ReNews Vol. 2 Issue 3
AUSTIN RESOURCE RECOVERY NEWS
MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
LEADING BY EXAMPLE Your hard work, positive attitude and commitment to your fellow Austinites during their time of need displays the true personal caring side to our service to the public.
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s 2013 draws to a close, I am pleased to highlight ways ARR staff lead by example as representatives of the City and our Department. Part of our responsibility includes setting the right example in order to inspire the people around us to follow our lead. On the road to Zero Waste, our actions can help set the standard for our family, friends, neighbors and fellow City employees. Over the past year, our staff has provided a tremendous amount of new work toward our zero waste goals. In January we launched the Curbside Organics Collection Pilot, which has diverted 1,670 tons of waste from the landfill. In March the Single Use Carryout Bag Ordinance went into effect. You can look around the City and see the positive impact it has had by reducing the number of plastic bags littering our neighborhoods and waterways, as noted by our litter collection crews. Over the summer we promoted our Recycle Right campaign and began a pilot called the Recycle Right Crew where temporary employees are letting customers know if they are recycling correctly. In addition, another phase of the Universal Recycling Ordinance went into effect in October. With great success, the single most difficult task our staff has faced was the waste collection response to the flooding on the Southeast side of the City. On Halloween night torrential rains caused Onion Creek to flood and rush into the nearby neighborhood. Residents in 800 homes awoke with up to 8 feet of water rushing down their streets. As the waters receded, our crews
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hit the streets to assist with the recovery efforts. In just the first 20 days, crews collected more than 3,600 tons of debris and worked a combined 6,287 hours. Even more admirable is that we did this clean up with zero injuries and zero collisions. I am proud to say that employees from every division stepped up to help. Sam Angoori deserves a lot of credit for coordinating and leading our crews in this tremendous task. In addition to operations field crews collecting flood-soaked trash, many administrative staff helped by working at the Emergency Operations Center, going door to door to provide residents with vital information from the City, fielding calls over the weekend and providing recovery information to residents and 3-1-1. Many of us heard the stories of the flood victims, as we all attempted to alleviate the pain of residents seeing all their possessions placed out at the curb to be landfilled. Throughout my tours of the flood-stricken areas, I heard much praise from residents regarding the support and aid from ARR staff. I also heard praise from the Mayor, several City Council members, as well as the City Manager. I want to personally extend my utmost appreciation and gratitude to everyone who volunteered their time and efforts. Your hard work, positive attitude and commitment to your fellow Austinites during their time of need displays the true personal caring side to our service to the public. Thank you! Continued on pg. 6
CONTENTS
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7
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16
Features
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RECYCLING PLEDGE
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A new campaign asks residents to take their recycling to the next level.
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RETHINKING YOUR COMMUTE
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION The City of Austin is setting the standard for satisfaction and customer service among large U.S. cities
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RECYCLE RIGHT CREW
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New program provides residents with direct feedback on recycling.
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BE PREPARED FOR COLD WEATHER Tips to work safely in the winter.
KUDOS Kudos to ARR staff for doing a great job.
Students get hands-on experience in ARR operations.
Learn about different commuting options available in Austin.
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YOUTH PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION DAY
FLOOD RELIEF EFFORT ARR staff works tirelessly to help residents affected by Halloween floods.
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ANNUAL EMPLOYEE BBQ Good music, good food and good times.
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MARKETING
PLEDGE ENCOURAGES RESIDENTS TO RECYCLE MORE By: Lauren Hammond
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hank you to the more than 200 employees who took the Austin Recycles pledge at our Annual Employee BBQ. Austin Resource Recovery launched the new recycling pledge citywide on Nov. 13. By taking the pledge, residents commit to take their recycling to the next level. Research has shown that when people make small commitments, they are more likely to keep that commitment for the long-term. Austinites can take the pledge online or at the ARR outreach booth at one of many community events. Those who take the pledge at events will receive a free T-shirt, bumper sticker or button. To help promote the pledge our Zero Waste Block Leaders are proactively encouraging their neighbors to take the pledge. We are giving residents who use the HHW Facility, Resource Recovery Center or attend a home composting class the opportunity to take the pledge.
ARR Director Bob Gedert takes the pledge.
Employees take the Austin Recycles Pledge.
