SOLID WASTE
MATTERS
Fall 2011
CITY OF AUSTIN, AUSTIN RESOURCE RECOVERY
MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
Mission Change – Name Change – From Sanitation to Resource Recovery The Department’s primary role is as a service provider to the citizens of Austin and other City departments, but how this service is provided and the Department’s ultimate mission is evolving. Historically, the role of the Department, once named the Austin Sanitation Department, was to pick up household waste, dispose of dead animals and sweep streets under the mission of creating a cleaner city through sanitary measures. As the Department was assigned more environmental duties, it became the Environmental Services Division of the Public Works Department. Over time, the Department changed its name to reflect an enlarged mission based on the growing need to collect and landfill residential solid wastes in a sanitary landfill, thus the department name–Solid Waste Services. As residents became more environmentally conscious, recycling and yard trimmings collections services were added, creating an integrated materials management system.
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Throughout this history, the Department treated the material collected as wastes. The Department even treated recyclables and compostables as diverted waste streams. Zero Waste is a shift from waste management to materials management. Through our new mission, material collected at the curb is now viewed as material that can be reclaimed as a resource for new product manufacturing. Essentially, we are now viewing things we throw away as raw materials for new products. This new perspective treats the material as a resource that is recovered for a second life, rather than a waste stream destined for a landfill. Thus, Zero Waste is another turn in the Department’s life, redirecting the mission toward resource recovery. With this shift, the Department name of Solid Waste Services no longer represents the Department’s mission. As we embrace the Zero Waste goals, the Department’s corporate name will change to Austin Resource Recovery
to better reflect our new vision and mission. New Vision To be the national Zero Waste leader in the transformation from traditional integrated waste collection to sustainable resource recovery. New Mission To achieve Zero Waste by providing excellent customer services that promote waste reduction, increase resource recovery, and support the City of Austin’s sustainability efforts. New Name Austin Resource Recovery
Bob Gedert, Director Austin Resource Recovery
Fall 2011
DIRECTOR’S EXPECTATIONS REGARDING DIGNITY AND RESPECT Every employee, regardless of rank or performance, deserves respect and dignity. Some of the Qualities of a Good Manager Include: • Wanting to see employees grow and succeed; • Matching the right people with the right job; • Defining desired outcome while giving subordinates the latitude to accomplish them in their own ways; • Focusing on what’s best in people not the worst. An excellent manager does all this and also brings people together by displaying and demanding respect in the workplace. What is Respect in the Workplace? • Respect can be defined as consideration for self and of others. • Respect includes consideration for other people’s privacy, their physical space and belongings; and respect for different viewpoints, philosophies, physical ability, beliefs and personality. To give and maintain respect, a manager must: • Refrain from making jokes or negative comments about the ability, skills or other attributes of others. • One earns respect by giving respect to others. • Everyone deserves to be treated without abuse regardless of the quality of their work. If the employee’s work is of lower quality than expected, this should indicate to the manager they may need help in learning how to do the job better. Regardless, the employee still deserves respect.
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One person with a poor attitude can contaminate the workplace. Their influence, especially on new employees, is very unhealthy. Managers need to be attentive to actions that may be disrespectful to co-workers and customers and take timely steps to either correct the offensive behavior. Some of these offenses may include: • Blaming someone else when they are at fault • Taking credit for someone else’s work • Having a condescending or rude attitude towards others • Talking behind someone’s back • Not communicating important information to co-workers • Telling offensive jokes and stories • Gossiping • Providing false or incorrect information to customers or co-workers I expect my management team to be respectful to all employees. Unacceptable Behavior Workplace lack of respect/dignity is the repeated unreasonable behavior directed toward an employee or group of employees. The following types of behavior, where repeated or occurring as part of a pattern of behavior, are prohibited from the workplace: • Requiring employees/coworkers to perform tasks without proper training or instruction, and which may place an employee at risk from injury; • Requiring unreasonable overtime, unfair rostering, allocation of work or being asked to perform non-work related tasks; • Excessively supervising or criticizing an employee/coworker; • Subjecting employees/coworkers
to constant ridicule and put downs in front of co-employees; • Being loud and abusive, threatening or use of derogatory language usually when co-workers are present; • Implying threat of demotion or being transferred; • Creating an oppressive and/or unhappy work environment to coerce or intimidate employees/ coworkers; • Intimidating or threatening to employees/coworkers not to report or complain about conditions, unacceptable behaviors or health, safety and welfare; • Leaving offensive messages on email or by telephone; • Maliciously excluding and isolating a person from workplace activities, and promotional opportunities; • Humiliating a person through gestures, or sarcastic, racist, or derogatory comments, often in front of customers, management or co-employees; • Spreading gossip, false or malicious rumors about a person with intent to cause damage to a employee’s/ co-worker’s employment or reputation. There will be occasional differences of opinion, conflicts and problems in working relationships – these are part of everyday working life. However, if the behavior is repeated, unnecessary, deliberate, offensive, and is used to intimidate, humiliate, or threaten an employee, then workplace disrespect exists and this will not be tolerated by our organization.
