Austin Resource Recovery Master Plan Public Comments by Austin Recycles

Austin Resource Recovery Master Plan Public Comment comments received from March 30, 2011 to October 7, 2011

Public Comment/Question

Staff Response

Every week my roommate and I sort and load up bags of recyclables and drive them to Ecology Action because we live in an apartment complex with fewer than 100 units and we don't have curbside recycling. Most people in my complex don't recycle because they don't want to haul their stuff to Ecology Action, but they would if curbside recycling was available. I'd be willing to pay a monthly fee for this service. We call ourselves a green city, but no recycling for most apartments? Really?

First, thank you for helping keep Austin a great place to live and work by making the personal effort to take your recycling to Ecology Action. Since 1998, apartment complexes with more than 100 units have been required to provide recycling services to their tenants. In November 2010, the City Council amended the Commercial Multi-Family Recycling ordinance, renamed the Universal Recycling Ordinance (URO), requiring all apartment complexes over 25 units to offer recycling to their tenants by 2015. Apartment complexes will be phased in over time based on the number of units per property.

Topic

Chapter 22

Apartment Recycling

Chapter 10

Barter

The ordinance becomes effective starting October 1, 2012 for apartment complexes with 75 units or more. Every year thereafter, the requirements address smaller complexes. For more information about the URO and the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efforts to increase recycling at all apartment complexes, go to: http://www.cityofaustin.org/sws/universal_recycling_ordinance.htm.

This would be an incentive mechanism that motivates Thank you for sharing this idea. The Master Plan evaluates customer incentives to people to recycle and eat healthier local food by exchanging reduce waste such as a Green Barter program. A green barter concept is discussed in 1kg of local produce for 4kg of recyclables. Chatper 10 regarding composting. Green Barter/ Trueque Verde motivates people in lowincome communities to recycle while encouraging more nutritional, balanced diets. It provides fresh produce in exchange for recyclables to people who separate their recycling waste and take it to an exchange point once a week. For every 4 kg of recyclable materials (PET, paper, aluminum, glass, etc.) participants collect, we trade them 1 kg of food (onions, tomatoes, green tomatoes, apples, limes, chilies, rice, beans, oats, etc.) produced locally. Need more trash and recycling containers along South Lamar and Barton Springs between Lamar and Zilker Park. Also along Robert E. Lee. These are high pedestrian areas, especially when there are events in Zilker Park.

Master Plan Reference

The Department installed 30 solar trash compactors along Guadalupe street as a pilot program to evaluate the challenges of providing recycling along high pedestrian rights of Chapter 8 way. Staff will evaluate the results of the pilot program and, in concert with the Master Plan, will determine if the pilot program is ready for expansion into other high traffic pedestrian corridors.

NOTE: Public comments were not edited for content. Comments were separated into similar categories to organize responses.

Public Recycling

1 of 27

Austin Resource Recovery Master Plan Public Comment comments received from March 30, 2011 to October 7, 2011

Public Comment/Question

Staff Response

Better define Black Box Technology.

"Black Box Technology" is a term used to loosely define emerging technologies. To reduce confusion, we removed this term from the Master Plan and replaced it with Chapter 12 "alternative disposal options" or "emerging technologies". You can read more about alternative disposal options in Chapter 12. "Black Box Technology" is a term used to loosely define emerging technologies. To reduce confusion, we removed this term from the Master Plan and replaced it with Chapter 12 "alternative disposal options" or "emerging technologies". You can read more about alternative disposal options in Chapter 12. "Black Box Technology" is a term used to loosely define emerging technologies. To reduce confusion, we removed this term from the Master Plan and replaced it with Chapter 12 "alternative disposal options" or "emerging technologies". You can read more about alternative disposal options in Chapter 12. If a resident needs assistance with an appliance or other bulk item Austin Resource Recovery employees can assist by picking up the item from the curb and moving it to the truck. For safety reasons, our staff are not allowed to enter a home. With regard to nails in lumber, we ask residents to remove the nails for our staff's safety during Chapter 7 collection. We recognize that this can be challenging and inconvenient for many of our Chapter 9 customers. We are always on the watch for new technology that protect our crews' safety and reduce set out challenges experienced by our customers. The Master Plan includes plans to enhance the Bulk Collection program and evaluate it for collection and drop off efficiencies. The trash generated at Capital Metro's bus stops is handled by Capital Metro and unfortunately it is currently landfilled. CapMetro is always looking at feasible alternatives to sending materials to the landfill and has been working with Austin Resource Recovery on possible partnerships for recycling at bus stops. CapMetro is also pursuing grant Chapter 9 funding that might enable the organization to start a pilot recycling program for bus stops. Capital Metro has already begun recycling at all of their special events, such as the Austin City Limits Shuttle. If you would like more information on CapMetro's practices, please contact Jennifer Golech at 512-369-6586

4 Better define the â&#x20AC;&#x153;black box.â&#x20AC;? 5

In would be very helpful to be more precise and better define what its been called as Black Box Technology the explanation is not clear specially when it refers to mixed material processing facilities In regard to bulky item pick up, not all of us can remove all the nails from lumber nor do we have a son or husband to help move the heavy lumber/appliances/furniture to the street so it sits and rots instead of getting recycled. How about offering assistance with this?

Cap metro; What is done with contents of all those steel cages @ metro facilities? Cap metro needs to be on board as a strong partner. especially materials they generate to the public. The passes both plastic and paper need to be collected/recycled as

NOTE: Public comments were not edited for content. Comments were separated into similar categories to organize responses.

Master Plan Reference

Topic

Black Box

Bulk

Cap Metro

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Austin Resource Recovery Master Plan Public Comment comments received from March 30, 2011 to October 7, 2011

Public Comment/Question

Staff Response

Explore Carbon Credits Opportunities

Carbon Credits are an option Austin Resource Recovery will consider for long term sustainability efforts. In the short term, the Master Plan focuses on how we can reduce our carbon footprint. The City's carbon footprint reduction efforts delve into alternative fuels, sequestration, an offset fund and continual promotion of sustainable living. In Chapter 4.3 2007 the City Council adopted the Austin Climate Protection Plan which has a goal of making the City of Austin carbon neutral by the year 2020. Austin Resource Recovery Chapter 12 Chapter 18 has specific objectives in place to help the City reach this goal. As the City of Austin works toward this goal, we will investigate additional strategies reduce our carbon footprint, which may include carbon credits.

I did not see studies integrated about the potential for the city of Austin to win Carbon Credits from the Zero Waste Master Plan efforts to help finance for its cost. This was highly recommended and encouraged by several assistants to the stakeholder input meeting on November 2010.

Carbon Credits are an option Austin Resource Recover will consider for long term sustainability efforts. In the short term, the Master Plan focuses on how we can reduce our carbon footprint. The City's carbon footprint reduction efforts delve into alternative fuels, sequestration, an offset fund and continual promotion of sustainable living. In 2007, the City Council adopted the Austin Climate Protection Plan which has a goal of making the City of Austin carbon neutral by the year 2020. As the City of Austin works toward this goal, we will investigate additional strategies reduce our carbon footprint, which may include carbon credits. More precise estimates of green house emissions Carbon Credits are an option Austin Resource Recover will consider for long term reductions and the tons of carbon dioxide calculations would sustainability efforts. In the short term, the Master Plan focuses on how we can reduce be helpful to explore the carbon credit potential of the our carbon footprint. The City's carbon footprint reduction efforts delve into alternative program according to its progress. fuels, sequestration, an offset fund and continual promotion of sustainable living. In 2007, the City Council adopted the Austin Climate Protection Plan which has a goal of making the City of Austin carbon neutral by the year 2020. As the City of Austin works toward this goal, we will investigate additional strategies reduce our carbon footprint, which may include carbon credits.

NOTE: Public comments were not edited for content. Comments were separated into similar categories to organize responses.