To learn more about the pledge or take it yourself visit austinrecycles.com. Employees take the pledge to do their part to reach Zero Waste. WINTER 2013 | ReNews 4
FOR YOUR HEALTH
RETHINKING YOUR COMMUTE By: Kristen Lee and Austin Talley
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id you know that the Department has a goal to achieve a 10 percent reduction in ARR Departmental Fleet carbon emissions during this fiscal year (October 2013 – September 2014)? This goal mainly focuses on fleet emissions, but each ARR employee has a role to play. Commuting alone in your car to work each day, also known as single occupancy vehicle use, is the most common way to get to and from work. However, Austin’s worsening traffic, increasing gas prices, and increasing rates of obesity suggest a change is needed. Fact: 1 car is added to the Austin area about every 30 seconds! Single occupancy vehicle commutes contribute 1188.6 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) to the Operations Support Department’s annual carbon footprint. This comprises about 11.2 percent of total ARR annual carbon emissions. ARR employees can lead by example and help create a cleaner, greener Austin by using alternative transportation options to get to work. The City of Austin provides free bus and metro passes to city employees. ARR North is located just three miles from the MetroRail’s Crestview Station, making biking or vanpooling from the Metro easier. There is also a bus stop right on Todd Lane. KGSC is serviced by CapMetro buses 7 and 228. The Rutherford Campus is serviced by CapMetro buses 7, 161, 323, 325, and 485. In addition, if you know you live close to other ARR employees you can start a carpool. Carpools can save each participant up to $150 per month. The City of Austin’s Planning and Development Review Department created a website called My Commute Solutions. Users can enter their starting and ending points to find carpool matches.
Austin Talley and Kristen Lee seek alternative commute options like public transportation and bike riding.
Our Department is leading the City of Austin towards a more sustainable future. By using different forms of transportation, we can show other City Departments, our friends, and families that our sustainability efforts don’t stop when we leave work for the day. Alternative commuting can save you money, build relationships with co-workers, increase the amount of time you have to exercise or play each day, and can improve your health and wellness. So find a friend who lives close by or dust off your bike and explore which alternative commuting solutions will work for you. Your wallet, your heart, and your Department will thank you. To receive a bus pass, contact Meagan Herndon at Megan.Herndon@austintexas.gov. You can find information about My Commute Solutions by visiting commutesolutions.com
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2013 COMMUNITY SURVEY RESULTS
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he City of Austin is setting the standard for satisfaction and customer service among large U.S. cities. In a recent survey, our services ranked above the national average.
A big thanks to everyone whose hard work contributes to making Austin the best-managed City in the country!
Residential curbside recycling services
85%
Residential curbside trash services
85%
Residential yard waste collection
81%
Bulk item pick-up/removal
77% 69%
Street sweeping Household hazardous waste disposal
56%
DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE, CONT. As 2013 ends, we prepare to enter another exciting year for our Department. In November we launched a brand new initiative – the Austin Recycles pledge. More than 1,000 residents have taken the pledge and committed to recycling every day, everything and everywhere.
We have also purchased the land to build our new north service center, which will allow us to deploy from two sites and provide more efficient service to the residents with less road miles traveled. I will share more details about this developing project in future issues of ReNews.
On the horizon next year
As our Department and City grow, it is important to remember that we are the ambassadors of excellent customer service, as well as the Zero Waste message, as we lead the way in our community.
As we continue on our road to Zero Waste we have many items on the horizon. Our efforts to increase our diversion continue and next year will see many projects to help reach that goal. We will add 8,000 more homes to our Curbside I wish you all a safe, healthy and happy holidays. Organics Collection Pilot and also pilot a door-to- More to come in the new year! door collection service for household hazardous waste materials. WINTER 2013 | ReNews 6
YOUTH PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION DAY 2013 By: Cherilyn Wadley
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ecently, the National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA) local chapter held their annual Public Administration Day. They hosted more than 100 students from four different high schools to expose them to careers in public service at the City of Austin and Travis County. Out of this group of students, Austin Resource Recovery and the Code Compliance Department were co-hosts to 15 students at their facilities. Students got a chance to view hands on experience of operational services from the Collections, Litter Abatement, and Resource Recovery Facilities. Special thanks to ARR grand hosts, Vidal Maldonado, Dawn Whipple, and Andy Dawson who wowed the group and shared the importance of how their jobs make a direct impact on the community. They provided the students with knowledge, years of experience of their own job professions and career development initiatives upon working in city local government and with Austin Resource Recovery. Later the students were able to see demonstrations from both the street sweeper and the automated recycling trucks and tour the re-blend paint facility site.