Bob Gedert, Director, Austin Resource Recovery
Fall 2011
NEW BILLING SYSTEM COMING MASTER PLAN IN OCTOBER UPDATE The City of Austin will launch its new utility billing system and enhanced online bill pay and account management website this October. The new system will feature an easy-to-read format, enhanced self-service features, detailed consumption data and more. The system will also provide better support for customer service representatives, enabling them to deliver advanced customer service and resolve issues that arise more quickly. The last billing system upgrade occurred in 1999. Designed using input from residential and commercial customers, the new bill format will feature easier-to-view monthly usage as well as payments and due dates. The bill will also include 12-month rolling consumption graphs for each utility service as well as average daily usage and costs, along with at-a-glance details of how all charges were calculated. A Utility News section will be added to the bill, providing information on City of
Austin programs and services as well as helpful conservation tips.
The redesigned online bill pay and account management website will be easy to use and provide a full range of account options. Customers will be able to: • Start, stop or transfer service • View their utility bill • Make payments online • Set up Autopay or levelized billing (Budget Billing) services • See enhanced graphics that break down utility use • Make charitable contributions • Contact a customer service representative by e-mail Watch for additional information and reminders over the coming months, and get ready for new customerfocused systems that will support the City’s efforts to provide the best in customer service.
NEW QUALITY ASSURANCE DIVISON CREATED As of October, the Department welcomes the newly created Quality Assurance Division. The purpose of the Division is to add quality review of all functions within the Department, with the end goal of delivering quality services to our customers. This new Division will be charged with implementing total quality management techniques in all operations of the Department, with a focus on making the Department a positive example of supporting the vision of a Best Managed City. The Quality Assurance Division will offer recommendations for improvements to operations, administrative processes and employee practices. The functions of this Division will be of a positive nature, in full collaboration with the other Divisions Solid Waste Matters 3
and their staff. A Quality Assurance Division Manager position will be posted, competitively interviewed, and the new Manager will report to the Director. Initially, the Division will focus on the following processes: • Customer Service • Financial Integrity • Carbon Footprint Reductions • Employee Safety Assurance • Performance Measures • Employee Career Development One main focus of this Division is customer service and how the Department responds to calls from internal and external customers. This is a multifaceted Division and as such the ultimate goal is to provide the highest quality service possible to our citizens.
The Master Plan is a long-range plan through 2050 that identifies and evaluates the policies, programs, infrastructure and funding mechanisms needed to achieve our Zero Waste goals. After nearly two years of diligent work by Department managers, planning and finance staff, the Master Plan will be presented to the City Council for approval in November. Oct. 5: Possible special called meeting of the Solid Waste Advisory Commission to discuss and make recommendation for Council adoption of Master Plan Nov. 3: City Council scheduled to hear staff briefing and discuss Master Plan details. Nov. 10: City Council scheduled to vote on adoption of Master Plan. Public comment will also be accepted. To reduce waste, limited copies of the Plan will be printed for public review. If you are interested in reviewing a printed version of the draft Master Plan, please contact: Victoria Sanchez 974-1935 Kenneth Gardner Service Center Dawn Whipple HHW Facility
974-4336
Conley Leloux 243-3325 Resource Recovery Center Ann Hargrove MRF/Transfer Station
974-1993
Rose Xavier 974-1980 Rutherford Lane Center
Fall 2011
HEARD ON THE ROUTE: BROWN CARTS AND BROWN TRUCKS Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) will soon offer new brown trash collection carts for Austin residents. Unlike the current trash carts, all sizes of the new carts will be the same color– Desert Stone.
CITY OF AUSTIN
LANDFILL TRASH 96 GALLON
“We decided to color code our carts to better communicate with our customers about what items go in which container,” ARR Director Bob Gedert explains. This means each service provided will be associated with its own unique color—brown for trash collection, blue for recycling and green for yard trimmings and, eventually, food scraps.
“The color brown was selected because it’s a common color designating trash collection,” Gedert said. “Nearly 5,000 communities across the country color code their carts in this manner.” The Department will continue to offer 96-gallon, 64-gallon, 32-gallon carts, while also introducing a new, smaller 21-gallon cart. The 21-gallon cart is a great option for residents who want to decrease waste and increase recycling and composting efforts at home. The smallest cart will also have the lowest monthly fee, currently proposed at $4 per month. The brown carts are already being delivered to customers who need replacement carts. In the future, as the Department begins implementing the Master Plan, all green trash carts will be removed from service and replaced with new brown carts. This switch over will also allow the Department to prepare for a pilot program to combine collection of yard trimmings and food scraps.
for trash collection so customers can easily identify the service being provided. The trucks were purchased through a grant from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s Texas Clean Fleet Program. The purchase included nine compressed natural gas (CNG) rear-load refuse trucks, five automated CNG trucks, four hydraulic asset trucks and three CNG sweepers. In addition to the CNG vehicles, SWS also recently purchased four E-3 Hybrid trucks for the Recycling crews. The new vehicles will replace aging ones in the Department’s fleet. They will also help SWS comply with the City’s goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2020 and reduce fuel costs.
