rice, barley)
Parchment and waxed papers
Plants and flowers
Pet wasteif it’s not in plastic grocery bags
Biodegradable bags (100% compostable)
All yard waste
918
Page of
Mixed Waste Cart
Recyclables:
Glass (beverage, liquor, soda, juice, wine, jars)
Metal (aluminum and tin)
Plastics thru
Paper (cardboard, magazines, newspaper, cereal boxes,)
Trash:
Ceramic
Pet Waste
Styrofoam
Food trays
Safety and plate glass
Diseased plants
Metal coat hangers
Tupperware containers
Flower/plant containers
Mirrors
Palm branches
Diapers
Plastic plates
Mixed products(plastic/metal combination
38.What are the incentives for those who recycle?
A.The following is a list of incentives:
1.Save $96 a year for turning in athird mixed waste cart and $192 a year if
a third andfourthmixed waste cart is turned in.
2.Deliver your recyclable materials to Orange Coast College Recycling
Center to receive monetary compensation.
3.Extend the lifespanof Orange County landfills.
4. Reduce greenhouse gas emission such as hydrocarbons,oxides of
nitrogen(NOx), carbon monoxide(CO), as well as carbon dioxide(CO)and
2
reducemethanegas at landfills.
39.Can we legislate decreasing the amount of packaging?
1018
Page of
A.CMSD does not have the authority to pass legislation that will decrease
packaging material. Such legislation will have to be adopted by the State
Legislature and signed into lawby the Governor.
40.Why doesn’t CMSD seek competitive bids to solve the state mandate?
A.The District believes that negotiations with CR&R will achieve fair and
competitive rates for residents. As a resultof negotiations, the District is
guaranteed thelowest anaerobic digestionfee in Orange County and if CR&R
negotiates a lower fee with another agency, the District is guaranteed the
lower fee.
41.If FOG is dumped in the container, it solidifies and coagulates, won’t it become
unsanitary?
A.Solidified Fat Oil and Grease (FOG) can be thrown away in your mixed waste
container were it will be taken to the landfill. Different types of FOG, such as
turkey FOG or FOG used in fryers does not solidify. You can simply pour the
FOG in your organic container or takeit to the Orange Coast College
Recycling Center.
42.Will food waste be more problematic than FOG?
A.No. The District will offer convenient methods (e.g. kitchen pails) and provide
useful information on how to recycle food waste.
43.If we get 30-40% of carts reduced will the cost too be reduced?
A.During negotiations with CR&R, it was taken into consideration that some
mixed waste carts will be returned to CR&R to be stored as inventory and
used again. The returned carts were estimated as part of the lowered
anaerobic digestion facility rate of $71.50 a ton. The actual rate for anaerobic
digestion is $125.00 a ton.
44.What size are our trash carts now?
A.Most carts are 64 gallons; however, some residents have 90 gallon carts
because they were grandfathered in when the District changed from manual
to automated collection services. A small percentage of residents have 32
gallon carts. The organic cart will be 64 gallons.
1118
Page of
45.Would it be possible to get smaller carts?
A.Yes. If requested, residents can receive a 32gallon organic cart.
46.Will this deter people from recycling and put more into the garbage disposal?
A.We believe 90% of residents will participate in the organics recycling
program. The remaining 10% will continue to throw away their food waste in
the mixed waste carts or down the kitchen garbage disposal.
47.Are you planning to have more RNG than you make?
A.In the future, CR&R plans on making enough RNG to sell to consumers.
48.What’s driving the next phase; is it built with bonds or what funds?
A.Building thenext phases of anaerobic digestion facilities will depend on the
number of client cities that participate in the program.
49.Increasing the fee down the road, so most fees are upfront, why do we have to
have a one-time fee?
A.There is no one-time fee. The additional annual cost of roughly $500,000will
befor every year the District is participating in the Organics Recycling
Program. The Board will have the option of offsetting the additional cost by
using solid waste reserve funds. The Board may decide tokeep rates
stabilized for severalyears by using the solid waste reserve funds, or they
may decide to increase the rates in small increments every year.
50.Is this going to generate a lot of odor?