Andy Dawson takes students on tour of our facilities.
Once the students reached their final stop on the tour, the Rutherford Lane Campus, Code Compliance Director Carl Smart and Assistant Director, Daniel Cardenas, completed the mornings’ expedition by sharing their departments’ objectives of clean, healthy and safe communities, their long-term goals, and wisdom. The students had a meaningful experience to take back with them as they make decisions about their careers.
NO GIFTS POLICY
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t’s that time of year when residents are feeling thankful and generous. Our Operations staff does a great job and deserves recognition; however, under the City’s policy on gifts City employees may not accept any gifts. This policy keeps relationships between City employees and citizens fair and open.
If you are out in the field and someone would like to recognize your service, ask them to please call 3-1-1 or provide feedback through austinrecycles.com.
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RECYCLE RIGHT CREW HITS THE STREETS
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e’re one month into our Recycle Right Crew Pilot Initiative. This pilot helps educate customers and reduce the amount of incorrect items in the City’s recycling stream. The Recycle Right Crew is composed of 6 temporary Department employees who perform non-intrusive field surveys of residential recycling carts. The crew is surveying about 13,000 homes in our “hot spot” areas. Recycling collections staff identified these routes as needing targeted education because of the frequent occurrence of incorrect items found in recycling carts. This pilot initiative is part of our ongoing Recycle Right campaign and efforts to keep 50 percent of materials out of landfills by 2015. Each 15-second inspection collects information about how well residents in the pilot areas are recycling. Crews gather data on the amount and types of incorrect items placed in residents’ recycling carts. Following each survey, the crew leaves behind a sticker on each cart to indicate the level of incorrect materials found: a green sticker for “recycling right”, a yellow sticker for
“some incorrect materials” and a red sticker for “many incorrect materials.” These stickers allow the Department to provide customers with immediate and tailored feedback regarding their recycling behavior. Residents who receive yellow and red stickers will also be sent information with helpful tips about how they can improve their recycling. For these pilot areas, all materials are collected from recycling carts regardless of the color sticker they receive. Residents in the pilot areas can also check their progress on a website dedicated to their results. After each field survey is complete, staff will upload information about the number of green, yellow and red stickers placed in each area. The website encourages residents to help their area increase the number of green stickers. Over the course of the pilot, the Department will evaluate the data collected in order to refine and develop new outreach and education methods. If this pilot is determined to be an effective way to educate residents, the Department may replicate the methods in other areas throughout the City.
Picture sent from resident who received a good job sticker on their cart.
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MEET DENA HOUSTON - BLOCK LEADER
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ur services, programs and ordinances are all paving the way for Austin’s Zero Waste future. But community involvement is key to reaching our ambitious goals. Our Zero Waste Block Leader program is made up of active neighborhood residents to help spread the word about recycling in their neighborhoods. Their mission is to unite the community to promote environmental issues and lead the effort in creating a cleaner, greener Austin. Block Leaders receive a bundle of educational door hangers to share with neighbors and a quarterly newsletter. Dena Houston, a Block Leader since is 2008, is leading the way in her neighborhood. Block Leaders are passionate about their community. Tell us a little bit about yours. I’ve lived in Austin for almost 50 years. I’ve lived in my current neighborhood for more than 30 years. I am a mother and grandmother. My husband, who was born and raised here, and I love Austin. How did you hear about the block leader program? I have always been involved in my neighborhood activities. I organized a neighborhood recycling program before curbside recycling existed in Austin. It was called “Lettuce Recycle”. All of the neighbors saved their papers and once a month one of the neighbors drove all the papers to the paper recycling plant in east Austin. I will never forget that we all thought we would make enough money to have a big neighborhood picnic. The first time I took my van full of paper there we made $1.50. That would not a picnic make. We continued this for about a year and then curbside recycling became available and we were all thrilled about that.