Along with the new carts, the Department purchased brown trucks
LITTER ABATEMENT BEGAN MAINTENANCE AT MABEL DAVIS PARK SEPT. 6 Part of Mabel Davis Park, located at 3427 Parker, just a few miles away from the Kenneth Gardner Service Center, is located on top of an old landfill that operated in the 1940s and 1950s. In 2006, a multimillion dollar project to install drainage channels was completed as part of the Voluntary Cleanup Program managed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Solid Waste Matters 4
Quality (TCEQ). The old landfill is now in post closure care through TCEQ, which requires annual inspections to ensure the drainage systems are structurally sound. On Sept 6, the Department will begin clearing the channels in preparation for the required inspections. The work is estimated to last three weeks.
During this time, vegetation will be cut back in the channels and recycled into mulch that the Parks and Recreation Department will use in park landscaping. For more information, contact Project Manager, Tony Davee, at 974-1923.
Fall 2011
COLLECTION SERVICES WELCOMES NEW DIVISION MANAGER, FRANK MILAM Frank Milam recently joined Austin Resource Recovery as Collection Services Division Manager. With over 20 years of management experience in the solid waste and construction industries, Milam’s solid waste experience includes private and public-sector collections, material recovery, transfer, and disposal operations. With three grown children, Milam and his wife of 25 years, Tammy, were considering relocating. “Texas has always been one of my favorite places and one that we thought would be a good fit,” he said. After researching his options, Milam said his reasons for wanting to work in Austin were simple. “I was interested in the position because of Austin’s progressive approaches to waste diversion,” he said. “I could tell that Austin already had the means in places to accomplish impressive results and a sound plan to build on that foundation.”
An Arizona native, Milam earned an undergraduate degree in Public Management from Northern Arizona University and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Nebraska. He is certified as a Manager of Municipal Solid Waste Collection Frank Milam, Collection Services Division Manager Systems and Manager of Milam said. “In my new role, I hope to Landfill Operations increase innovation and consistency by the Solid Waste Association of in our operations and practices, while North America. focusing on safety and customer service.” “I’m excited to be here and to learn more about the area and our organization. We have great people and serve an awesome community,”
CITY OF AUSTIN COMBINED CHARITIES CAMPAIGN KICKS OFF OCT. 1 The City of Austin’s Combined Charities Campaign (COACCC) kicks off Oct. 1. As one of the strongest payroll contribution giving campaigns in Central Texas, COACCC gives City employees the opportunity to pledge donations to local, regional and national charities through payroll deductions and one-time gifts. Employees can choose from 500 charitable organizations to receive their donations. These programs range from fighting cancer, feeding and clothing hungry families to vaccinating homeless pets. The Solid Waste Matters 5
campaign has earned acclaim from both the National Alliance for Choice in Giving and the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy for its structure and the variety of choices offered to employees. The online pledge system will be available again this year for one time donations or payroll contributions. For those who do not have access to a computer, paper pledge forms will be available. Chief Administrative Officer Roshanda Smiley will serve as Departmental Chair for COACCC.
For more information, visit http:// cityspace.ci.austin.tx.us/services/ coaccc or contact ARR COACCC Coordinators Blanche Quarterman at 974-1986 or Donald Hardee at 974-4345. Fall 2011
HR CORNER Open Enrollment Update Open Enrollment will begin Oct. 17 and will end Nov. 18. Additional information regarding Open Enrollment Presentations will follow as information becomes available. Reminder, review the Proposed Pay & Benefits flyer you received a few weeks ago. KGSC Bulletin Board & HR Communication Did you know Human Resources has a bulletin board outside room 120 at the KGSC? We are posting information pertaining to Administrative Bulletins, benefits and other HR related topics on a regular basis. Take a moment, stop by and stay informed. Notary Publics Available Employees needing Notary Public services now have a resource. Jennifer Vargas and Annette Moreno at the RLC and Sandra Schirmer at the KGSC/MRF are all licensed Notary Publics and are happy to provide these services, free of charge, to employees. Jennifer can be reached at 974-2697, Annette can be reached at 974-1987and Sandra can be reached at 974-1947. Wellness Updates
Assistant Division Manager Mike Lewis takes advantage of the City’s Wellness programs and PE classes. Fall PE classes kicked off Sept. 12. Walk, run, bike, yoga, tai chi, kickboxing and strength classes are offered, as well as Zumba™ and kickball. Classes are free and offered at 15 locations— before, during and after work. Most classes are open to beginners. If you didn’t register for the fall PE session, Solid Waste Matters 6
stay tuned for the spring session schedule. HR invited Short Bus Subs to sell sub sandwiches on Wednesdays to offer healthier eating options at the Rutherford Lane campus. Contact Rose Xavier at 974-1961 with any new ideas for healthy vendors that we could invite in the future. Strength Training Class After a successful second year of the PE Strength Training class at the KGSC, we responded to employee demand and added another class to the fall PE schedule. Starting the week of Sept. 12, there will be two Strength Training classes taught by Cristina Rocha, a certified group fitness instructor. The classes are designed to build leg and back strength to reduce injuries on the job. To make the workout safer, more applicable your job, and easier on the knees, HR provides floor mats, medicine balls and strength training bands. For more information, contact Sandra Schirmer at 974-1947. ARR Completes Pilot Ethics Training ARR was among the departments selected to participate in a pilot delivery of Ethics training designed by the Office of Integrity. ARR Division Managers conducted their sessions with supervisors and each supervisor met with their crews and work groups utilizing an online presentation featuring City Manager Mark Ott. The result was 100 percent participation of on-duty employees. Computer Lab at KGSC: Operational Employees Learning New Skills Between Oct. 1, 2010 and July 30, 2011, the following number of employees attended classes offered through a partnership with the Communication and Technology Management Department (CTM): • 39 employees - Excel 2003 Level 1 • 11 employees - Outlook 2003 Level 1 • 10 employees - Excel Level 2 • 9 employees - Word 2003 Level 1