Master Plan Reference

Topic

Carbon

Chapter 4.3 Chapter 12 Chapter 18

Carbon

Chapter 4 Chapter 12 Chapter 18

Carbon

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Austin Resource Recovery Master Plan Public Comment comments received from March 30, 2011 to October 7, 2011

Public Comment/Question

Staff Response

Master Plan Reference

It always suprises me how few people use the smaller (and We are glad to hear that your family of three is using the smallest, 32 gallon trash cart! cheaper) trash bins. Realistically, with a family of three we don't even come close to filling up the small bin so the large The City of Austin has a Zero Waste goal to reduce the amount of waste Austinites bin would be way overkill, and I believe many families would send to the landfill by 90 percent by the year 2040. In order to reach that goal, the City find the same to be the case. encourages citizens to rethink what they are throwing into the trash and encourage I think many residents don't know that they can switch to a recycling, composting and reconsidering the types of items they consume. smaller bin and save and the city could do a better job promoting the benefits of the smaller bins to the customer. Currently, the City has an education and outreach program to share information with We could prominently encourage switching via an email citizens through various outlets: schools, environmental fairs, churches, neighborhood Chapter 24 campaign as well as on the paper and e-statements. associations, businesses and more. The program includes information about basic A smaller bin also encourages people to waste less, recylce services, including the options and costs for the three trash carts. We emphasize cost more, and be more conscious of how much trash we put in savings, because as you noted, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great benefit of reducing cart size. In addition, the landfills, which ultimately costs the city and it's citizens City recently produced a reality TV show called Dare to Go Zero, where four Austin money and valuable natural resources. families were challenged to reduce their household trash to zero! Two of the four Unless you think the attached picture of a nice landfill should families reduced to less than a pound of trash per week and all of the families reduced th replace Zilker park... Also, the most recent Austin Energy PowerPlus newsletter (included with City of Austin c My husband made the brilliant point that while 90% of our Thank you for your inquiry on recycling and garbage collection frequency. This as an trash could be recycled, the recycling is only picked up every issue which will need to be addressed as Austin Resource Recovery follows through other week, while our regular trash, barely full, is picked up with its commitment to Zero Waste. As we add more materials to the list of recyclables every week. wouldn't it be more efficient (not to mention, accepted by our recycling program, we foresee the need to move to more frequent intice (sic) those who are not avid recyclers) to do it the collection of recyclables. At this time the vast majority of Austin households only other way around? especially if this city is really committed generate enough recyclable materials to fill the 96-gallon recycling cart every two to environmental concerns. weeks. As more materials are taken from the garbage cart to the recycling cart, we also Chapter 8 see the need to reduce the frequency of garbage collection. In order to do this, the City of Austin has to work with legislators to change current state laws that require collection of garbage weekly. We are working on the necessary language and plan to introduce it at the next legislative session in two years. If you have any further questions or comments be please feel free to contact Richard McHale at 974-4301.

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Topic

Cart

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Austin Resource Recovery Master Plan Public Comment comments received from March 30, 2011 to October 7, 2011

Public Comment/Question

Staff Response

I would like to see the recycling of construction debris such Several recycling facilities around Austin accept many of the materials generated by as lumber, plywood, sheetrock, vinyl, insulation etc. that construction, remodeling, deconstruction or demolition projects. Most of the facilities cannot be sent to Habitat for Humanity or reused in any way. that process construction, deconstruction and demolition (C&D) materials are located at, Some of us can't afford to haul it to the dump so it gets or near, a landfill. In addition, per the Master Plan, Austin Resource Recovery will dumped elsewhere or sits for years in a shed. establish a policy to manage the C&D debris from its residential customers, which could involve an expansion of current bulk collection services to include C&D recycling. The Master Plan also includes establishing Austin Reuse Center around town to accept some of these materials. Does construction debris include combinations of food? In answer to your question, the definition for Debris on page ix of the March 23, 2011, Please clarify that because the definition in the March 7 draft version of the Master Plan is incorrect. The following definition for Type IV MSW says so. facilities: A Type IV landfill unit may only accept brush, construction, or demolition waste, and/or rubbish. A Type IV landfill unit may not accept putrescible wastes, conditionally exempt small-quantity generator waste, or household wastes. This definition implies that a Type IV landfill can accept construction waste (or debris) but not putrescible wastes, such as food. The Master Plan includes a lengthy discussion on Construction Material Management. Recycling of building materials needs to be emphasized. In order to achieve Zero Waste, diverting construction materials fromt he landfill will become more important than ever. Deconstruction for reuse, the use of reclaimed materials in new construction, and recycling building materials are important ways to help the City of Austin achieve its Zero Waste goal. Several of these concepts are discussed in the Master Plan including development of guidelines to help encourage the diversion and reuse of C&D materials. Currently, the City of Austin Green Building Program and the US Green Building Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s LEED program require that construction projects must recycle at least 50% of their discards in order to be recognized as a Green Building or LEED Certified project. There are business opportunities related to the development of new markets and products using reclaimed C&D materials. The City of Austin will continue to support economic development in the area to expand C&D recycling facilities in size and number to handle growing quantities of these materials.

NOTE: Public comments were not edited for content. Comments were separated into similar categories to organize responses.

Master Plan Reference

Topic

Chapter 9 Chapter 13 Chapter 15

CD&D

Chapter 9

CD&D

Chapter 9

CD&D

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Austin Resource Recovery Master Plan Public Comment comments received from March 30, 2011 to October 7, 2011

Public Comment/Question

Staff Response

Master Plan Reference

I love our town. I love live music. I am one of those people The Central Business District (CBD) is an area of downtown Austin with varying who does go out to hear live music at least once every week business types, including bars, restaurants, large office buildings, etc. To reduce the - even though I am a grown up with a grown up job and amount of truck traffic in the downtown area and along alleys, Austin Resource grown up responsibilities. I treasure the culture of clubs, Recovery manages a commercial garbage collection contract with a private hauler for bars, and restaurants downtown and all over our city. Which businesses that are located along portions of 6th Street, 4th street, and Congress is why it pains me that our bars and restaurants don't Avenue. Recycling of paper, cardboard and glass is also provided as a part of that Chapter 20 recycle. Have you seen the huge number of bottles that get contract. In fact, the City began offering recycling services to CBD businesses in 2005, Chapter 21 trashed every night of the week? There has GOT TO BE a offering cardboard/mixed paper first and then recycling of glass starting in 2007. way to get all of those beer bottles into the recycling. Please Currently, there are 12 glass recycling dumpsters and 69 cardboard/mixed paper help us. dumpsters that are shared by participating businesses. They are evenly distributed throughout the 39 blocks of the District. The City of Austin recently signed a new contract with a private hauler with an added stipulation that the current recycling program offered will expand to include more materials. The exact date for rollout of the Currently businesses and commercial properties have to The Central Business District (CBD) is an area of downtown Austin with varying spend money they often don't have or need encouragement business types, including bars, restaurants, large office buildings, etc. To reduce the to set aside. As a result, very few do it and untold tonnes of amount of truck traffic in the downtown area and along alleys, Austin Resource recycling go uncollected. Recovery manages a commercial garbage collection contract with a private hauler for A possible solution would be to place large recycling bins for businesses that are located along portions of 6th Street, 4th street, and Congress shared use by the surrounding businesses. In other world- Avenue. Recycling of paper, cardboard and glass is also provided as a part of that class cities, there's no distinction between personal and contract. In fact, the City began offering recycling services to CBD businesses in 2005, business use for recycling boxes and the system gets a high offering cardboard/mixed paper first and then recycling of glass starting in 2007. Chapter 20 degree of adoption from both residential and businesses in Currently, there are 12 glass recycling dumpsters and 69 cardboard/mixed paper Chapter 21 the urban core. Check out the attached image of how dumpsters that are shared by participating businesses. They are evenly distributed Barcelona does it (though they also have bins for organic throughout the 39 blocks of the District. The City of Austin recently signed a new food waste too, which is another level better). contract with a private hauler with an added stipulation that the current recycling At the very least let's help bars and restaurants recycle the program offered will expand to include more materials. The exact date for rollout of the insane amounts of glass through easier access. Many of expanded recycling program is still being discussed and will require extensive coordinatio them want to but we make it too complicated and expensive. Bars and restaurants not located in the CBD will eventually be required to comply with th

NOTE: Public comments were not edited for content. Comments were separated into similar categories to organize responses.

Topic

Central Business District

6 of 27

Austin Resource Recovery Master Plan Public Comment comments received from March 30, 2011 to October 7, 2011

Public Comment/Question

Staff Response

Master Plan Reference

The alleyways north and south of 6th street smell terrible 365 days a year. According to the COA solid waste services website these alleys are "inspected and flushed with water on a daily basis", but despite this fact they continue to smell like a zoo. Let’s provide some accommodation for this basic human need. Public urinals are superior to drunken people discharging waste every night of the week behind dumpsters, stairwells, and doorways in and around the city's most popular entertainment district. Punishing people for their waste by writing tickets for public urination is a waste of APD and municipal court resources and does nothing as far as dealing with this ongoing problem. No amount of citations will stop it from occurring and the APD will never catch the majority of offenders. These are very common in Sweden, Denmark, Netherlands, etc. There's no reason why they couldn't be installed here as well and it would be an improvement over the disgusting environment that currently exists around 6th street.

