Mayor and Council Monique Lieuwen, Recycling and Solid Waste Coordinator 2011 Solid Waste Annual Report

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1 ~S~S!:E~~ Report No. ENG March 22, 2012 File No: COUNCIL REPORT Executive Council To: From: Subject: Mayor and Council Monique Lieuwen, Recycling and Solid Waste Coordinator 2011 Solid Waste Annual Report RECOMMENDATION THAT Report No. ENG , dated March 22, 2012, from the Recycling and Solid Waste Coordinator, regarding the 2011 Solid Waste Annual Report, be received. BACKGROUND The City is responsible for pla[lning, implementing and administering single family curbside garbage, recycling and yard waste collection programs, managing the operations contract for the Abbotsford Mission Recycling Depot (AMRD), abandoned materials litter pick-up and waste reduction programs. DISCUSSION The 2011 Solid Waste Annual Report (Attachment A) provides an overview of the City's 2011 programs and services and outlines waste reduction objectives planned for 2012 and Curbside Collection In 2011, the City provided curbside collection of garbage, recycling, and yard waste to over 25,000 homes in Abbotsford. The 2011 single family residential diversion rate was 45.3%, up from 43.6% in The 2011 garbage and recycling audit showed that compostable waste comprised approximately 60% of single family garbage. Food Waste Pilot The Food Waste Pilot collection frequency for garbage was decreased from weekly to bi-weekly, while maintaining weekly collection of compostable waste and recycling, which resulted in an increase in diversion from 55% to approximately 70%. Therefore, significant benefits in terms of diversion and disposal costs are anticipated by implementation of curbside compjstable collection. Abbotsford Mission Recycling Depot All of the recyclables collected at the curbside are processed at the AMRD. In addition, a recyclable drop-off area allows residents and businesses to recycle scrap metal, batteries, electronics, etc. In 2011, AMRD processed almost 15,000 tonnes of recyclables. The AMRD also has an education centre, a compost demonstration garden, and a recycling education coordinator to support the City's recycling initiatives. The Automated Waste Collection Pilot The pilot started in June 2010 and continued through The City will be terminating the program at the end of March 2012, after gaining the necessary information on cost, efficiency, worker injury, and residential support, which will allow staff to assess the

2 Report No. ENG Page 2 of 2 business case for automated waste collection. Once the assessment is complete, a report will be prepared and presented to Council. Multi-family and ICI Collection Multi-family, industrial, commercial, and institutional (ICI) properties in Abbotsford are responsible for their own disposal of garbage, recycling, and compostables. The City currently mandates recycling for all multi-family properties and is planning further consultation with the ICI sector to move in this direction for ICI properties as well. FINANCIAL PLAN IMPLICATION There are no financial plan implications. STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS The 2011 programs and services outlined in the Solid Waste Annual Report support several strategic goals and priority objectives including: conserving important natural resources improving the health of our surface water, groundwater and airshed reducing corporate and community green house gas emissions COMMUNICATION PLAN No communication plan is required. SUMMARY This annual report provides an overview of the City's 2011 programs and services and outlines waste reduction objectives planned for 2012 and 2013 to strive for further waste reduction. Jim Gor n, P. Eng. Manager, Engineering and Regional Tracy Kyle, P. Eng. Director of Water and S Barry Azevedo, P. Eng. Solid Waste and Environmental Engineer Monique Lieuwen, E.I.T. Recycling and Solid Waste Coordinator ML:ml

3 ENGINEERING & REGIONAL UTILITIES 2011 Solid Waste Annual Report For more information: Engineering & Regional Utilities Water and Solid Waste South Fraser Way Abbotsford, Be V2T 1VV7 Tel: E: ~~

4 --... ~ TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 Introduction Garbage, Recycling, and Yard Waste Curbside Collection Services Diversion Summary Stats Recycling Single Family Curbside Recycling Multi-Family Recycling Industrial, Commercial & Institutional (ICI) Recycling Abbotsford Mission Recycling Depot (AMRD) Compostable Collection Yard Waste Food Waste Pilot Program Garbage Automated Waste Program Abandoned Materials and Litter Pick Up Public Education & Outreach Conclusion Appendix 1- Historical Residential Garbage Rates and MTS Tipping Fees 11 Appendix II - Historical Residential Diversion Rates Appendix 111- Provincial Product Stewardship Programs Appendix IV - Recyclables Collected at Curbside Appendix V - Recyclable Materials Received at AMRD in Appendix VI Yard Waste Drop off Fees Appendix VII- Yard Waste Tonnes Diverted Appendix VIII- FW Pilot Area Map Appendix IX - Automated Waste Pilot Area Map