In addition to the above all-day sessions, employees are offered short refresher courses on EAccess, Intro to PC and Outlook twice a month. In order to maintain this important partnership with CTM, three employees at least three employees must sign up for any scheduled session. If you’re interested in attending a class, please request pre-approval from your supervisor and email or call Lynn Wolfe at 974-1904. In addition, free adult computer classes are available through the Austin Public Library at the Dewitty Center and Reagan High School. Look for a flyer about these classes on the training bulletin board at the KGSC. Austin Resource Recovery Employees Participate in Fire Exams From July 18-22, Austin Fire Department (AFD) re-administered oral interviews to 2,700 job candidates at Crockett High School. The interviews were proctored by City employees, including Sharon Callis, ARR Administration, and Sharlene Daniels, ARR HR. Volunteers were responsible for ensuring that the process was structured and monitored to protect the integrity of the City’s hiring process. Volunteers also escorted candidates to their destination, monitored the interview process, verified rating calculations and escorted candidates to the exit point. New Hires (July-August 2011): David Black James Fairley Donald Holmes, Jr. Don Jennings Charles Jung Antwan Lott Frank Milam, Jr. Anthony Ramsey Paul Spikes Willie Wilson Promotions (July-August 2011): Erin Tongay – promoted from Temporary Graphic Designer to Graphic Designer B in Strategic Initiatives Fall 2011
HHW TO SERVE AS DROP OFF SITE FOR NATIONAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE BACK DAY The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) scheduled another National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 29, 10 a.m. - 2 pm. to provide a venue for persons who want to dispose of unwanted and unused prescription drugs. The City’s Household Hazardous Waste Facility, 2514 Business Center Drive, will once again serve as a drop off site for the event.
Act to allow the DEA to develop a process for people to safely dispose of their prescription drugs. The DEA immediately began developing this process after President Obama signed the Safe and Secure Drug Disposal Act of 2010 on October 12. Until that process is complete, however, the DEA will continue to hold Take Back Days every six months.
The DEA, in conjunction with state and local law enforcement agencies throughout the United States, previously conducted National Prescription Drug Take Back Days in September 2010 and April 2011. Nearly 4,000 state and local law enforcement agencies throughout the nation participated in these events, collecting more than 309 tons of pills, which amounts to approximately 278 million pills. That’s about what 41 adult male elephants weigh!
More than seven million Americans currently abuse prescription drugs, according to the 2009 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Each day, approximately, 2,500 teens use prescription drugs to get high for the first time according to the Partnership for a Drug Free America. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including the home medicine cabinet.
Four days after last fall’s Take-Back Day, Congress passed legislation amending the Controlled Substances
For more information, visit http:// www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/#poc.
The HHW served as a drop off point for an earlier Prescription Drug Take Back event.
CODE COMPLIANCE WELCOMES NEW DIRECTOR, CARL SMART After a nationwide search, Carl Smart joined the City of Austin as Director of the Code Compliance Department in July. Throughout his career, Smart has been involved in implementing programs with neighborhoods to improve relationships between staff and
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the community. He is an accomplished professional with more than 27 years experience in code compliance and neighborhood conservation. Smart, a former Director of the Bureau of Neighborhood Conservation in Atlanta, was most recently the Director of the Code Compliance Department and an Executive Program Administrator for the City of Fort Worth. He also serves as an Instructor with the Carl Vinson Institute of Government at the University of Georgia, instructing classes on code
enforcement and management techniques. A Florida native, Smart studied pre-engineering at the University of Florida and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Nova Southeastern University. He is currently finishing a Master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from UT Arlington.
Continued on page 11... Fall 2011
THE TRASH PROJECT’S LAST DANCE With sold out audiences of 2,000 people per show, Austinites turned out in even the most extreme heat to see the final two performances of The Trash Project Aug. 27 and 28. Featuring 25 Austin Resource Recovery employees and 16 solid waste vehicles, the show showcased the work the Department does day in and day out. The mastermind behind this unique dance experience, Allison Orr of Forklift Danceworks, immersed herself in the world of ARR. She spent months riding along with crews, learning the jobs and watching workers’ movements. “The Trash Project is my attempt to give you a look into the work, skilled movement, and lives of the people who carry out this vital but often invisible job,” Allison said. “My hope is that after seeing The Trash Project, people will have a deeper understanding of both the c omplex work and the unique individuals who perform it.”