Downtown streets and sidewalks are cleaned on a daily basis. Litter on the sidewalk is picked up by hand or blown into the street and then street sweepers drive by and clean the pavement and the gutters. Alleys that parallel Congress Avenue, a half block to the east and west, and alleys that parallel Sixth Street, a block to the north and south, are inspected daily and flushed with water four times a week. All other alleys are maintained by the property owners. If you have more questions about street cleaning, please contact Vidal Maldonado at 974-7687.

The City’s zero-waste program should be coordinated with the City’s climate protection plan.

The Climate Protection Plan has an aggressive goal of reaching carbon neutrality by the year 2020. Austin Resource Recovery is taking measures to support the Chapter 4 implementation of the Austin Climate Protection Plan while we continue on toward our Chapter 18 goal of Zero Waste. We are continually coordinating our reduction efforts with those of other departments within the City.

Chapter 13

NOTE: Public comments were not edited for content. Comments were separated into similar categories to organize responses.

Topic

Central Business District

Climate Plan

7 of 27

Austin Resource Recovery Master Plan Public Comment comments received from March 30, 2011 to October 7, 2011

Public Comment/Question

Master Plan Reference

It would be relevant in the future to share with the public how Thank you for your feedback. Austin Resource Recovery coordinates closely with the the Climate Protection Plan, the Zero Waste Master Plan, Office of Sustainabilty, the Climate Protection Program and several other sustainabilty the Imagine Austin efforts and the STAR pilot to be started related programs to ensure that our polices and programs compliment the City's current by the Sustainability office would interact and complement sustainability efforts. In fact, all of the waste management related priorities identified in each other. the Imagine Austin Plan stemmed from this Master Plan. Additionally, goals identified Chapter 4 by the Climate Protection Plan are goals that are shared by this Master Plan. Additionally, Austin Resource Recovery plays an active role in partnering with the Office Chapter 18 of Sustainability to contribute to development of ICLEI's STAR Community Index as well as the City's long term plan to identify Green Business Leaders. We agree, however, that it can be hard to idenitfy all of the connections and will be sure to include to include how these efforts support each other in our annual report. Better Integrate how ZWMP fits into Austin s sustainable future

Staff Response

Finally let me say that for anyone who missed it, a huge challenge will continue to be transient compliance. AGAIN, We ain't talking street people necessarily; what the point here is all those who are in/ out of the area such as construction workers, those here for an event, entertainment, business or public service conferences. Let us really step-up, that all may know you ain't welcome in austin to improperly squander precious resources.

Thank you for your feedback. Austin Resource Recovery coordinates closely with the Office of Sustainabilty, the Climate Protection Program and several other sustainabilty related programs to ensure that our polices and programs compliment the City's current sustainability efforts. In fact, all of the waste management related priorities identified in the Imagine Austin Plan stemmed from this Master Plan. Additionally, goals identified Chapter 4 by the Climate Protection Plan are goals that are shared by this Master Plan. Additionally, Austin Resource Recovery plays an active role in partnering with the Office Chapter 18 of Sustainability to contribute to development of ICLEI's STAR Community Index as well as the City's long term plan to identify Green Business Leaders. We agree, however, that it can be hard to idenitfy all of the connections and will be sure to include to include how these efforts support each other in our annual report. Austin Resource Recovery partners with Keep Austin Beautiful to provide event recycling assistance and planning to City sponsored events as well as other events in the City. The Austin Convention Center has progressive recycling and composting efforts in place and Austin Bergstrom International Airport promotes in flight recycling and Zero Waste displays to educate those visiting our City. We will continue to roll out community outreach and education to the Austin area and its visitors.

NOTE: Public comments were not edited for content. Comments were separated into similar categories to organize responses.

Chapter 18 Chapter 24

Topic

Climate Plan

Department Parnterships Education/ Outreach

8 of 27

Austin Resource Recovery Master Plan Public Comment comments received from March 30, 2011 to October 7, 2011

Public Comment/Question

Master Plan Reference

I believe it would be useful to further develop the definition of Disposal fee was a term used to describe any fee assessed for the disposal of a variety disposal fee to make it clearer that is a service being of materials. To reduce confusion, we removed the term from the Master Plan, and any provided in the exchange for that fee. As well as to make fees mentioned are specified (i.e. facility fee, entry fee, landfill fee, etc.). Your point, that the point that such a fee reflects the heavy investment understanding that these are fees are associated with services, is well taken and will be Chapter 4 needed to process the generator waste. Many people could considered as we develop our education and outreach programs. Chapter 7 expand their level of awareness about waste collection Chapter 9 being a service and not an obligation. Providing some Chapter 24 numbers about the amount of waste and the cost to provide collection and process of waste to an average house or apartment as a life-cycle type of analysis could help illustrate the relevance of this service to waste producers. Develop "disposal fee"

Staff Response

Disposal fee was a term used to describe any fee assessed for the disposal of a variety Chapter 4 of materials. To reduce confusion, we removed the term from the Master Plan, and any Chapter 7 fees mentioned are specified (i.e. facility fee, entry fee, landfill fee, etc.). Chapter 9

Edit document to sound positive

Thank you for your comment. We have incorporated your recommendation into the Master Plan. When its asked can we really achieve Zero Waste? A Thank you for your comment. We have incorporated your recommendation into the negative phrase follows immediately! I would suggest editing Master Plan and you can read the updated information in Chapter 3. that paragraph and rephrase it so that it reflect the COA aims to do reach ZW first and then mentions the challenges. Economic development should be given a greater emphasis Austin Resource Recovery understands that economic development is a crucial part of in the master planning document. our Master Plan, and there are many aspects addressed in Chapter 15: Recycling Economic Development, and throughout the entire document. As we progress forward, we plan to create, promote and innovate economic opportunities for our department and the Austin community.

NOTE: Public comments were not edited for content. Comments were separated into similar categories to organize responses.

Topic

Disposal Fee Education/ Outreach

Disposal Fee

Document

Chapter 3

Document

Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 10 Chapter 15 Chapter 22

Economy

9 of 27

Austin Resource Recovery Master Plan Public Comment comments received from March 30, 2011 to October 7, 2011

Public Comment/Question

Staff Response

E-waste collections should be free.

Currently there are many electronics vendors that are increasing their e-waste collection efforts thanks to their commitment to taking responsiblity for the products they manufacture. However, to ensure that cities and tax payers are not paying for the cost of disposal, Austin Resource Recovery intends to support Extended Producer Chapter 7 Responsibility policies and ordinances. Until those policies and ordinances are approved Chapter 9 and enacted into legislation, Austin Resource Recovery will focus on making recycling of Chapter 11 various items, including e-waste, easier and less costly by opening Austin Reuse Center Chapter 21 or partnering with various organizations to create drop off facilities to accept recyclables.

I would like to know what "HDR" stands for? 30 18. Additional hazardous waste drop-off sites are needed in the Austin community. 31

As someone who lives up in Walnut Crossing a good half hour drive from the hazardous waste disposal site, we find our neighborhood reluctant to haul down there for a few batteries or a can of old motor oil. While we are trying to pool efforts, it would be REALLY HELPFUL if we could have some haz waste drop off points perhaps at fire stations. All it would need be is a small garden shed where things can accumulate for a couple of weeks and then be delivered to the main facility. I would volunteer to drive the material, but having a place to accumulate it legally is a bottleneck that only the city can help with.

Master Plan Reference

The City of Austin contracted with a consulting firm to assist in creating the Master Plan. NA HDR stands for the initials of founders of the firm: H.H. Henningson, Charles Durham and Willard Richardson. The City of Austin acknowledges that the current facility is not convenient for all citizens. Starting October 1, 2011, the Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) facility hours Chapter 9 expanded to include every Saturday from 7am to 12pm. The Master Plan includes an Chapter 11 evaluation to open a new north HHW facility in the future and offer door-to-door collection services. The City of Austin acknowledges that the current facility is not convenient for all citizens. Starting October 1, 2011, the Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) facility hours expanded to include every Saturday from 7am to 12pm. The Master Plan includes an evaluation to open a new north HHW facility in the future and offer door-to-door collection services. HHW is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Sites that collect this material must go through a notification process with the State and have Chapter 9 an operations plan and other safety requirements in place for safe storage of the Chapter 11 chemicals. The TCEQ does not allow for unstaffed drop off points. Although the Fire Department seems like an ideal situation with locations all around the City, there would not be sufficient resources to staff the storage area and keep the materials safe and in order. As an alternative to driving to the City of Austin Household Hazardous Waste facility, most businesses that offer oil change services will accept your used motor oil. Also, there are many locations around Austin to recycle your household batteries. You may cal

NOTE: Public comments were not edited for content. Comments were separated into similar categories to organize responses.