A few years ago I contacted someone at the City and asked if there were an official program for someone to represent the City and the neighborhood and was told about the Block Leader program. What do you do as a block leader? The main thing is I send out a neighborhood newsletter advising my neighbors of any changes in the recycling program. Around Christmas I remind everyone that they can recycle their gift wrap. I also periodically remind my neighbors of other ways to recycle. For example, taking bubble wrap and big boxes to our local Pac Mail. I also feel comfortable approaching the City with new ideas and recycling concerns. My concern right now is about shredded paper. At this point the City cannot recycle paper that is shredded so I am hoping that as Block Leader I can be helpful in getting this resolved. Continued on pg. 11
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SAFETY
BE PREPARED FOR COLD WEATHER By: Debbie Kelton
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mployees who participate in outdoor activities or work outdoors should take precautions against winter storms, freezing temperatures, chilling winds, ice storms and sometimes even snow. These winter weather conditions may not be common in Texas, but they can create severe problems for people who are more accustomed to heat indexes than wind chill factors. Dangers of Driving on Black Ice Even though we only experience an average winter temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit with only approximately 0.7 inches of annual snowfall, the winter time can still produce dangerous driving hazards. Because Texas drivers do not typically drive on roads with snow and ice as much as other drivers around the nation, many are unaware of how to handle driving on ice. This is especially hazardous when that ice cannot be seen, as is the case with black ice. While most cases of black ice occur naturally, there are instances in which it might be caused by someone’s actions. For example, the failure to turn off a water sprinkler in the winter can form ice on the roadway. How to Drive on Black Ice Black ice forms when melted snow or excess water freezes on roadways, especially on bridges and overpasses. It gets its name because it is often hard to see, so the driver cannot prepare for it. Measures that a driver can take to avoid black ice incidents include:
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• Remaining alert for the presence of dark patches in the road ahead, as these may be a sign of black ice. • Always wear your seatbelt, especially when the conditions are threatening. • Do not accelerate quickly. • Allow plenty of distance between you and the car in front of you. Remember: Drive for Five and Stay Alive! Drive for you, the vehicle behind and in front of you as well as the two on either side. • Never slam on the brakes. Instead ease your foot off the gas then lightly tap them until you come to a stop. • If you begin to skid, take your foot off the gas, put the car in neutral, and turn the steering wheel into the skid. In addition to driving on ice, walking on ice can also be dangerous. Here are some helpful hints that will help you reduce the risk of falling when icy conditions exist: Wear boots or overshoes with soles. Avoid walking in shoes that have smooth surfaces, which increase the risk of slipping. Avoid wearing high heel shoes. • Walk consciously. Be alert to the possibility that you could quickly slip on an unseen patch of ice. Avoid the temptation to run to catch a bus or beat traffic when crossing a street. • Walk cautiously. Your arms help keep you balanced, so keep hands out of pockets and avoid carrying heavy loads that may cause you to become off balance. • Walk “small.” Avoid an erect, marching posture. Look to see ahead of where you step.
• When you step on icy areas, take short, shuffling steps, curl your toes under and walk as flatfooted as possible. • Keep your porch stoops, steps, walks and driveways free of ice by frequently applying ice melting granules, clay based kitty litter works well too. This is the best way to prevent formation of dangerous ice patches. Waiting for it to melt can sometimes take longer than you would like!
Community Outreach Community outreach allows our Department to explain our program and services and how they can help residents and busineses. Through outreach we’re able to open the paths of communication and engage with residents and our customers in meaningful ways.
Whether you’re working out in the field or spending your free time outdoors, staying safe in cold weather is key.
FY 2012
BLOCK LEADER, CONT.
Number of contacts made through community outreach – 12,445
What do you do around your house to promote Zero Waste?
FY 2013
I recycle, reuse and compost as much as possible. What does your neighborhood do stay green?