A huge thank you to all of The Trash Project performers who made our closing shows such a big success. I would also like to thank the many additional people in the Department who helped me— the safety staff, who worked with us on the tarmac, the PR/Marketing staff, Jermain DeFreeze and the facilities staff for setting up bleachers, tables and chairs, the supervisors who accommodated our rehearsal schedule, Bob Gedert and his staff for handling all of my requests with such grace, and all of the other employees who worked with me to pull off this huge undertaking. I also appreciate your willingness to let me into the world of Solid Waste–from early morning ride outs to middle of the night downtown cleanups. It has been my pleasure and honor to have worked with all of you since 2008.
Bobby Brown performs the crane solo.
First we would like to thank Allison Orr and Andy Garrison for all the work they put into putting Solid Waste on the map. They had the ability to envision the artistry in our job and present it to the public in a way that gives our consumers a new awareness of us. And thanks to Andy who came to several of my band’s shows and filmed with a whole crew. As a result, we now have a professional video on YouTube. Maybe one day Blynd Orange and the Seeing-Eye Band will be as popular as The Trash Project. It has truly been a pleasure to work with true artists and share their dreams, and become a part of bringing them to life. I’m proud to serve the City and thank everyone for the opportunity to grow with them, their families and the crews who most people never saw. -Orange Jefferson, Trash Project performer
To me, the best art is an expression of our love for life and all the wonders it brings. In the final performances, I know the audience saw the love, pride and respect you all have in the job and in yourselves as Solid Waste employees. Thank you for sharing that with me and the citizens of Austin. What a wonderful ride it has been! Stay in touch! -Allison Orr, Forklift Danceworks A sign spotted on 29th St. after the Trash Project shows. Solid Waste Matters 8
Fall 2011
Trash! Trash! Trasheluia! My recent participation in The Trash Project has helped me realize that much of our public does honor the work of Solid Waste Services. Over the course of two days, more than two thousand civilians attended The Trash Project exhibition at the Austin Studios tarmac. The masses cheered as we demonstrated our daily work routines. Whether it was the rear-loader, recycle, automation, or the sweepers, they cheered. Once the exhibition was over, the public swarmed us with praise and appreciation. They asked for autographs and showered us with endearment for making the sacrifice to perform in such an event. Even with the 100+ temperatures, they came out and endured the heat to support us. Their actions really gave me a new perspective on the public’s opinion concerning us and the work that we do. Many times it has been my experience that we encounter rude, unfriendly, and disrespectful people while we are out doing our routes. Some avoid us as if we smell like the trash and some treat us as if we were worse than trash. We may pick up the trash, but we are definitely not trash. Some of the people I have encountered lack common courtesy and will not even respond when spoken to. There are times people ignore our signals to stop when we are dumping our cans, and quickly pass us on the side with no regard to our safety. The rude behavior did not shape my thoughts entirely since it comes from only a small percentage of people. The majority of the public show us courtesy and appreciation for what we do as collection workers. The Trash Project was a meaningful experience that I was blessed to have been a part of. It has given me a greater understanding and a new perspective on just how much we are valued. There are many Solid Waste workers that were not at the event that are just as worthy of the praise that we received from the public. The most deserving are the members that I have the honor of working with–the 596 crew. From the top to the bottom, the crew works through all obstacles and on their feet all day, every day. The 596 crew picks up more pounds of trash by hand than the man operated machines do on a regular basis. I would like to give praise to the crew for their heavy and constant labor, starting with our best tandem, young Fisher, the “bounce master” and his flamboyant work partner, Derrick Ross. Then we have the true champions, Joe Ray and his work partner, Dr. Bell, our consistent tandem, T-Roy and Mitch, “old school” partners and steady professionals, Arnold and Robert, talkative Josh, who is out sick, the number one route smasher, King George and of course the number two route smasher, me (P. A. T.) Most deserving of the recognition is our outstanding leadership: ageless wonder and crew leader, Ray Showels; our fearless supervisor, Mike Carnline; and last but not least, Chris Fowler. Like The Trash Project, the efforts of this crew day after day has given me a new meaning on what good work ethic is and just how important my role is as collections worker.
TRASH PROJECT 2011 PERFORMERS Virginia Alexander Corey Anderson Sam Anderson Cedric Armstrong Bobby Brown Patrick Clark Tony Dudley Jeff Garner Chris Guerrero Shiron Hill Lee Houston Ivory Jackson, Jr. Orange Jefferson Dadrian Johnson Shonda Johnson Greg Jones Greg Karo Anthony Phillips Jennifer Saucedo Ray Showles Willie Simmons José Tejero George Thompson Adam Valdez Gerald Watson SPECIAL THANKS TO MANY STAFF MEMBERS WHO HELPED MAKE THE TRASH PROJECT HAPPEN, INCLUDING: Michele England and Jesse Munoz from Safety, Glenn O’Reilly and Blanche Quarterman from Human Resources, Jermain Defreeze, Larry Joiner and Alfredo Ramirez from Maintenance, Jimmy Miller from Vehicle Coordination and the Strategic Initiatives team.
-Pat Clark, Trash Project performer An employee performs at the show.