Topic

Electronic Waste

HDR

HHW

10 of 27

Austin Resource Recovery Master Plan Public Comment comments received from March 30, 2011 to October 7, 2011

Public Comment/Question

Staff Response

4. “Bad actors” should be penalized, and “good actors” As we move closer to our Zero Waste goal and as technologies change, landfills will should be rewarded; inferred that landfill operators are “bad have a different role in the waste disposal and diversion process. We cannot classify actors.” landfill operators as "bad actors" because at this point in time they perform a necessary function. We agree that incentive-based programs will help promote Zero Waste. There are many different options for implementing incentive-based programs. Please see Chapters 6, 8, 16 and 22 for more information about the variety of incentive programs currently in place and in the planning stages. 10. There should be incentives for the community to adhere We agree that incentive-based programs will help promote Zero Waste. There are to zero-waste principles and minimize illegal activities. many different options for implementing incentive-based programs. Please see Chapters 6, 8, 16 and 22 to learn more about the variety of incentive programs currently in place and in the planning stages.

Master Plan Reference Chapter 6 Chapter 8 Chapter 10 Chapter 16 Chapter 18 Chapter 21

Chapter 6.3 Chapter 8.1 Chapter 10.4 Chapter 16.2 Chapter 18 Chapter 22 Chapter 6 17. The recycling program should include incentives for We agree that incentive-based programs will help promote Zero Waste. There are Chapter 8 waste generators to participate in increased recycling. many different options for implementing incentive-based programs. Please see Chapters 6, 8, 16 and 22 to learn more about the variety of incentive programs currently Chapter 10 Chapter 16 in place and in the planning stages. Chapter 18 Chapter 22 Chapter 4 Eco-friendly jobs must be kept local at all costs. A recycling Thank you for your comment. We have incorporated your suggestion into the Master Chapter 5 paper mill may work in Austin. Plan Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 10 Chapter 15 Chapter 22 The plan needs greater focus on economic development, The topics of local job creation, economic development and financial implications are Chapter 4 i.e. local job creation, small business growth, financial mentioned in several Chapters of the Master Plan, most notably Chapter 15: Recycling Chapter 5 implications. Economic Development. When discussing local job creation we touch on multiple Chapter 6 subjects such as sustainability, departmental structure, reuse and composting organics. Chapter 7 The specifics of the City's job creation timeline and economic development depends on Chapter 10 a multitude of actions and decisions that will be made in the future. As we progress Chapter 15 forward, we plan to create, promote and innovate economic opportunities for our Chapter 22 Department and the Austin community.

NOTE: Public comments were not edited for content. Comments were separated into similar categories to organize responses.

Topic

Incentives

Jobs

11 of 27

Austin Resource Recovery Master Plan Public Comment comments received from March 30, 2011 to October 7, 2011

Public Comment/Question

Staff Response

Master Plan Reference

Topic

Please explain more clearly how the 5,000 new jobs estimate was determined and how it fits onto the 2012, 2015, 2020, 2030 timeline.

The estimate in Chapter 4 of the Master Plan, states that there is potential to create 1,000 to 5,000 new jobs in recycling and organics collection and processing, materials reuse and repair, and remanufacturing. Estimates will be adjusted as the Master Plan is Chapter 4 refined and will be based on data from the Institute for Local Self Reliance (ILSR), a nonChapter 5 profit organization based in Washington DC which has focused on recycling-based Chapter 6 economic development for the past 30 years. The Master Plan extrapolates from the Chapter 7 ISLR estimate that for every 10,000 tons of waste land filled, only 1 job is created. For Chapter 10 every 10,000 tons of organic materials composted, 4 jobs are created. For every Chapter 15 10,000 tons of recyclables processed, 10 jobs are created. For every 10,000 tons of Chapter 22 reusables processed, 75-250 jobs are created. At this point. Because the jobs estimate is an estimate, the Master Plan does not clearly identify the number of jobs per major milestone. The number of recycling materials considered should be The Twelve Market Categories of Recyclable Materials are also known as the Twelve more than twelve. Categories of could and should be Master Cateogries, the Clean Dozen, and the Twelve Master Commodities. These are explicitly expanded at least to include the 7 types of plastic the commidty types identified through a discard study performed and analyzed by Daniel Chapter 8 and 3 types of glass as part of the core diversion efforts. Knapp and Mary Lou Van Deventer. The same categories are used frequently by other Chapter 9 Chapter 24 Zero Waste communities. For more information about the study, please refer to Total Recycling: Realistic Ways to Approach the Ideal by Daniel Knapp and Mary Lou Van Deventer. Emphasis needs to be placed on reducing the volume of Thank you for your comment. We agree that reducing the volume of waste generated Chapter 3 materials needing to be recycling, such as composting prior to diverting materials via compost and/or recycling is crucial. Ultimately Zero Chapter 8 materials. Waste is a goal that requires consumer responsibility and engagement which is Chapter 16 addressed throughout the Master Plan. When we walk the dogs on Thursday night, I notice which Thank you for your comment. We agree that more comprehensive education and neighbors put out the recycling bin and I'm grateful for that. outreach is necessary to help customers recycle right. You will be happy to know that But then I see trash in it and sometimes I get a little new customers receive instructions and information about all of our programs and judgmental even though I shouldn't because they probably services, including Single Stream Recycling. We offer individual classes to just don't know what to put in the bin - which would probably neighborhoods that request a presentation from us. We also have a Block Leader Chapter 8 contaminate the bin and be a reason to throw it away. It program that provides resources to recycling advocates to share with neighbors and Chapter 9 would be wonderful and I think necessary to teach at least friends. For more information about our long term education/outreach plans, please Chapter 24 one recycling training class per neighborhood or send out review Chapter 24 of the Master Plan. flyers to teach everyone what goes in the bin or set up a website that tells you what is okay or not. Recyclers don't realize that most people would try harder if they were given a direction and game plan.

NOTE: Public comments were not edited for content. Comments were separated into similar categories to organize responses.

Jobs

Materials Accepted

12 of 27

Austin Resource Recovery Master Plan Public Comment comments received from March 30, 2011 to October 7, 2011

Public Comment/Question

Staff Response

Master Plan Reference

Expand # of recycled materials & include 7 types of plastic & The Twelve Market Categories of Recyclable Materials are also known as the Twelve 3 types of glass Master Cateogries, the Clean Dozen, and the Twelve Master Commodities. These are the commidty types identified through a discard study performed and analyzed by Daniel Knapp and Mary Lou Van Deventer. The same categories are used frequently by other Chapter 9 Zero Waste communities. For more information about the study, please refer to Total Recycling: Realistic Ways to Approach the Ideal by Daniel Knapp and Mary Lou Van Deventer. I would like to see a ban on the use of Styrofoam containers Thank you for your comments and suggestions regarding a ban on Styrofoam products. (food and beverage) in the city of Austin. I am an active member of KAB (Keep Austin Beautiful) and I participate in As part of the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goal to achieve a 90% reduction in the waste sent to area landfills, numerous clean-up efforts in and around the city. I cannot the Solid Waste Services Department (SWS) Master Plan will include steps to address tell you how much Styrofoam I have plucked from lakes, the use of single-use containers of all types (plastic bags, disposable water bottles, and rivers and creeks over the years. It saddens me that such polystyrene [i.e. Styrofoam] cups and containers). The Department will focus on an environmentally conscious city would still allow the use of identifying acceptable alternatives, increasing recycling of these products, and obtain these types of containers. I propose we adopt a similar stakeholder input to implement policies that will help reduce and/or eliminate the stance on the ban of Styrofoam just as they have in San consumption of single-use containers. Francisco, CA. I would love to see take-out containers be environmentally friendly and compostable. It canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be that As you may know, education and easy access to trash and recycling containers are one difficult of an ordinance to enact. Let's do this Austin! of the most important aspects of keeping refuse out of our lakes and creeks. The City is committed to continuing education at area elementary schools, businesses, and Chapter 21 community events to help people understand the impacts of their choices and raising the awareness of the benefits of recycling and reducing the use of certain materials. In an effort to reduce the amount of litter in our community, including our waterways, the Cit

Topic

Materials Accepted

Materials Collected

The Solid Waste Services Department also engages the business community through the In the mean time, we encourage all Austinites to help us reduce waste by minimizing con If you have additional questions or comment, please feel free to contact Aiden Cohen, Pr

NOTE: Public comments were not edited for content. Comments were separated into similar categories to organize responses.