Businesses provided with Zero Waste business services – 496
Businesses provided with Zero Waste business services – 1,582 Number of contacts made through community outreach – 10,887
I often organize neighborhood trips to the Hazardous Waste facility so we don’t all have to make the trip down there. Everyone in my neighborhood is serious about recycling. I must say that I am very proud of Austin for the plastic bag ban. It was a very courageous move and I try very hard to encourage my friends and neighbors to be positive and proactive. What’s your favorite Zero Waste tip? Buying in bulk to reduce the amount of packaging and trash you produce right from the start. If you or your friends and family are interested in becoming a Block Leader visit our Block Leader Homepage or contact Sylba Loren at Sylba. loren@austintexas.gov. WINTER 2013 | ReNews 11
KUDOS
AUSTIN REBLEND RECOGNIZED AT NATIONAL CONFERENCE By: Richard Avila
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t this year’s North American Hazardous Materials Management Association (NAHMMA) Conference Austin ReBlend, ARR’s paint reprocessing initiative, was awarded the “Most Outstanding Product” of 2013 for its achievements in latex paint recycling. Thanks to the hard work of the HHW staff, the support of countless other ARR employees, and the unwavering efforts of Austin residents to reuse and recycle their paint products, Dawn Whipple was able to accept the second award given to Austin ReBlend this year! During FY 2013, Austin ReBlend helped divert more than 18,000 gallons from Texas landfills while saving Austin and Travis County citizens hundreds of thousands of dollars versus buying newly manufactured paints. More than 1,700 Central Texas citizens and non-profit organizations took advantage of the free paint in the past year as ReBlend’s popularity continues to rise throughout the area. Austin ReBlend paint is also used by other City departments to revamp building interiors and paint over graffiti.
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Dawn Whipple accepts the award for “most Outstanding Product.”
While at the conference, staff toured several facilities ranging from a latex paint processing plant to an electronics recycling operation. There were many informative seminars about Household Hazardous Waste as well. Using lessons learned by other programs from across the nation, Austin’s HHW facility has adopted new methods of handling materials in order to increase diversion and provide a more pleasant experience for our customers.
KUDOS
KUDOS
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he department received the following kudos from citizens and peers recognizing peers.
In an email from Jessica King sharing recognition about Alexandria Bruton:
Meagan Herndon requested some last minute In an email from Andrew Dobbs, Program Director, assistance with a presentation for the Austin Texas Campaign for the Environment: Corps last Friday. Alexandria Bruton stepped up to the plate and got great reviews. Meagan said “Aiden Cohen gave she did a great job with the high school kids by a fantastic speech building on their interests and moving on when at the STAR Summit she could tell they were bored. in Houston, Texas on October 14 to “Thanks so much for helping out, especially on open the conference. last minute notice…and a Friday at the end of the day!” In two of the smaller “break away” seminars – I In an email from citizen Chondra Barton: personally witnessed speakers who quoted Aiden during their own presentations on the work “On Friday, 9-27-13, I drove all the way down to being done in Austin in regards to Zero Waste. your facility and it was closed much to my dismay. Fortunately for me a very kind employee I had been meaning to take a second to pass Bobby Baker helped me. I had driven from far on some praise for Aiden Cohen’s performance north Austin in morning traffic, which was a long at STAR last week. He represented Austin’s Zero trip. I want to make sure he got the recognition Waste plan with terrific knowledge and skill, he deserves for opening up for five minutes to defended our community’s values and all-in-all help me. Hire more folks like him!” presented the case for real Zero Waste with great ability and commitment. In recent months there have been times when we have butted The City Council received an email from citizen heads at least a little with City staff, including Johnny Limon: Aiden. I wanted to note that we were proud of his performance, and we are grateful to have such “I know that usually when people contact a skilled and committed public servants working service department it is for a complaint. I believe for the department. we should also recognize employees who are providing good customer service. I want to thank Tell him we said thank you for the work he Mr. Spencer. My two little great-nephews, 2 and clearly put into his presentation, and that we 4 yrs. old, were scared of the big city trucks were very happy to see how well he represented every Friday, and they would run to me. One day Austin’s leadership on these issues. We look Mr. Spencer stopped his truck and got out to forward to working with him for a long time to introduce himself to them. They no longer are come. “ scared. Since then, they look forward to Friday.
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KUDOS
KUDOS, CONT.