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Fall 2011
AUSTIN RESOURCE RECOVERY KUDOS Extra Effort Applauded Marcus Pryor found an iPhone on the route on June 3 and brought it into the office. Victoria Sanchez then took it to the AT&T store so they could return it to the owner. We appreciate the honesty and extra effort these two employees took to find the owner of the phone. Outstanding Customer Service
Staffers enjoy the Department Award & Recognition Luncheon. Kudos to Dolores Moreno for her outstanding customer service to Department employees in coordinating the Employee Appreciation Luncheon disbursements to each division. Dolores continues to verify division allocations to ensure that all employees will receive the Award & Recognition activities during the year. Several Rutherford campus employees were unable to attend their designated division event and Dolores coordinated a make-up meal delivery for those employees. From ARR Director Bob Gedert: As I travel today, I have noticed that good service reduces the hassle and anxiety of travel. Conversely, poor service causes harm. As we perform a service to our customers, it is important that we maintain a high positive spirit and perform good service for our customers. I am pleased to note the excellent and positive service attitude that Ron Romero exhibits on an ongoing basis. Thanks to Ron, many of our contractors feel good about doing Solid Waste Matters 10
business with us. Ron does make a positive difference! Email from citizen Dianne Parrotte, MD, received Aug. 3: I just used the HHW for the first time yesterday. What a FABULOUS service. Quick and easy. Two lines, with no waiting. Helpful employees with many carts available to speed unloading. One stop service for paints, old batteries, used propane canisters. Unbelievable. You need to have a few articles in local newspapers since most Austonians (sic) have no idea how to get rid of the gas from (a) lawn mower or old batteries, etc. I wish I had learned about this service sooner. Keep up the great job. Austin Resource Recovery Staffers to the Rescue On July 28, two Garbage crew members came to the rescue of an elderly woman who needed assistance. The woman was checking on a friend’s house and went in the backyard when the door closed and locked behind her. The gate to the fence was also locked and the woman found herself stranded outside in 90 plus degree weather. Desperate, she tried to climb the tall, wooden fence. Unfortunately, she got stuck on the fence and screamed for help for about two hours. That’s when Dwayne Fisher and Derrick Ross came along. While on their regular route, they heard her cries for help, so they got out of the truck and tried to find her. Once they located the woman, they called Dispatch and waited with the woman until the Austin Fire Department arrived and helped her down. She was covered in sweat and exhausted, but thanks to the Dwayne and Derrick, she was safe. Good job, guys! Helping Out Aaron Jaramillo recently assisted Michele England in Safety by serving as a bilingual interpreter during an injury investigation. He consistently exceeds expectations during these investigations, providing great attention to detail.
Email from citizen Justin Murrill about Daniela Ochoa, Temporary Planner: The AMD Green Team just organized a COA composting class, and it was a HUGE hit. 80 people attended. I’m namely writing to let you know how outstanding Daniela Ochoa Gonzalez was as a speaker. We have monthly speaking events and most of the people I talked to said it was the best ever. This is a great service your team offers. Thank you. (Daniela also received two kudos from neighborhood associations after teaching composting classes and several kudos from the Litter Abatement staff after she taught a session on Zero Waste.)
Daniela Ochoa teaches KGSC crews how to compost. Email from Betsy Woldman, Graphic Designer B, to ARR staff: I just wanted to say THANK YOU to the crew supervisors, crew leaders and crew members that helped me with the photos for the Master Plan. Everyone went out of their way to help me and were very professional. And also photogenic!!! Thanks to: Trash pick up crew member Mario Jimenez. Brush crew David Calderon and Oran McMichael. And bulk crew guys Terry Harmonv (crew leader), Bobby Brown and Gilbert Mata. Also thanks again to Mike Lewis, Harmonv and Mike Carnline for helping me set this up.
Fall 2011
KGSR’s Blues on the Green Volunteers Several ARR employees volunteered their time at KGSR’s Blues on the Green events this summer. After a full work day, they offered up their free time to help educate event patrons about Zero Waste and sift through recycling and composting containers to reduce contamination. Thank you to the following: • Diane Almanza • Shaun-Marie Auckland • Jeana Kingsbury • Jesse Morales • J.C. Moreno • Jessie Sanchez • Cherilyn Wadley • Rose Xavier
Bob Gedert presents a service award to Antonio Monroe.
Thanks also to Lauren Hammond, Gena McKinley, Kathleen Nowell and Daniela Ochoa, who helped implement composting for the first time at Blues on the Green. The effort required a lot of planning and coordination…and some digging (using garbage pickers) to remove contaminants. These ladies worked really hard to coordinate volunteers and keep the composting and recycling streams super clean. More Recognition for Dare to Go Zero Dare to Go Zero, the Department’s Zero Waste reality show, recently won best education/public outreach program from the North American Hazardous Materials Management Association (NAHMMA). In addition, the show also won two 2011 Savvy Awards from the City-County Communications and Marketing Association in two categories – Regularly Scheduled Programming and “Go Green” Communication Program Efforts.
Bob Gedert presents a service award to Adam Surita.
