07-08-94 City Council Retreat - Laserfiche WebLink

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i • INTRODUCTION The Solid Waste Division of the Public Works Department has engaged in recycling activities for two (2) years. The City's entry into recycling began with several pilot projects, later expanded. They included composting, scrap metal, office paper and used motor oil. Lessons learned through the pilot process allowed the Division to expand the operation of these programs with little or no increase in costs, with resulting savings and revenue. The Composting Program has expanded from experimental mixtures of various materials and methods to a mature process that produces a usable product utilized by the Parks Department, and periodically distributed to citizens patronizing the Drop-off Center. Although no revenue is realized by this program, avoided landfill charges after expenses result in an average monthly net savings of $250. This program has the potential to be expanded through the implementation of curb -side collection of yard waste, as well as produce potential revenue from the sale of the material. This issue will be explored in the coming months. The Scrap Metal Program Heavy trash crews collect normal route, and deposit a container provided by a transports the container empty container for use. assessed, the residual re the avoided landfill cost; of $435. has been a success since its beginning. scrap metal throughout the city on their it at the Public Works Service Center in metal dealer. Periodically, the dealer to a processing facility, returning the Although a rental and transport charge is venue from the sale of scrap, as well as a result in an average monthly net savings Collection and sale of office paper has been very successful. Beginning as a pilot program in the Public Works Department, it was expanded to include all city offices, all schools and administrative offices in the LPISD, Texas Parks and Wildlife, and the La Porte Post Office. Of note is the recent Governor's Recycling Award received by the La Porte Post Office, as well as national recognition and plans to expand the program to other post offices. Although unrecognized, the City plays a vital role in this effort through program inception, collection and sale of material. The City receives all revenue from the sale of paper from all participants, which offsets the cost of processing and transport. The net revenue from this program is small, primarily due to the lack of disposal costs for city -generated paper, as well as lack of information of avoided costs to participating entities. Current average net gain per month is $63.