13 of 27

Austin Resource Recovery Master Plan Public Comment comments received from March 30, 2011 to October 7, 2011

Public Comment/Question

Master Plan Reference

Comment: Let us recycle milk cartons Thank you for your suggestion to add aseptic containers such as juice boxes, milk Milk cartons are recyclable - Austin just doesn't accept them cartons, and soy milk containers in the City’s Single Stream Recycling program. yet. You are right. Aseptic containers compose a large part of our waste stream and there are currently no service providers in the area that accept them for recycling. However, you will be happy to know that in negotiating the City’s new long term recycling contract, staff requested the ability to add new recyclables to our Single Stream Recycling Program over time. Our goal is for aseptic containers to be the first recyclable that we Chapter 8 add – likely during 2012. Our aim is to consistently improve the Single Stream Recycling program to make it easier for our citizens to recycle more, landfill less, and help the community reach its Zero Waste goal.

Include Austins medical waste

Staff Response

We appreciate your input and commitment to Zero Waste! If you have any other recommendations or thoughts about how the City can get to Zero Waste, please contact Jessica King, Strategic Initiatives Division Manager, at 512-974-7678 or via email at Medical waste has a high level of regulation. We hope that biomedical waste technologies will improve and that disposal options will advance to a point where we can divert it in the future. At this point we cannot accept medical waste or biomedical waste. Chapter 11 The City currently hosts annual pharmaceutical collection events in partnership with the Chapter 18 Federal Drug Enforcement Agency and Austin Police Department.

The plan should also include goals and numbers for Austin's Medical waste has a high level of regulation. We hope that biomedical waste medical waste from hospitals, dentist, veterinary waste, etc. technologies will improve and that disposal options will advance to a point where we can Even if this type of waste is not necessarily process within divert it in the future. At this point we cannot accept medical waste or biomedical waste. the Austin city limits, the city does produce this type of waste The City currently hosts annual pharmaceutical collection events in partnership with the Chapter 11 Chapter 18 and its proper process and potential reduction should be Federal Drug Enforcement Agency and Austin Police Department. included into the Zero Waste Master Plan as a whole as it constitutes part of the Austin waste produced everyday. Additionally,- what is planned for staffing and outreach needs, specifically how to address lower income areas and the Spanish speaking community An on-going report card on the COA's Solid Waste website so that stakeholders can see regularly updates monthly

Austin Resource Recovery is working with our routing division to target areas of low participation. We have started targeting the Spanish speaking community through focused ad campaigns and events like our One Green Step/Un Paso Verde Event and Chapter 24 our Spanish and bilingual composting education classes. We will continue to expand our public outreach and education efforts throughout the implementation of the Master Plan.

NOTE: Public comments were not edited for content. Comments were separated into similar categories to organize responses.

Topic

Materials Collected

Medical

Mktg

14 of 27

Austin Resource Recovery Master Plan Public Comment comments received from March 30, 2011 to October 7, 2011

Public Comment/Question

Staff Response

The plan must have an educational component to reduce waste.

The Master Plan includes a communications plan to educate and encourage the public to reduce waste, and we will be continually updating the public on the progress of the Master Plan and ways they can get involved. 25. The plan needs to indicate how the social media The Master Plan includes a Chapter about communications strategies and tactics, recommendations could be implemented. including social media and social marketing. A comprehensive, research-based communications plan will be developed and revisited each year that will identify the specific tactics that will be implemented, how they will be implemented, and the resources required. Austin hosted events, official or otherwise: all these Austin Resource Recovery partners with Keep Austin Beautiful to provide event festivals/ promotions, drive-by night flyers recycling assistance and planning to City sponsored events as well as other events in discarded all over our streets and landscape. where do they the City. The Austin Convention Center has progressive recycling and composting end up? in the river. We need efforts in place and Austin Bergstrom International Airport promotes in flight recycling to be a host site location that mandates behavior beyond the and Zero Waste displays to educate those visiting our City. We will continue to roll out current inability for folks to change their own diaper. community outreach and education to the Austin area and its visitors. *&**another words we are not toddlers here: reduce reuse recycle. In a case of left hand knowing what the right hand is doing, the summer Large Brush Collections encourage those who do not know about Oak Wilt to prune trees at the wrong time of year. It would be helpful in spreading information about Oak Wilt if the notices sent out during beetle season would include a WARNING: PRUNING OAK TREES FROM FEBJULY CAN RESULT IN OAK WILT INFECTION AND POSSIBLE DEATH OF TREE. or something like that, and the website address for Oak Wilt information the city maintains. Thanks for listening.

Master Plan Reference

Topic

Chapter 24

Mktg

Chapter 24

Mktg

Chatper 14 Chapter 24

Mktg

The Texas Forest Service recommends avoiding pruning or wounding of oak trees during the spring (Feb. 1 through June 30). The areas in the City that are known to have Oak Wilt are usually scheduled July-January for this reason. For more information about Oak Wilt, please visit http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/oakwilt/ or contact Chris Dolan with the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Oak Wilt Suppression Program at 974-1881 or chris.dolan@ci.austin.tx.us. We are currently looking at our bulk and large brush collection schedules and notices to Chapter 13 determine if there are changes we can make to be more effective and efficient. We appreciate your comments and will keep them in mind as we analyze our schedules in the future. If you have additional comments or questions about large brush collection, please contact Vidal Maldonado, Litter Abatement Division Manager at 974-7687 or vidal.maldonado@ci.austin.tx.us.

NOTE: Public comments were not edited for content. Comments were separated into similar categories to organize responses.

Oak Wilt

15 of 27

Austin Resource Recovery Master Plan Public Comment comments received from March 30, 2011 to October 7, 2011

Public Comment/Question

Staff Response

I said I wouldn't pay for compost pick up because I already Many items cannot be composted on a small scale through residential backyard have a compost in my backyard (no need to pay). However, composting and could be diverted into a commercial-size compost pile that has the if it were free, I could add in case I had extra. ability to break down materials like dairy and meats. The City of Austin currently provides a bundled service that is based on your trash cart size. The Department will explore providing curbside collection of organics and will evaluate the best way to incorporate it in to the rate structure. Thank you for your comment. We have incorporated your recommendation into the I am 100% in favor of a City wide composting program. I Master Plan and you can read our updated information in Chapter 10 have started composting despite the fact that I live in a second floor walk-up with no yard. I hire a firm to come pick up my compost every week. I have been amazed at how much can be put in to the compost including paper towels, newspaper and cardboard. Thank you for your comment. We will take your feedback into consideration as we Composting should be encouraged, but care should be develop composting programs and composting incentives. taken in the mixing of materials so that the different end products are properly categorized by potential future use How can composing costs be lowered? Thank you for your comment. The cost of a program or item is determined by the market in which it exists. In a competitive market the costs will drop as more vendors or options are introduced. As composting efforts increase we expect see a more competitive market, which will offer more competitive pricing. I would not participate in the food scrap composting There are many materials that can not be composted in a backyard compost bin or pile. program because I already compost my own scraps. Items like meat, dairy and oil can be composted on a commercial level. A curbside Perhaps free compost bins could be offered? organics collection program allows even more organic materials to be diverted away from landfills. We applaud your composting efforts, and while the city does not offer free compost bins at this time we do have a compost rebate program which allows customers to recoup 75% (up to $75) of the price of a composter. You can find more information on our website: http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/sws/green30_challenge.htm

NOTE: Public comments were not edited for content. Comments were separated into similar categories to organize responses.

Master Plan Reference

Chapter 10

Topic

Organic

Chapter 10

Organic

Chapter 10

Organic

Chapter 10

Organic

Chapter 10

Organic

16 of 27

Austin Resource Recovery Master Plan Public Comment comments received from March 30, 2011 to October 7, 2011

Public Comment/Question

Master Plan Reference

Also, can pet waste (which if left on the ground is supposed Pet waste cannot be recycled. However, to avoid sending it to the landfill, pet waste can to be bad for our water) be recycled? be composted or included in anaerobic digestion systems. However, collection is the first challenge. The Master Plan does mention that organics collection will be an added service in the next few years. The details of what qualifies as organic and what materials will be accepted in an organic collection process will not be clear until the program is developed. The Master Plan also discusses alternative disposal options to Chapter 10 be considered in the future, and the possibilities of what can and cannot be recycled or Chapter 12 composted will change as our technologies change. At this time we recommend that you seal animal waste in a plastic bag before putting it in your garbage cart. Some of your current options of disposal include: flushing your petâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s waste down the toilet or using a drain (i.e. Doggy Doo Drain) and/or purchasing a pet waste specific composter Further develop product packaging design in the ZWMP

Staff Response

Topic

Organic

Zero Waste policies, including ordinances, incentives, bans, take-backs, purchasing specifications, and advocacy, allow the City to increase diversion and decrease waste. Universal ordinances that apply to all waste generators including residents, visitors, institutions and businesses can be effective strategies for achieving Zero Waste.