Jose Tejero
One Friday Mr. Spencer picked up the 4 yr. old Ethan to show him the inside of his truck. Ethan was very excited! Mr. Spencer no longer does our neighborhood. We now have Mr. Jose Tejero. Wow! He picked up where Mr. Spencer left off. Ethan and Eli were waiting. He stopped his truck and introduced himself to them with a high-five. THIS IS GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE. I hope these two fine employees know they are appreciated. You will probably hear from Ethan, Eli, and their favorite Uncle in the near future, about the other employees of Austin Resource Recovery.” In an email from a citizen: “Yesterday I received a mailer about the Home Composting Rebate Challenge. It is lovely to live in a City that truly lives by the old-fashioned values of using the earth’s resources wisely. Keep up the good work.” From Mario Espinoza and James Russell, Trail of Lights Foundation board members: “The words that follow in this email can’t begin to show the appreciation that I have for you all, WINTER 2013 | ReNews 14
but given the current city rules I can’t buy each of you a car... Before this thing kicks off I just wanted to take a minute to thank all of you and the rest of your teams for everything you’ve done and continue to do to make the Trail of Lights the unique Austin tradition that it is. Without your support and hard work, the Trail of Lights Foundation would not be able to provide our community with this holiday celebration. I know you all work on countless events throughout the year but I hope that you all feel the same sense of ownership that I feel with the Trail of Lights. As the only large scale event that is truly FOR Austin, this is your event too and I will continue to work to make it something that you are all proud of for years to come. It is truly a pleasure to work with each of you.” A customer on Gregg Thompson’s route sent the following thank you to him: “Unfortunately I don’t know his name, but he picks up the trash every Monday. Anyway, all year long my children go out to see him almost every Monday when he comes by to pick up our cans. He’s always smiling and friendly, waving to the kids as he drives away. They are attuned to the sound of his truck and when they hear them my kids will scream out “TRASH MAN!” and run outside to see him. If he comes really early they’ll bolt out of their beds like they’re expecting Santa Claus. Watching that mechanical arm come out to grab and dump the can is really fascinating to them. The best part is getting the wave a smile from him, it makes their day. Many thanks to him and his being friendly and nice all year long. His visit is one of the highlights of their week and they are actually quite put out when they miss him.”
FEATURE STORY
FLOOD RELIEF EFFORTS By: Alexandria Bruton
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n the early morning of Oct. 31 a flood rushed through the Onion Creek area in southeast Austin. According to sensor readings, water levels at Onion Creek eventually rose to twenty-two feet. As the water receded, the damage left in the wake of the flood became clear: 660 structures were damaged or destroyed, five lives lost and hundreds of residents displaced. In order to assist with the rebuilding and recovery efforts, hundreds of employees from departments across the City volunteered.
Operations crews worked non-stop to clear the area of debris. Mike Lewis, assistant division manager, said “Our crews are doing an excellent job assisting our fellow Austinites and customers with removing debris and recovering from the flood.” Since October, crews have removed 3600 tons of debris from the area. Staff is expected to continue working in the areas until the end of the year. Marissa Monroy and Amanda Rohlich help with door-to-door outreach.
Crews help residents remove debris from damaged homes.
Volunteers from our Department assisted with door-to-door outreach which provided vital information to flood victims about City services, logistical support and assistance. “We came together not just as City of Austin employees, but as an entire community dedicated to helping these families through a really difficult time,” said Marissa Monroy, public information specialist. “Rebuilding these neighborhoods will take time, but hopefully this outpouring of support will continue throughout the recovery process.”
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I want to thank Austin Resource Recovery staff members who contributed their time and effort in support of the families affected by the Oct. 31 flood. Many of you worked long hours and went above and beyond to assist our citizens. Your exemplary work demonstrated the City’s commitment to helping our fellow Austinites recover. As the relief efforts continue, I would like to extend my gratitude to the crews and staff who have been steadfast in their support of the recovery.“
- Marc A. Ott, City Manager
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FEATURE STORY
EMPLOYEES LEAD BY EXAMPLE AT ANNUAL EMPLOYEE BBQ
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hanks to the hard work of our employees this year’s Annual Employee BBQ was a success. Our Department lived up to our Zero Waste goal and achieved a 96 percent diversion rate for the event!
Employee BBQ Waste Diversion by the Numbers Composted 158.5 lbs. Recycled 65.5 lbs. Threw away trash - 9 lbs.
trash
Director Bob Gedert thanks ARR staff for a great year.
Green Team members Jeana Kingsbury and Kristen Lee help employees compost and recycle properly.
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recycling
compost