NEW CODE COMPLIANCE DIRECTOR ...continued from page 7 Smart is in the process of meeting with Code employees to get input on how to grow and improve the Department. “We will work closely with Solid Waste Services, Planning & Development Review, the Austin Police Department and other departments in order to be more effective in the community,” Smart said. “It’s going to take partnerships in order to get the job done and we need to work together.” He will oversee a department of 69 employees with a budget of $10.4 million. Code Compliance serves the residents of Austin by investigating reports of code violations and ensuring standards set by City codes are met.
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“I’m proud to be part of the Austin team and I think Code Compliance is poised to become one of the best departments in the country,” Smart said. “Our goal is to do just that.” Fall 2011
SAFETY MATTERS Back to School Safety Children are back in school, so it’s important for all of us to look out for children while driving and to follow safety precautions around children and school zones. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, children who lose their lives in bus-related crashes are likely to be pedestrians, 4 to 7 years old, and hit by the bus or by motorists illegally passing a stopped school bus. Remember – it is illegal to pass a school bus that is stopped to load or unload children. Yellow flashing lights alert motorists that the bus is preparing to stop. Red flashing lights and an extended stop sign arm signals motorists that the bus is stopped and children are getting on or off the bus. Traffic in both directions must stop on undivided roadways when students are entering or exiting a school bus. On divided roadways, traffic behind the school bus traveling in the same direction must stop. Stop your car far enough from the bus to allow children the needed space to safely enter and exit the bus. Never pass a school bus on the right. It is illegal and could have tragic consequences. All drivers need to recognize the special safety needs of young pedestrians. Children can sometimes be difficult to see, so take extra care to look out for children in residential areas, playgrounds and parks. Do not block a crosswalk when stopped at a red light or waiting to make a turn. You must stop to yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway when warning flashers are blinking or directed by a guard in a school zone. Children riding bicycles to and from school create special problems for drivers because children are not capable of proper judgment in determining traffic conditions. When passing a bicyclist proceeding in the same direction as you, do so slowly and leave at least a distance of three feet between you and the bicycle until you have safely passed the bicycle. Solid Waste Matters 12
When your vehicle is turning left or right and there is a bicyclist entering the intersection, let the bicyclist go through the intersection first before making the turn. Remember to always use your turn signals and take extra precautions in school zones and neighborhood areas where children and teenagers might be riding. Watch out for bicycles coming out of driveways or from behind parked cars or other obstructions. Check side mirrors for bicyclists before opening the door. Whether children walk, ride their bicycle or take the bus to school, it is extremely important that we take proper safety precautions to ensure their safety. Celebrating Safety During Heat Wave Operational employees have been taxed with completing their jobs in the hottest summer on record and ARR has only had two heat-related injuries throughout the season. Congratulations to Brush & Bulk, Yard Trimmings, Street Cleaning, Litter Control, Special Services, Landfill, HHW, Carts, Brush Processing and Facilities for having ZERO heat related injuries. Thanks to all operational employees for staying hydrated and being safe during such severe heat. ARR Staffers Recognized by EIA Driver of the Year Awards Each year the Environmental Industry Association (EIA) recognizes the prestigious drivers of the year who have the best safety record in the solid waste industry. Three ARR employees were recognized this year. Isaac Bell, Recycling, and Tom Coleman, Litter Abatement, were named finalists for the awards and Jose Ramirez, Yard Trimmings, was named a semi-finalist. Bell has worked for the City since 1976 and in more than 34 years of service, he has never been involved in a safety infraction. Additionally, Bell stands out as a leader in his industry having been recognized by citizens, City Council,
state organizations, and local media through: • Texas Safety Association Safe Driver Award in 1990 in recognition of outstanding service and worth accomplishments in acccident prevention contributing to a safer Texas in 1989; • Certificate of Appreciation from the Austin City Council in 1994 for his valuable and distinguished service; • A citizen’s letter of compliment for honesty, integrity, concern and respect for others in 1996; and ...continued on page 14
High school student and summer intern Cinammon Walker proudly displays the winning backpack submitted to the annual citywide school supply drive by the Department.
Samuel Gilbert speaks to Bob Gedert at a recent staff meeting. Fall 2011
EVENT RECYCLING REBATE “By partnering with event organizers, we’re not only building relationships in the community, but educating those organizations about Zero Waste,” said SWS Director Bob Gedert. “This program will help us move closer to our Zero Waste goal and should help reduce the amount of cleanup our crews have to do after events.” From music and film festivals to races and food contests, Austin is home to many special events that attract thousands of attendees. These large crowds leave behind large amounts of trash that SWS crews must clean up. Because most of these materials can be recycled or composted, SWS created the City of Austin’s Event Recycling Rebate. The rebate program provides an incentive for event organizers to make their outdoor events more sustainable and help reduce the amount of trash sent to the landfill. The purpose of the Event Recycling Rebate program is to: • Provide event organizers a financial incentive to improve waste reduction and diversion efforts at outdoor events in Austin • Gather data from qualifying events to use in developing best practices guidance and future city policy initiatives • Help promote and achieve the City of Austin’s Zero Waste goal
Qualifying event organizers will be eligible for a rebate of up to $750 for the cost of: • Recycling dumpster(s), based on the size of the event and number recommended by Keep Austin Beautiful/City of Austin • Compost services, including dumpster(s) and composting collection containers; • Staffing through an event staffing service
munity volunteers. During the first year of the program, SWS provided event recycling services for 17 events and collected 10 tons of recyclables with an average 44 percent diversion rate. On December 3, 2010, staff presented a report to the Mayor and City Council Members providing a summary of the Department’s event recycling efforts, associated costs, best practices and next steps. Staff recommended developing and implementing an incentive to encourage recycling, composting and other waste reduction efforts at non-City sponsored events.