5 .... ~ 2011 Solid Waste & Recyding Annual Report 1.0 Introduction The City is responsible for planning, implementing and administering single family curbside solid waste, recycling and yard waste collection programs, managing the operations contract for the Abbotsford Mission Recycling Depot (AMRD), abandoned materials litter pick-up and waste reduction programs. The City is a member of the Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD) and works under the mandate of the FVRD Solid Waste Management Plan, to effectively manage municipal solid waste and reduce the amount of waste requiring disposal. The FVRD Solid Waste Management Plan is in the process of being reviewed, which will result in an updated ten year plan for the region's garbage. Public consultation is complete and the revised draft plan is being finalized before submission to the BC Ministry of Environment. A committee, which includes representation from the City, provide guidance with respect to revision of the Plan and will also monitor implementation of the Plan. The City will continue to align its services with the goals of the FVRD. This annual report provides an overview of the City's 2011 programs and services and outlines waste reduction objectives planned for 2012 and 2013 to strive for further waste reduction. 2.0 Garbage, Recycling, and Yard Waste Curbside Collection Services The City provides curbside collection to over 25,000 single family and duplex homes. Approximately 22,000 homes receive weekly collection of garbage and recyclables. 15,200 are collected by City crews and 6,800 by a private contractor. Rural Abbotsford also has 2,800 homes that receive bi-weekly collection of garbage and recyclables from City crews. The private contractor also provides bi-weekly yard waste collection to all Abbotsford single family and duplex residences. In 2011, the private contractor providing services was BFI Canada. This contract will be re-tendered in In 2011, the solid waste utility rate was $215 for single family residences that receive weekly garbage collection, and $175 for those with bi-weekly collection. Multi-family residences were charged $13 for the processing of recyclables at AMRD. The single family solid waste utility rate will rise marginally in 2012 to cover increased tipping fees at the Matsqui Transfer Station to $220 for weekly collection and $180 for bi-weekly collection. Appendix I shows the historical collection rates, and the corresponding tipping fee at the Matsqui Transfer Station. 3.0 Diversion Summary Stats The diversion rate is the percentage of materials being recycled or composted, instead of being sent to the landfill. The 2011 single family residential diversion rate is 45.3%. This is an increase from the 2010 diversion rate of 43.6%. Historical diversion rates can be seen in Appendix II. The key to achieving increase residential diversion will be the implementation and optimization of curbside compostable collection. - 2-

6 Recycling The Solid Waste and Recycling Program is cdmprised of the following components: Single family curbside collection of recycling, yard waste and garbage. The AMRD, including: o residential recyclables and hazardous waste residential drop-off area o yard waste residential drop-off area o commercial recyclables drop-off area o recyclables processing area o recycling depot sales (composters, kitchen catchers, rain barrels) o compost demonstration garden o recycling education centre Abandoned materials pick-up Litter receptacles along bus routes and in the downtown area Public education and outreach Recycling initiatives at multi-family and ICI properties P~rticipation in the FVRD Solid Waste Management Plan Provincial product stewardship programs for used oil filters and containers, electronics, beverage containers, tires, paint, medications, lead-acid batteries, solvents and flammable liquids complement the City's programs. The initiation dates of each of these programs can be found in Appendix III. All of these materials are accepted for drop-off at the AMRD. In the next few years, the Province is looking to add a packaging and printed paper stewardship program, which will further increase diversion rates. 4.1 Single Family Curbside Recycling Curbside collection of recyclables is provided to all single family and duplex homes, totaling over 25,000 units. The following recyclables are collected weekly in transparent blue bags: Beverage containers, including tetra paks Cardboard Newspapers, magazines, office paper and phone books Glass bottles and jars Tin and aluminum cans and foil Milk cartons Plastics: numbers 1, 2, 4 and 5 (including stretchy film plastic like grocery bags and bread bags) The AMRD performs waste audits every two years on behalf of Abbotsford and Mission. Materials from Abbotsford garbage and recycling and Mission garbage and recycling are sorted into distinct categories to better understand their composition. In the summer of - 3