Chapter 3 Chapter 6 Included in the Master Plan is a discussion aobut developing and considering a SingleChapter 8 Use Product and Packaging Ordinance which would reduce single-use and nonChapter 9 recyclable products and packaging. To reduce discards that currently have limited Chapter 15 recycling markets or uses, the City will consider various product and material bans or Chapter 18 other requirements or incentives. Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Research and development of new product packaging options is also needed. The Department intends to explore partnerships with university leaders, civic leaders and the business community to identify ways to redesign product packaging.

NOTE: Public comments were not edited for content. Comments were separated into similar categories to organize responses.

Packaging

17 of 27

Austin Resource Recovery Master Plan Public Comment comments received from March 30, 2011 to October 7, 2011

Public Comment/Question

Staff Response

The City should implement a â&#x20AC;&#x153;producer take-backâ&#x20AC;? ordinance to require manufacturers to recycle their packaging. Packaging should be designed for recyclability.

3. The efforts related to Zero Waste objective related to designing and products packaging should be further developed and included in the Zero Waste Policy, Policy Program and Infrastructure phasing by goal year timeline. 60

Austin parks, rec. : same need to be on board as a fully active commitment. We need'" pack it in, pack it out'" to well reasoned facilities which do not over burden our Public Green spaces.

Topic

Chapter 3 Chapter 6 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 15 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20

Packaging

Chapter 3 Chapter 6 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 15 Proposed in the Master Plan, a Single-Use product and Packaging Ordinance will reduce single-use and non-recyclable products and packaging. To reduce discards that Chapter 18 currently have limited recycling markets or uses, the City will consider various product Chapter 19 Chapter 20 and material bans or other requirements or incentives.

Packaging

Included in the Master Plan is a disckussion about developing and considering a TakeBack Ordinance that could require brand owners to take back non-recyclable, noncompostable products. Take-back requirements shift the costs of garbage from taxpayers to brand owners and producers. They also create a powerful economic incentive to redesign products and substantially reduce the use of toxic materials.

Master Plan Reference

Thank you for your comment. We have forwarded this information on to the Austin Parks and Recreation Department. Austin Resource Recovery is currently partnering with the Parks and Recreation Department for public events, community outreach and education. Please visit their website (http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/) to find more information on current improvements and pollution reduction efforts in the Austin area parks. You can contact the Parks and Recreation Department 512-974-6700

NOTE: Public comments were not edited for content. Comments were separated into similar categories to organize responses.

Chapter 18

PARD

18 of 27

Austin Resource Recovery Master Plan Public Comment comments received from March 30, 2011 to October 7, 2011

Public Comment/Question

Staff Response

Will faith-based non-profit organizations be able to The City directly provides collection services to single-family residences and small participate in the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s single-stream recycling program as a businesses. Dumpsters of any type are provided by third-party service providers that revenue generating activity? have contracts with individual businesses. The City is not directly involved in the negotiation, costs, or revenues associated with these services. Historically, non-profit organizations have collected recyclable materials (aluminum cans, mixed paper, cardboard) and through an arrangement with a processor, raised money for their organization. Austin has several privately-owned companies (metal scrap and paper recyclers) that will help non-profits generate revenue by collecting and sorting clean recyclable material. At this time, non-profit organizations that only require cart service can sign up with the City for single stream recycling. However, the revenues generated from processing the materials help cover the cost of service. Integrate academic partners Thank you for your comment. The Master Plan discusses educational partnerships in Chapter 19. What is the recommended role of â&#x20AC;&#x153;institutionalâ&#x20AC;? players in Please see Chapter 20. Every person, business and institution plays a role in terms of the municipal recycling program? contributing to the City's waste stream. The Department's Single Stream Recycling Program is based on cart service and is largely focused on residential service. Generally, most institutions require dumpster service based on the volumes of recycling and waste they generate. Businesses and institutions, including nonprofits, hospitals and educational institutions, can learn more about reducing and recycling waste by becoming involved in our Waste Reduction Assistance program.

NOTE: Public comments were not edited for content. Comments were separated into similar categories to organize responses.

Master Plan Reference

Topic

partners

Chapter 19

Partners

Chapter 4 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Chapter 21

Partners

19 of 27

Austin Resource Recovery Master Plan Public Comment comments received from March 30, 2011 to October 7, 2011

Public Comment/Question

Staff Response

UT off / on campus housing, acc related housing, Texas state related housing; also ALL college/ university / city or other training campuses or related accommodations. MOST especially those under fed/ state.

Thank you for your comment. We will take your feedback into consideration and the Master Plan will be reviewed every 5 years and updated accordingly.

What kind of value does a certificate of training or other type of diploma / graduation etc. Have?!? when the student or recipients do not have the basic behavioral competency concerning materials which pass through their hands??? Answer is ZILCH!!! litter, landfill, incineration, etc. of raw materials from in ones' hands is not a sign of discernable accomplishment,nor of intelligence; period. The City of Austin should consider eco-friendly purchasing policies as part of its daily operations.

Master Plan Reference

Topic

Chapter 19

Partners

Chapter 18

Purchasing

Currently the City of Austin does not have a comprehensive, Citywide environmentally preferrred purchasing policy. However, even without specific guidance, many departments buy eco-friendly products on a regular basis. Austin Resource Recovery Department will continue to work with the Office of Sustainability and the Purchasing Office to develop standards to purchase that meet or exceed our sustainability standards. Additionally, in 2009, each City department developed their own Departmental Climate Protection Plan that includes the following statements regarding the purchase of environmentally preferable products: Departmental Climate Protection Plan: Purchasing 1. Within one year, identify additional environmental criteria or minimum standards to provide guidance to departmental buyers. 2. Incorporate â&#x20AC;&#x153;Best Valueâ&#x20AC;? contract selection criteria into the solicitation process where appropriate. 3. Within one year, eliminate all purchases of Styrofoam cups, chlorine bleach used for cleaning, virgin (no recycled content) printer/copier paper, and incandescent light bulbs where alternatives exist.

NOTE: Public comments were not edited for content. Comments were separated into similar categories to organize responses.

20 of 27

Austin Resource Recovery Master Plan Public Comment comments received from March 30, 2011 to October 7, 2011

Public Comment/Question

Staff Response

Master Plan Reference

Small carts will be a recycling program enhancement. 67

We agree and we will be implementing a smaller, 21-gallon trash cart into our cart size options. The new 21-gallon trash cart will promote increased recycling and composting Chapter 5 efforts while saving the money on your monthly bill. Additionally, Austin Resource Recovery is considering incorporating a smaller, 64-gallon recycling cart to be available Chapter 8 as citizens not only reduce waste, but also reduce recycling through an overall reduction in waste and consumption. Why are recycling costs per unit recycled not reducing Recycling costs - There are increasing costs to develop the collection infrastructure, and NA (reference to graphic illustrating increasing recycling costs in there may be cost savings once we reach 65% diversion rate. PowerPoint presentation)? Finally, I would like the City to be upfront and tell participants Thank you for your comment. We will take your suggestion into consideration as we develop future marketing campaigns to educate the public about Zero Waste and the that besides the fact that recycling is good for the Chapter 24 environment, the City would also like to make money from benefits of recycling. some of this recycling. Cost of recycling services = consumers household Thank you for your comment. We will take your suggestion into consideration as we Chapter 24 expenses. develop future marketing campaigns to educate the public about Zero Waste and the benefits of recycling. I would like to know why foil cannot currently be recycled in Food-soiled aluminum foil creates challenges in the recycling process. Because it is our recycling container? difficult to clean and results in contamination, many recycling facilities do not accept Chapter 6 used foil. However, there is a market for foil and Austin Resource Recovery hopes to Chapter 8 include foil as a recycled material in the near future. Until that point, the foil must be placed in the trash cart. Alternatively, there are many reuse option for foil and other non recycled materials. Eco-friendly jobs that could be generated via the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s zero- There are multiple possibilities for eco-friendly job creation through the City's Master waste program should be illustrated in greater detail. What Plan. Austin Resource Recovery currently suppports local green high schools and would be the relationship between the educational system higher education institutions by providing internships. In the future the Department is Chapter 17 (high school) and the potential jobs? interested in partnering with higher learning institutions for research and development of Chapter 19 more efficient product design, performing community waste assessments and innovating and testing pilot programs. The City will continue to explore and enhance relationships with local educational institutions.