A.No. However, if residents are concern about odor they may use
biodegradable bags to store food waste. The anaerobic digestion facility will
accept 100% compostablebags. The bags can be purchased on-line (see
links below) or you can buy the bags at Walmart in Huntington Beach off
Talbert.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Glad-Small-Compostable-Biodegradable-2.6-Gal-
Kitchen-Bags-20ct/16672419
1218
Page of
http://www.glad.com/trash/recycling-bags/compostable-tall-kitchen-bags/
http://www.walgreens.com/store/c/glad-compostable-odorshield-bags-small-
kitchen/ID=prod6145480-product
http://www.target.com/p/glad-fresh-clean-compostable-odor-shield-small-kitchen-
bags-20-ct/-/A-
14736816#prodSlot=dlp_medium_1_1&term=compostable+trash+bags
51.If the start is in November, how does it affect the taxes?
A.If the Board decides to increase the rates in small increments, then the new
rate will be shown on your tax roll in November 2015.
52.What country are the recycle bags made in?
A.The Glad 100% compostable bags are made in the United States.
53.Dog waste? How will it be disposed?
A.The anaerobic digestion facility will accept dog waste, but the waste cannot
be stored in a plastic bagunless the bag is 100% compostable.
54.Will the Christmas tree recycling still be available?
A.Yes. There will be no changes to the Christmas Tree Recycling Program.
55.When the cans can get “groudy,” we need to hose them down, what happens
with the residual waste in the cans, will it be left on the street?
A.We recommend that when you wash out your organic cart please wash the
cart on the ground or on your lawn. That way the water will go back into
underground water table and not lost in the storm drain. In addition, we
recommend you pickup any residue that is washed out of the cart and place it
back into the organic cart.
56.Will we still be able to keep our current cans?
A.Yes.
1318
Page of
57.Is green waste grass clippings? Will we be able to use our regular trash bags?
A.Yes. We recommend that you dump your grass clippings in the organic cart
without trash bags; however, if you want to store grass clippings in trash
bags, please use 100% compostablebags. The Target store in Santa Ana on
Bristol Street sells 30 gallon 100% compostablebags.
58.How many bags in a box and how much do they cost?
A.The 2.6 gallon bags from Glad that fit in kitchen pails have 20 bags to a box.
The 13 gallonbags from Glad have 10 bags in a box.
59.How do we determine what property is exempt from participation?
A.Residents are encouraged to contact District staff in writing to schedule an
appointment. A representative from the District will visit the property to
determine if it is eligible for an exemption.
60.Will this be unsanitary?
A.No. The District and CR&R have established a proposed program that will
not make trash disposal unsanitary.
61.What about apartment complexes?
A.If apartment complexes do not have landscaping or inadequate storage space
they may be eligible for exemptions. Property management is encourage to
contact the District in writing to schedule an appointment.
62.How much solid waste fertilizer are you expected to produce and will it be on the
market?
A.The primary user of the fertilizer will be farmers, but CR&R does plan on
making the fertilizer available to its client cities.
63.What do you do with the rolling carts, and the potential crowding of space?
1418
Page of
A.Ifspace is limited, the property owner may consider smaller organic carts or
the District can perform a trash audit of the property to determine if one mixed
waste cart is all that is needed at the property.
64.How long will we get the lowest rates from CR&R? 6 years or as long as we’re
with CR&R?
A.The lowest rate is for the anaerobic digestion (AD) facility. Normal cost at the
AD is $125.00 a ton, but the District successfully negotiated a rate of $71.50 a
ton. This rate is the lowest rate negotiated with CR&R and according to the
terms of the agreement, if CR&R negotiates a lower rate with another client
they must honor the lower rate with CMSD. The lowest AD rate is guaranteed
throughout the term of the agreement, which is a minimum of six years.
65.Is the Districtpurchasing compostable bags in bulk?
A.No. The District does not intend on purchasing compostable bags. If the
program is approved by the Board, the District will notify suppliers (e.g.
Target, Albertson, Vons, Stater Brothers, Walgreens, etc.) that an organics
recycling program has been approvedand will encourage local stores to start
stocking 100% compostable bags.
66.Can CR&R put locks in our organics containers?
A.Yes. CR&R has lockable containers available for organics.
67.Can we place dog poop in the organics cart?
A.Yes, but it cannot be placed in plastic bags unless the bags are 100%
compostable.
68.Is the semi-truck that is going to go from Stanton to Parris a CNG/LNG vehicle?
A.Semi-trucks hauling the organics from Stanton to Perris will bepowered by
diesel gasoline. CR&R is planning on converting their semi-trucks from diesel
to liquid natural gas (LNG), which is a clean burning and environmentally
friendly fuel.