7 ....:; ABBOTSfORD 2011, a waste and recycling audit was performed. Abbotsford curbside recycling was found to contain 71 % paper products, 12% plastics, 9% other recyclables, and 8% residual solid waste. This can be seen in Figure 1. Abbotsford - Recycling 8% o Paper Products Metal o Glass o Plastics Refundables o Residual Solid Waste Figure 1: 2011 Composition of Abbotsford Recycling In 2011, over 5,100 tonnes of recyclables were collected from the curbside blue bag program. Appendix IV shows historic amounts of recyclables collected at the curbside. Curbside recycling tonnages increased 8% between 2009 and 2010, and another 6% between 2010 and Multi-Family Recycling There are over 18,000 multi-family residential properties in Abbotsford. Multi-family residential properties are required under the Garbage, Recyclables and Yard Waste Collection Bylaw, No , to implement a program for the separate collection of recyclables from residents of that property. Adequate facilities must be provided in accordance with the bylaw. Arrangements for multi-family complexes may vary by contract, but must include all blue bag recyclables. From there, each private contractor is responsible for appropriate disposal of recyclables. A 2009 audit of the 400 multi-family complexes in Abbotsford showed a bylaw compliance rate of 99%. In 2012, staff will 4

8 --... h 2011 Solid Waste & Recycllng Annual Report continue to inspect multi-family complexes where complaints or concerns have been identified and will conduct several random audits as well. Where concerns are identified, staff will provide support, as necessary, to achieve compliance with the bylaw. 4.3 Industrial, Commercial & Institutional (ICI) Recycling Members of the ICI sector are required to make their own arrangements for collection and disposal with a private waste collection contractor and are required to separate garbage and recyclables according to the ban at the Matsqui Transfer Station. Currently, a bylaw does not mandate recycling at ICI properties. However, a series of stakeholder consultations in 2011 and 2012 are discussing mechanisms to increase waste diversion in the ICI sector and develop recommendations for bylaw changes. A report summarizing the consultation sessions and recommending bylaw changes will go to Council in mid Abbotsford Mission Recycling Depot (AMRD) The AMRD is owned by the City of Abbotsford and District of Mission and operated by Abbotsford Community Services. Recyclables arriving at the AMRD are hand-sorted by Abbotsford Community Services employees and then baled and shipped to various processing facilities in the Lower Mainland. Each commodity is subject to market fluctuations. All commodity sales are returned to the City and District. In the event of a revenue shortfall due to poor commodity values, the City of Abbotsford and the District of Mission will contribute their corresponding percentage of funds to cover the shortfall. The AMRD features a free drop-off area for recyclables, and household hazardous waste. The materials accepted at the drop-off area include: all blue bag recyclables paint (good quality paint may be made available for others to use) gasoline flammable liquids household pesticides batteries (car, household) scrap metal (washers, dryers, stoves, propane tanks, etc.) electronics (televisions, printers, etc.) cell phones and cell phone batteries ink jet cartridges fluorescent tubes small appliances smoke alarms toilets aerosol cans yard waste - 5-

9 -....,., ABBOTSfOR D Appendix V identifies the historic recyclable material received at the AMRD from the City of Abbotsford. In 2011, approximately 15,000 tonnes of recycjables were received from the City of Abbotsford with approximately 5,200 tonnes from the curbside collection of blue bags and 9,800 tonnes from residential and commercial drop off. The percent of garbage in the collected recyclables was 3%. The AMRD Recycling Education Centre The Recycling Education Centre opened in September 2008 and is used by the AMRD and the City to provide and support environmental programs for the community. In 2011, the Recycling Education Coordinator and staff hosted and attended many events and schools (see section 7.0 for more information). FVRD Compost Demonstration Garden The AMRD has a Compost Demonstration Garden that is open to the public whenever the AMRD is open. The Compost Demonstration Garden allows the community to learn about composting and pesticide-free gardening techniques. In addttion, visitors can also learn how rain barrel systems are placed and connected to the gutter system. 5.0 Compostable Collection 5.1 Yard Waste Residents receive bi-weekly collection of yard waste, but are also able to drop off their yard waste at the AMRD. The materials are taken to The Answer Garden Products to be composted. Appendix VI summarizes the drop off fees. Over 5,100 tonnes of yard waste were diverted from landfill in The total yard waste drop off at AMRD was 1,700 tonnes and the remaining was from curbside collection. Historic yard waste amounts are available in Appendix VII. Yard waste tonnage from residential drop-off and curbside collection increased 19% between 2009 and 2010, and an additional 6% between 2010 and In addition, 65 backyard com posters were sold at the AMRD In Food Waste Pilot Program In December 2009, the City initiated a food waste collection pilot with 118 homes. The pilot was expanded August 30, 2010 to include an additional 306 homes (Appendix VIII). In the pilot area, residents are able to combine all food scraps and soiled paper with their yard waste. -6-