Topic

NOTE: Public comments were not edited for content. Comments were separated into similar categories to organize responses.

Recycling

Schools

21 of 27

Austin Resource Recovery Master Plan Public Comment comments received from March 30, 2011 to October 7, 2011

Public Comment/Question

Staff Response

Who are the academic partners with whom the COA plans to base its future research and collaboration? It would be relevant to include who are the academics in the region with valuable knowledge directly related to Zero Waste and/or waste management in general and to explore if one or more Universities would be interested in setting up a monitoring unit or a class curricula to this issue. UT Austin at the LBJ School has PhD and master level classes that evaluate government programs and could be useful to monitor the ZWMP progress. If there are any specific professors identified or included so far, there should be listed.

The City collaborates with a number of local educational institutions. Austin Resource Recovery currently suppports local green high schools and higher education institutions by providing internships. In the future the Department is interested in partnering with higher learning institutions for research and development of more efficient product design, performing community waste assessments and innovating and testing pilot programs. The City will continue to explore and enhance relationships with local Chapter 19 educational institutions. As a 30 year document, the Master Plan does not provide specific professors or universities in the hopes that all educational institutions will be interested in partnering with the Department.

The City of Curitiba, Brazil has the most innovative, paying Thank you for your recommendation. We are not sure which system you are referring for itself recycling programs on the planet. If Austin truly to however we are aware of Curitiba's â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cambio Verdeâ&#x20AC;? or Green Barter program, which believes in this, then it should embrace the Curitiba system. is available for low income communities. Curitiba claims to have the highest recycling rate among urban cities in Brazil and in Latin America. The program does not necessarily "pay for itself" but it is sustainable according to Curitiba's municipal standards. Curitiba also provides education and outreach at their Materials Recovery Facility. In Chapter 10 of the Master Plan we discuss the possibility of implementing a Green Barter Program tailored to fit Austin. I know we're not San Francisco, but why not emulate their The City of Austin researched best practices from around the country as part of the efforts and not reinvent this wheel? Composting and development of the Master Plan. Several model cities were evaluated as case studies, recycling should be monitored and warnings/fines assessed including Boulder, Colorado and San Francisco, California. While these communities if a customer does not participate at least every other week. are similar, there are variations in state law and other factors, such as landfill tipping Further down the line (after the community has been fees, that must be taken into consideration when developing programs in Austin. Austin educated), warnings/fines should be assessed for significant Resource Recovery currently offers a backyard composting rebate program to provide a compostable/ recyclable material in a customer's trash. financial incentive for Austinites to begin composting at home. You can find more Please consider subsidizing a residential composting information on our website at: http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/sws/green30_challenge.htm container program, like the AWU rain barrel program.

NOTE: Public comments were not edited for content. Comments were separated into similar categories to organize responses.

Master Plan Reference

Topic

Schools

Chapter 10 Chapter 21 Chapter 22

Sister City

Chapter 17

Sister City

22 of 27

Austin Resource Recovery Master Plan Public Comment comments received from March 30, 2011 to October 7, 2011

Public Comment/Question

Staff Response

Provide street sweeps on heavely used bike routes/lanes on a weekly or monthly basis. Provide sweeps on bike lanes in the downtown area and anwhere that is longer than a 1 mile stretch. Examples are Parmer leading up to Ronald Reagan Hwy to Andice. Provide a calendar with information pertaining to these street sweeps: When & where they were performed, the next scheduled street sweep for that area, upcoming street sweeps (time & date). Give users the ability to nominate other bike lanes & routes for a scheduled street sweep.

Thank you for your comments about sweeping bike lanes. Bike lanes that are situated on residential curbed streets within the City of Austin boundaries are swept a minimum of six times per year by the City of Austin Solid Waste Services Department (SWS). Bike lanes that are on boulevards are swept approximately once per month. Our residential street sweeping schedules are posted at http://www.cityofaustin.org/sws/residential_stsweep_schedule.htm. However, different situations can cause schedules to change either to an earlier or later date. On occasion, SWS will receive a request to sweep a bike lane because of an unusual amount of debris and those requests are handled on a case-by-case basis. The portion of Parmer Lane within the City limits of Austin is swept approximately once per month. However, some portions of Parmer Lane are located outside the City limits. For areas outside the City, please contact Mr. David Browning with the Texas Department of Transportation at 832-6676. For more information about street sweeping within the City limits, please Street sweeping is not necessary. Let Austin residents The City of Austin street sweeping service is designed to clean gutters and limit clean their own curbs. Street sweeping machines are noisy, contaminants from polluting Austinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s creeks and drainage ways. Street sweeping allows dust-producing, and frequently cannot clean the curb areas for removal of trash, litter and dirt from streets and roadways for health, safety, aesthetic on public streets because of parked cars anyway. and water quality reasons. Litter and contaminants are mainly caused by vehicles traveling the streets, which are largely publicly owned. It would be difficult to hold Austin residents responsible for litter and contaminants caused by all motorists. It would also cause additional costs for other City departments (Code Compliance for example) to monitor the entire city for violations of unkempt residential curbs. If you have any other questions or concerns about street sweeping, please visit austinrecycles.com or call 3-1-1. City departments should maximize cooperation to maximize Thank you for your comment. We have incorporated your recommendation into the zero-waste efforts and reduce costs. Master Plan and you can read our updated information in Chapter 19. The zero-waste program should include funding for Austin Resource Recovery partners with the Texas Product Stewardship Council and innovative research resulting in recycling enhancements. other state and national organizations to continually research and promote product design improvements and extended producer responsibility. The Department is continually seeking innovative and improved recycling and diversion measures. Managing materials planned for disposal will become crucial as we draw closer to our Zero Waste goal. Chapter 12.4 discusses some alternative disposal options that will be considered in future disposal methods.

NOTE: Public comments were not edited for content. Comments were separated into similar categories to organize responses.

Master Plan Reference

Topic

Chapter 13

Street Sweeping

Chapter 13

Street Sweeping

Chapter 18

Partnerships

Chapter 3 Chapter 12 Chapter 20

Technology

23 of 27

Austin Resource Recovery Master Plan Public Comment comments received from March 30, 2011 to October 7, 2011

Public Comment/Question

Staff Response

Incineration should not be considered as a means in the City’s zero-waste program.

Austin Resource Recovery prioritizes its materials management options based on the highest and best use heirarchy. This heirarchy is explained in chapter 3. Additionally, chapter 12 of the Master Plan includes a lengthy discussion of alternative disposal options, including incineration or technologies that could be classified as incineration.

Phasing goals in an annual timeline In “moving forward” in implementing the recycling program, operating benchmarks need to be identified.

“Leaks in the system” was used as a means of describing illegal activities such as dumping of tires…. Suggesting prevention of such “leaks.” We need/ like to see all tires from the greater metro area find a sound re-purpose; on time, every time {this includes bicycles!!!}

Where it mentions that many communities are achieving 75 percent diversion and working toward 90 percent, some cities names could be included and a footnote for further reference too. When presenting the training and sharing workshops to city employees, it would be important to provide more extensive information/study cases of most successful cities so far towards Zero Waste.

Thank you for your comment. We have incorporated your recommendation into the Master Plan's implementation table in the Appendix. Thank you for your comment. The Department's recycling program is already fully implemented. Additions to the recycling program will only take place year to year as markets evolve for target materials. For example, thre is a strong market for cartons (juice boxes, milk cartons, etc, also known as aseptic containers). The Department plans to add cartons to the list of recyclable materials in the Department's recycling program in 2012. All other programs are included in the implementation table. "Leaks in the system" is a phrase not in the plan, but used to indicate there of resources wasted through landfiling - Zero Waste addresses this concern because it is a systems approach to all materials discarded. The Master Plan recognizes that providing easy, convenient and accesible options for citizens of Austin to recycle their tires and other hard to recycle items will be an important component to acheive our Zero Waste goal. Currently, tires collected by Austin Resource Recovery go to a recycler, who grinds the tires into rubber chips that are used to make playground surfaces. There are other advancing technologies for alternative uses of tires. As these processes are further developed, Austin Resource Recovery will continuously monitor best practices to recycling or repurposing used tires. Thank you for your comment. Earlier drafts may have mentioned other cities and their diversion rates. The revised Master Plan includes proper citations regarding other cities where appropriate. As Department staff develop training and workshops regarding Zero Waste, we will incorporate more case studies from other cities and businesses.