Event Recycling Background In October 2009, Austin City Council passed a Resolution directing the City Manager to implement recycling at all City sponsored and City co-sponsored events. As a result, SWS launched a community-based event recycling program working with event organizers, City staff and com-
AUSTIN REBLEND PAINT: DID YOU KNOW... …that the Household Hazardous Waste facility has made 7,566 gallons of 100 percent post-consumer, reblended low-VOC flat paint from paint collected since July 2010? The paint, known as Austin ReBlend, is free to residential or civic projects and comes in two neutral colors. Solid Waste Matters 13
Every gallon made diverts the same quantity from the landfill. Paint accounts for the majority of materials brought to the HHW. After being dropped off, it is then carefully inspected, consolidated, blended, filtered and packed by trained personnel to ensure a quality product. Homeowners can also find tips about how much
paint is needed for painting projects by using a paint calculator available at austinrecycles.com. Fall 2011
SAFETY MATTERS ...continued from page 12 Coleman has worked for the City for 15 years and has received the following awards and certifications: • Recognized and appreciated for unselfish contribution and commitment for storm debris cleanup in May 2006 • Excellent Customer Service provided during SXSW • Safety Achievement Award in 2010 for his dedication and commitment to providing a safe working environment. Ramirez has worked at the City since 1999 and in addition to meeting the criteria for the award, he is known for his hard work, for always being
Bob Gedert presents Lynn Wolfe, Human Resources, with a service award.
in proper uniform and for never complaining.
Stay Hydrated - Fill up Your Coolers at Austin Fire Stations
Candidates are nominated according to the following criteria: • Years experience driving refuse truck • DPS driving record (3 years) • SWS driving record • Professional truck driver classes • Driver specific training • Driving conditions ( average miles driven/week, day/night hours, population, residential/ commercial)
ARR crews: You can now fill up your water coolers at Austin Fire Stations while out on routes. While still required to fill coolers prior to leaving the yard, this will help you stay hydrated while working in the heat. Remember to be mindful of your surroundings while at a Fire Station as situations change quickly and as always, be courteous and friendly. If the fire station doors are locked, they are out on a call and you will not be able to enter. For a list of stations, see: http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/fire/ fdstatio.htm.
Congratulations, gentlemen!
Bob Gedert and Jacob Cervantes pose at a recent meeting at the KGSC.
Bob Gedert presents Alan Taylor with a service award. Solid Waste Matters 14
Bob Gedert presents Keith Murray, Finance, with a service award.
Bob Gedert presents Henry Bills with a service award. Fall 2011
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK PLEASE SEE SURVEY ON BACK SIDE.
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Fall 2011
HELP RENAME & RESHAPE SOLID WASTE MATTERS! The Department now has a new name that better reflects where we are going and how we are evolving – Austin Resource Recovery. As the Department progresses toward the future, our employee newsletter needs to change with it. We’re asking for your input to help come up with a new name for the newsletter and to answer a few quick questions to help us shape the future of the publication. Please take a moment to answer the following questions and submit your ideas for a new newsletter name by Oct. 3. Please return the survey to Jennifer Herber at Rutherford Lane and Sandra Schirmer at the KGSC/MRF/HHW. Thank you, Jennifer Herber, Solid Waste Matters editor Public Information Specialist Senior Contact: 974-7846 or jennifer.herber@austintexas.gov
If you’d like to take this survey online, see http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/L7CSKLP 1. How often do you read Solid Waste Matters, the employee newsletter that is distributed 4 times a year? Never One time a year Two times a year Three times a year Every quarter 2. I usually read… the entire newsletter just a few stories don’t read the newsletter 3. How do you usually read the newsletter? online printed both 4. Do you prefer to read it online or to receive a printed copy? online printed 5. How many pages of the newsletter are you willing to read? 1-4 pages 4-8 pages 8-12 pages
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6. What kinds of stories or information do you currently read about in the employee newsletter? Profiles of employees and their jobs Updates on Department programs and services Stories about past and upcoming events Kudos for employees Human Resources updates Safety stories Heard on the Route column Stories about programs, services and events in other Departments Don’t currently read the newsletter
8. Do you have any additional comments or feedback on the newsletter?
Rename the Newsletter 9. Please submit up to three ideas for the new newsletter name by Oct. 3. If filling out this survey by hand, please return it to Sandra Schirmer at the KGSC or to Jennifer Herber at Rutherford Lane.
7. What kinds of stories or information would you like to see in future employee newsletters?
1.
Profiles of employees and their jobs Updates on Department programs and services Stories about past and upcoming events Kudos for employees Human Resources updates Safety stories Heard on the Route column Stories about programs, services and events in other Departments Other:
3.
2.
Your name (so we can recognize you if your suggestion is chosen):
Fall 2011