10 --... h Bi-weekly garbage collection was initiated in March 2011, and the diversion rate in the pilot area rose from 52% to approximately 65%. A survey of participants in the Food Waste Pilot Program was conducted in August Survey results showed 86% of households were participating in the pilot program, and 77% stated they have less garbage than prior to the initiation of the Program. With a diversion rate of approximately 70%, it is estimated that 4,900 tonnes of compostable materials could be diverted from the landfill annually when the program is expanded City wide, with this amount likely to increase with time and public education. Further survey results are available in Council Report No. ENG By the end of 2012 or early 2013, the City plans to have the Food Waste Program expanded City-wide. However, a key component to a City-wide program includes a large-scale compostable waste processing facility capable of handling tonnages from all single family and duplex properties and future compostable waste from multi-family and ICI properties. In 2011, a preferred proponent was selected but the proponent is not able to proceed with construction of the facility until a decision by the Minister of Agriculture is received regarding approval of rezoning the land for the compost facility and the City provides approval of the rezoning. 6.0 Garbage Garbage is what remains in the solid waste stream following all possible reduction, reuse and recycling activities. All single family and duplex residents are provided curbside garbage collection. Garbage is limited to two 80L containers weekly for urban residents and three 80L containers bi-weekly for rural residents and those in the Food Waste Pilol. Curbside garbage is deposited at the Matsqui Transfer Station (MTS) and then transferred to the Cache Creek Landfill. In 2011, approximately 12,500 tonnes of garbage was sent to the MTS from the residential curbside collection program. This does not include the small quantity of materials going to other facilities generated by the residential sector. The single family residential diversion rate was 45.3% in 2011; a slight increase from 43.6% in In 2011, a waste and recycling audit was performed. Abbotsford curbside garbage was found to contain 12% recyclables, 63% compostables, with garbage comprising 22%. The amount of recycling in garbage has decreased from 18% in 2009 to 12% in The 2011 analysis can be seen in Figure

11 Abbotsford - Garbage 1% 12% 2% o Recyclables Organics o Uncoded Plastics o Contaminated Paper Residual Solid Waste o Demo/Construct/Soil Figure 2: 2011 Composition of Abbotsford Garbage Appendix I contains the historic MTS tipping fees. Tipping fees are expected to continue to increase over the next several years. In order to minimize disposal costs, the City must decrease waste generation and increase recycling and composting efforts. The closure of the Cache Creek Landfill annex is scheduled for The City is currently reviewing other disposal options. Garbage generated from multi-family, ICI properties, and the demolition, land clearing and construction (DLC) sector is accepted at the MTS and private facilities, such as the SFI transfer station and the First Class transfer station. The First Class transfer station is operating and is in the process of re-zoning their property for the appropriate zoning for a transfer station. Garbage from these private facilities is hauled to the Roosevelt Regional Landfill in Washington State. Some waste from Abbotsford is also sent to landfills outside the FVRD jurisdiction, such as First Nations Landfills. The amount of waste being sent to these sites is unknown. Limited disposal bans and assumed lower tipping fees are resulting in decreased tonnages at MTS and increased tonnages at private and First Nations facilities. The total amount of waste sent to landfill in 2011 from single family, multi family, ICI and DLC sectors is estimated at 140,000 tonnes. 6.1 Automated Waste Program To determine the feasibility of automated collection in the City of Abbotsford, a semiautomated waste collection pilot program involving 125 homes (Appendix IX) was initiated in June The pilot will be terminated in -8-

12 t,.--~ March 2012 and opportunities for future City wide expansion will be assessed. Residents living in the Automated Collection Pilot area will be surveyed to determine residential support for the program. In addition, a business case assessment will be completed for the future consideration of automated collection. A report to Council in the spring of 2012 will detail the survey results and the business case. 6.2 Abandoned Materials and Litter Pick-Up As part of the garbage management program, litter pick-up and abandoned materials collection are conducted regularly. City crews are dispatched weekly to collect abandoned materials, collecting an estimated 1 tonne per week. City crews are also responsible for public litter receptacles, collecting materials weekly at bus stops and throughout Abbotsford. 7.0 Public Education & Outreach The City partners with Abbotsford Community Services, as part of the AMRD operating contract, on promoting waste reduction and recycling initiatives throughout the community. The AMRD promotes the solid waste and recycling program by participating in events, giving presentations to community groups, ICI and MF sectors, presenting educational workshops at schools, offering free composting classes and leading tours of the Compost Demonstration Garden. In 2011, the AMRD participated in many events, including Canada Day, the Berry Beat Festival, Pumpkin Decorating, the Abbotsford Christmas Tree Lighting, and the Mission Candlelight Parade. Presentations were given to various organizations and over 5,100 students participated in school workshops. Public outreach also includes the following: Waste Collection Schedules delivered annually to all single-family and duplex residents Recycling, Yard Waste, and Garbage Handbooks available online, at City Hall, ARC, MRC, AMRD and at the Public Works Yard Educational stickers developed for residents requiring additional information at the curb Support for community clean ups and events such Compost Awareness Week and Waste Reduction Week Support for local schools through development of recycling/composting programs and educational materials City's Garbage and Recycling website providing detailed information on collection requirements, collection calendars, facility information, altematives to disposal and waste reduction tips Collection and diversion messaging on side of waste collection vehicles Newspaper City Page advertisements and telephone messages on hold -9-

