III - Solid Waste-Recycling Technology Study
Protecting our community’s health by providing solid waste and sewer collection services
cmsdca.gov
C OSTA M ESA S ANITARY D ISTRICT
. . .an Independent Special District
Memorandum
T o: Board of Directors
From : Scott Carroll, General Manager
Date: September 11 , 2012
Subject: Solid Waste/Recycling Technology Study
Summary
There have been some inquiries about different types of technology refuse haulers are
using for their clients to achieve the 50% waste reduction state mandate. Some
agencies, with the assistance from their exclusive franchise haulers , are currently or
will soon be achieving a much greater diversion of 50%.
In addition, CalRecycle, the state agency responsible for enforcing state mandates
regarding solid waste, has developed a draft plan that will require a state goal of
achieving 75% recycling. The Plan, if approved by the Legislature, would have an
impact on CMSD’s solid waste operations. Furthermore, in a 2012 CMSD Community
Survey, over 80% of the 1,000 respondents support increasing the amount of waste
diversion from 54% to 75%.
In anticipation of CalRecycle’s Plan bei ng adopted and as the first step for developing
a Zero Waste Plan, staff believes a study that can evaluate the different types of
technology haulers are using to achieve higher recycling and/or diversion rates will be
bene ficial to the organization .
Staf f Recommendation
That the Board of Direct o rs approves appropriating $5 0,000 from the Solid Waste
Fund Balance and direct staff to perform a solid waste/recycling technology study .
Analysis
As the technology in the solid waste industry advances every day staff believes it will
be beneficial to the organization to learn if haulers are embracing this new technology
and how that technology can benefit CMSD. New technology can be anaerobic
Board of Directors
September 11 , 2012
Page 2 of 4
digestion, composting, food and organic recycling facilities , biomass to energy , single
stream recycling centers, etc.
The study would contact the industry leaders such as Athens, Rainbow Environmental
Services, Waste Management, EDCO, CR&R Environmental Services and Republic
Services to learn the innovative technology the y are using to achieve high recycling
and/or diversion rates . The study will also estimate the cost to providing that service
and try to determine how much more or less it would cost CMSD rate payers for their
technology.
The study will be the catalyst f or developing a Zero Waste Plan. In addition, the
majority of residents surveyed in 2012 want CMSD to divert more from the landfill .
Below are some of the results from the survey regarding refuse at the landfill.
• 81.6% SUPPORT INCREASING THE AMOUNT OF T RASH THAT DOES
Not go to landfills from 54% to 75%
• 82.2% SUPPORT REDUCING THE AMOUNT OF TRASH THAT GOES
To landfills from 16,000 tons/year to 12,500 tons/year
• A PLURALITY OF THOSE WHO SUPPORT REDUCING THE AMOUNT OF
TRASH THAT GOES TO LANDFILLS
Does so for environmental reasons (41.6%)
• Question: SMITH says: “I support the Costa Mesa Sanitary District dramatically
reducing the amount of trash that ends up in landfills. It’s good for our
environment and good for our community.” JONES says: “I don’t support the
Costa Mesa Sanitary District increasing the amount of trash that is kept from
going into landfills. With our bad economy, it’s the wrong time to spend money
on gold -plated recycling projects. The state of California doesn’t even require
75% trash di version yet; let’s at least wait until then to consider the idea.” With
whom do you agree more, SMITH or JONES?
55.1% AGREE WITH SMITH
Who says he supports reducing the amount of trash that ends up in landfills
29.3% agree with Jones
Board of Directors
September 11 , 2012
Page 3 of 4
• LOCAL REGIONAL SUPPORT FOR DIVERTING MORE REFUSE FROM THE
LANDFILL
• 41.4% WOULD BE WILLING TO PAY MORE FOR TRASH SERVICES
If the District could reduce the amount of trash going to landfills
The study will give the Board very good information on t he type of technology the
District wants to focus on for achieving a 75% diversion and/or recycling rate, which
will be incorporated into the Zero Waste Plan.
Strategic Element & Goal
This item will achieve the objective and strategy of CMSD’s Strategic Plan Element
2 .0, which states:
Objective: “Our objective is to manage the collection and recycling of residential
trash in the most economical and environmentally friendly way ”
Strategy: “We will do this by looking for ways to improve efficiencies, achi eve high
customer satisfaction, and considering prudent new recycling methods .”
Legal Review
Not applicable
Board of Directors
September 11 , 2012
Page 4 of 4
Financial Review
Staff estimates this study will cost $50,000. The proposed budget adjustment to the
Solid Waste Fund is:
Account Acc ount Number Increase Decrease
Professional Services 10 -100000 -4200 $50,000
Retained Earnings (Fund Bal.) 10 -000000 -2990 $50,000
Committee Recommendation
Not applicable
Public Notice Process
Copies of this report are on file and will be included wit h the entire agenda packet for
the September 11 , 2012 Board of Directors regular meeting at D istrict Headquarters
and on District’s website.
Alternative Actions
1. Invite CR&R’s staff person to give a presentation about the latest technology in
the solid w aste industry.
2. Do not perform the solid waste/recycling technology study.
Reviewed by:
Teresa Gonzalez
Accounting Manager