NOTE: Public comments were not edited for content. Comments were separated into similar categories to organize responses.

Master Plan Reference Chapter 3 Chapter 12

Topic

Technology

Appendix

timeline

Appendix

timeline

Tires

Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 11 Chapter 13 Chapter 18

Tires

Training

24 of 27

Austin Resource Recovery Master Plan Public Comment comments received from March 30, 2011 to October 7, 2011

Public Comment/Question

Staff Response

Master Plan Reference

City staff will need additional training to implement the proposed recycling programs. 86

Austin Resource Recovery takes a "lead by example" approach to reaching the City's Chapter 4 Zero Waste goal. Internal training and implementing Zero Waste initiatives for Austin Chapter 5 Resource Recovery employees, as well as employees in other City departments is a key Chapter 15 component of the Master Plan. In Chapter 4.2 the Master Plan describes conducting Chapter 18 semi-annual training and Austin Climate Protection training for City staff to continue to Chapter 22 work towards the 2020 "Go Neutral" goal. Austin Resource Recovery takes a "lead by example" approach to reaching the City's Internal coherence also related to training on Zero Waste Zero Waste goal. Internal training and implementing Zero Waste initiatives for Austin and sustainability not only within the Strategic Initiatives Resource Recovery employees, as well as employees in other City departments is a key Division or even within the Solid Waste Services Chapter 4 Department, but also throughout the entire municipal staff. A component of the Master Plan. In Chapter 4.2 the Master Plan describes conducting semi-annual training and Austin Climate Protection training for City staff to continue to Chapter 5 basic training workshop about the city of Austin goals in Chapter 15 terms of sustainability including Zero Waste and the Climate work towards the 2020 "Go Neutral" goal. Chapter 18 Change Program for each public employee is fundamental Chapter 22 to get everyone internally into tune and to expand these goals further on. A more in dept training should be given to departments heads and assistant directors too, as they dive the cities policies. How much fuel, also space/ man hours are needlessly Austin Resource Recovery partners with the Texas Product Stewardship Council and exhausted transporting fluid. water, soda, etc. in every other state and national organizations to continually research and promote product Chapter 3 container, fast food cups, etc. we need a standard that design improvements and extended producer responsibility. The Department is Chapter 12 says, water a plant with that unfinished beverage, don't incur continually seeking innovative and improved recycling and diversion measures. Chapter 20 unreasonable costs. Managing materials planned for disposal will become crucial as we draw closer to our Zero Waste goal. Chapter 12.4 discusses some alternative disposal options that will be considered in future disposal methods. Does the City of Austin have number of how much waste is The Master Plan includes conducting a waste stream analysis for the entire City of produce in their own infrastructure facilities such as offices Austin operations. City Departments will utilize information gathered from that analysis Chapter 4 and public buildings? It would be important to include goals to work towards Zero Waste in their own operations. Additionally, all City Departments Chapter 20 for internal Zero Waste reduction to be coherent and set the have a Departmental Climate Protection Plan which includes Zero Waste measures. example to the entire city.

Topic

NOTE: Public comments were not edited for content. Comments were separated into similar categories to organize responses.

Training

Transportation

Waste Stream Analysis

25 of 27

Austin Resource Recovery Master Plan Public Comment comments received from March 30, 2011 to October 7, 2011

Public Comment/Question

Staff Response

Master Plan Reference

I would like to see a low-cost help-program that would allow Thank you for your comment. We have forwarded this information on to the Austin homeowners to affordably install plumbing to divert used Water Utility. As part of a task force process looking at ways to reduce average water bath & wash water to their garden or lawn. use, Austin Water did explore the costs and benefits of providing incentives for home graywater systems. Graywater is a term for untreated discharge from lavatory sinks, showers/tubs, and clothes washers; it is subject to strict state limitations on collection and use to protect public health and the public water supply. Because of the costs to NA retrofit existing homes and the limited volumes generated in most homes, it was determined that incentives for graywater reuse were not cost-beneficial at this time. There are very few other cities providing graywater incentives; most reported very low program participation when contacted as part of the research. Austin Water will continue to look at options for incorporating graywater into new building design and providing interested citizens with information on the requirements and potential benefits of graywater systems. You can find more information the Austin water Utility website http://w Materials of all types should be captured before they enter The first step to preventing materials from entering the waterways is when citizens: the waterways. -Reduce, reuse, recycle -Put trash can in the trash can and make sure that it does not overflow -Pick up pet waste -Keep leaves, cut grass and other yard waste away from storm drains -Use fewer fertilizers and chemicals -Fix vehicle leaks -Dispose of used motor oil and other car fluids at your local service station of the NA Household Hazardous Waste Facility -Volunteer for cleanup events and to mark stormdrains

Topic

Water

Unfortunately once material has entered the storm drain it is washed into our creeks. Trash booms are installed at major creek outlets into Lady Bird Lake to capture the trash. Trash booms are floating barriers that help trap litter and debris. Watershed Protection Department Field Operation Crews routinely remove trash captured by the booms and remove 250 tons of trash from Lady Bird Lake each year. More information is available at www.letscanitaustin.org.

NOTE: Public comments were not edited for content. Comments were separated into similar categories to organize responses.

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Austin Resource Recovery Master Plan Public Comment comments received from March 30, 2011 to October 7, 2011

Public Comment/Question

Staff Response

Master Plan Reference

Grants should be considered to entrepreneurs as incentives Incentives for attracting eco-friendly businesses to Austin is something the City of Austin for them to start eco-friendly businesses. strongly encourages. The Economic Growth and Redevelopment Services Office (EGRSO) of the City, helps develop targeted incentivizes for new or existing business looking to relocate or expand in Austin. The City’s Small Business Development Chapter 15 Program (SBDP) helps small businesses get started, do business with the City, and grow. In the “Economic Development Chapter” in the Master Plan, additional ideas that provide direct grants for clean energy, clean technology, or other “green” businesses are discussed. Small local businesses should be facilitated/encouraged to Economic development and supporting the markets for recycled “feedstock” material is recycle locally generated waste materials. Waste materials an important component of the Master Plan. Manufacturing products locally from local should be matched with potential users. materials reaps several environmental and economic benefits that further encourage recycling by the community. The Master Plan outlines how the City will attract new businesses to Austin and help local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and Chapter 7 entrepreneurs reprocess and re-manufacturer products using resources recovered Chapter 12 through recycling. The Department plans to redevelop the FM 812 closed landfill for Chapter 15 economic redevelopment as an Eco-Industrial Park, in collaboration with the City of Austin Economic Redevelopment and Growth Office. The Master Plan supports byproduct synergies, where the discarded byproducts from one company can be the feestock for another company. The Master Plan estimates more than 1,000 new local jobs in recycling and organics collection, processing, materials reuse, repair and remanufacturing. It has always seemed unfair to me that neigborhoods always Our schedules in some areas are dictated by Oak Wilt. The Texas Forest Service have their large brush pick up at the same time of the year. recommends avoiding pruning or wounding of oak trees during the spring (Feb. 1 For example mine is always picked up about the 3rd week in through June 30). The areas in the City that are known to have Oak Wilt are usually July (hot) and January (cold), while other neighborhoods scheduled July-January for this reason. For more information about Oak Wilt, please always get theirs picked up in March and Sepetember - both visit http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/oakwilt/ or contact Chris Dolan with the City’s Oak Wilt certainly much temperate months. I realize the city tries to Suppression Program at 974-1881 or chris.dolan@ci.austin.tx.us. Chapter 13 do it about every 6 months, but if the scheule was on say a 53 or 54 week schedule instead of 52 weeks, over time my We are currently looking at our bulk and large brush collection schedules to determine if service (and others) would move to months when it is much there are changes we can make to be more effective and efficient. We appreciate your easier to do yard work due to temperatures (at least part of comments and will keep them in mind as we analyze our schedules in the future. If you the time), certain plants would be more seasonally have additional comments or questions about large brush collection, please contact appropriate to be cut, and would be a much fairer rotation. Vidal Maldonado, Litter Abatement Division Manager at 974-7687 or vidal.maldonado@ci.austin.tx.us.

NOTE: Public comments were not edited for content. Comments were separated into similar categories to organize responses.

Topic

WRAP

Oak Wilt

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