69.For those residents who do not have room or space for an organics cart, will they
be exempt from the program?
1518
Page of
A.Yes. However, residents will be required to contact CMSDin writingto
request an appointment where a CMSD staff person will visit the property to
determine if the property owner is entitled to receive an exemption.
70.Is this a done deal?
A.No. The Board of Directors decision regarding the organics recycling program
has been postponed twice (November 21, 2013 and January 23, 2014). The
Board wants to hear from the public about their concerns and determine if
those concerns can be addressed before making a decision.
71.Can we have other people do this for us?
A.No other waste hauler companyin Orange County has a program that can
collect residential food waste from the curbside and convert this material into
renewable natural gas.
72.What is the anticipated level of compliance?
A.90%
73.Is CR&R going to remove the phthalates from the soil amendment?
A.If farmers want CR&R to remove phthalates from the soil amendment,
they will.
74.Why isn’t the City charging gardeners a business license?
A.Don’t know.
75.Is RNG cleaner than CNG?
A.Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) works like Compressed Natural Gas
(CNG) where the gas is compressed to less than one percent of the
volume it occupies at standard atmospheric pressure. It is stored and
distributed in hard containers at a pressure of 200–248 bar (2,900–3,600
psi), usually in cylindricalor spherical. The emissions from RNG are
similar to CNG where fewer particular matter and nitrogen oxide is emitted
into the atmosphere when compared to diesel powered refuse trucks.
According to INFORM, a non-profit group that educates the public about
the effects of human activity on the environment and public health, CNG
refuse trucks reduce Particulate matter by 67%-94% and Nitrogen oxides
1618
Page of
by 32%-73%. RNG will achieve the same results. In addition, there is a
benefit to RNG that CNG cannot provide. According to South Coast Air
Quality Management District (AQMD), RNG will reduce greenhouse gas
emissions of hydrocarbons,oxides of nitrogen(NOx), carbon monoxide
).
(CO), as well as carbon dioxide(CO
2
76.Is the CMSD Board going to re-approve the Environmental Impact Report since
the first report was incorrect? Will the Board reconsider the environmental
impact?
A.Yes. The District did not filethe environmental findingswith the County
Clerkbecause additional information was brought to staff’s attention at the
January 23, 2014 Board of Directors meeting. An amended review of the
environmental impacts for implementing an Organics Recycling Program
in the Costa Mesa Sanitary District service area will be presented to the
Board on February 25, 2014.
77.Can this program be done in a single pass?
A.No. The proposed organics recycling program cannot be implemented
using the current single stream method because anaerobic digestion is a
process where microorganisms break down organic material in the
absence of oxygen. The breakdown of organic material cannot occur if
organics are contaminated from trash materials such as Styrofoam, plastic
grocery bags, clothing, broken glass, plaster, dry paint cans, window
glass, etc.Therefore, the organics need to be separated and will require
two refuse trucks in CMSD neighborhoods.
78.How can we apply for an exemption if the first EIR was incorrect?
A.The District did not file a categorical exemption with the County Clerk
because new information was brought to staff’s attention.
79.Do we have a study that shows what the EIR impact will be on the District? Not
the overall -15 impact but within the District boundaries? If so, has this report
been available to the public?
A.A revised environmental report will be prepared with staff’s findings
regarding noise, street deterioration, traffic, emissions, RNG and
alternatives. The report will be made available to the public on Friday,
February 21, 2014.
80.Since greenwaste will no longer be allowed for ADC, have we analyzed where
Counties will be getting their dirt from?
1718
Page of
A.Staff assumes the County will be getting their dirt at the landfills.
81.Why are we doing this program? What is the bottom line?
A.Listed below are the reasons for implementing an organics recycling
program.
1.Save landfill space and extend the lifespan of Orange County
landfills. The Olinda Landfill in the City of Brea is scheduled to
close in fifteen years.
2.Response to State regulations requiring State facilities to achieve
75% diversion by 2020.
3.Works toward achievingthe District goal of 75% diversion by 2015
and 90% diversion by 2020.
4.81.6% of 1,000 residents surveyed indicated their support to
increasing trash diversion away from landfills from 54% to 75%.
5.Promotes the community being on a path to zero waste and
encourages residents to change their behaviors on recycling.
6.Being the first customer in CR&R’s organics recycling program
guarantees the lowest anaerobic digestion rate.
1818
Page of