13 --... ~ S.O Conclusion 2011 Solid Waste & Recyding Annual Report As pressure on solid waste infrastructure continues and costs Df disposal rise. a sustainable, integrated approach to managing municipal solid waste is required. Waste reduction and recycling efforts have achieved positive results in Although population continues to rise, the City of Abbotsford has seen the amount of waste requiring disposal decrease and recycling and yard waste collection increase. Results of the Food Waste Pilot and the 2011 Waste and Recycling Audit, show that there is potential for a significant increase in diversion with the initiation of City wide compostable collection and bi-weekly garbage collection. Staff will work on the following in 2012 to decrease waste generation and increase diversion efforts: Focus on development and implementation plan for curbside organics collection. Focus on development of a full organics processing facility required for the curbside organics collection program and future requirements for multi-family and ICI sectors. Terminate the Automated Waste Collection Pilot, but study the impacts and costs for future City wide waste collection operations. Increase diversion through existing programs. Increase reporting from recyclers operating within the City to verify waste generation and diversion numbers. Consult the ICI sector regarding recommended changes to the Garbage, Recycling and Yard Waste Bylaw. Advocate for senior governments to legislate packaging requirements and move the costs and responsibilities of waste management from local governments and taxpayers to the manufacturers and consumers that use them through Extended Producer Responsibility Programs and encourage environmental friendly design. Investigate opportunities and work with industry to increase OLC recycling. Increase support to multi-family properties to increase recycling. Continue to develop an inventory of reduce and reuse options currently available in the City. Foster an ethic of stewardship throughout the City with continued messaging, community engagement and education campaigns

14 ....:; Appendix I - Historical Residential Garbage Rates and MTS Tipping Fees Year MTSTipping Weekly Bi-Weekly Multi-Family Fee Garbage Garbage Recycling 2007 $64.00 $ $ $ $68.00 $ $ $ $71.00 $ $ $ $83.25 $ $ $ $92.35 $ $ $ $ $ $ $

15 --... h ABB OTSFORD 2011 Solid Waste & Recycling Annuat Report Appendix II - Historical Residential Diversion Rates Year Diversion Rate % 2009' 40.5% % % In Food Waste Pilot Area Approx.70.0% Curbside Yard Waste Coliectlon started In June

16 -... ~ ABBOTSFO RD Appendix III - Provincial Product Stewardship Programs Lead Acid Battery Collection Program Tire Recycling Incentive Program Used Oil Regulation Post-consumer Paint Stewardship Program Post Consumer Residual Stewardship Program (Paint, Pharmaceuticals, Pesticides, Gasoline) Beverage Container Stewardship Program Electronic Stewardship Program Small Appliance Stewardship Program Smoke Alarm Recycle Packaging and Printed Paper Legislation to take effect -13-

17 ....,., ABBOTS FORD 2011 Solid Waste & Recyding Annual Report Appendix IV - Recyclables Collected at Curbside Year Homes Collected From Recyclables (Tonnes)

18 :;; Appendix V - Recyclable Materials Received at AMRD in 2011 Table 1: Recyclable Material Received at AMRD in 2011 from Abbotsford Item Total (MT) Cardboard Paper Metal 345 Glass 135 Beverage Containers 74 Plastics 564 Electronics 300 Hazardous Waste. Paint and Batteries 157 Garbage 498 TOTAL Table 2: Recyclable Materials Received at AMRD Historically from Abbotsford Year Tonnage Received (MT)

19 i--...,.;;; Appendix VI Yard Waste Drop off Fees 4 bags or less - $ to 10 bags - $ or more bags - $

20 --t.--h Appendix VII- Yard Waste Tonnes Diverted Year Yard Waste ITonnesl ' Curbside Yard Waste Collection started In June

21 -....A Appendix VIII - FW Pilot Area Map ), OCW4NEB FlO. i I~ /

22 .... ~ Appendix IX - Automated Waste Pilot Area Map - 19-