DATE: 1/13/2025
TO: Council Sustainability Committee
FROM: Director of Public Works
SUBJECT
Tittle
Solid Waste and Recycling Franchise Agreement - Update on Implementation
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
That the Council Sustainability Committee (CSC) review and comment on this report regarding implementation of the Solid Waste and Recycling Franchise Agreement between the City and Waste Management of Alameda County (WMAC).
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SUMMARY
Summary
The City’s franchise agreement with WMAC to provide solid waste, recycling, and organic materials collection & processing services is a 10-year agreement and year three will start on March 1, 2025. The agreement includes elements to help the City, its businesses, and its residents comply with SB 1383 requirements and to also reduce contamination in the recycling and organics streams. Staff and WMAC have been performing outreach to help achieve these goals.
With help from WMAC, staff increased outreach efforts in 2024 compared to 2023. Commercial customer compliance rates with SB 1383’s organics service subscription requirement increased from 76% at the end of 2023 to 92% in 2024. Staff expects to finish initial outreach to the remaining 8% in the next year. WMAC also increased its digital outreach efforts in 2024 to educate the public on the bulky pick-up program and proper sorting practices. However, almost half of compostable organics generated in Alameda County still go to landfill. In 2025, staff will continue outreach efforts to increase the diversion of organic material.
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ATTACHMENTS
Attachment I Staff Report