HomeMy WebLinkAboutProposed Reccling Policyr
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4 INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
TO: City Council and City Manager
FROM: Richard J. Folkers, Assistant. City Manager/Public Works Director
SUBJECT: PROPOSED RECYCLING POLICY
DATE: April 27, 1989
RECOMMENDATION:
Consideration of the Recycling Policy for the City of Palm Desert.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Palm Desert is taking a leading role in recycling in the
Coachella Valley, as well as the County of Riverside. It is our goal to take the
next step to reduce portions of solid waste that can be recoverable. The City
Council has actively supported the Curbside Recycling Program. The attached
policy will assist City Council , staff, and citizens to move toward a more
comprehensive recycling program including , but not limited to,
commercial/industrial recycling, composting, and other methods of recycling that
assist in reducing pollution, energy consumption and landfill space.
Public Works staff recommends that the City Council consider the following
policy and direct staff to bring the recycling policy back to the City Council in
resolution form for adoption.
RIC RD J. FO S, P.E. REVIEWED AND CONCUR
CITY MANAGER
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CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
APPROVED DENTED
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AYES: �-2 �`J
NOES: '..
AESEN'i: AD-iy
VERIFIED • a Ui.4
Original on
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RECYCLING POLICY FOR THE
CITY OF PALM DESERT
RECYCLING POLICY FOR THE CITY OF PALM DESERT
PURPOSE
Because of the many benefits which can be derived from an
effective recycling program , it is important that a strong
"recycling ethic" be developed and supported by the City Council ,
staff, and the citizens of the City of Palm Desert . The purpose
of this policy is to express the City' s commitment to recycling
as an integral part of the County ' s and State ' s solid waste
management policy and to provide guidance in the development and
implementation of a City-wide recycling program.
POLICY
To the extent that a significant portion of the solid wastes
currently disposed of in County landfills are not truly "wastes"
but are actually recoverable resources , it is the policy of the
Palm Desert City Council that the City shall actively support a
comprehensive recycling program to optimize the recovery and
reuse of these materials . The City is in a position of having a
positive impact on the reduction of solid waste by its degree of
involvement in recycling activities . The policy of the City in
these areas is as follows :
A . Recycling Goals
The following goals are set for reduction in the solid waste
stream in the City of Palm Desert , to be achieved through
the establishment of a comprehensive recycling program:
1989 - 20%
1990 - 30%
1991 - 40%
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B. Recycling Implementation Plan
To achieve the above stated goals , an action plan shall be
developed in the following areas :
1 . Public Education
The degree of success in recycling programs , as
measured by the level of participation and the amount
of materials recycled, is directly proportional to the
quantity and quality of recycling information
disseminated to the public . It is the policy of the
City to actively promote the dissemination of recycling
information to the citizens of the City of Palm Desert
and to encourage the implementation of and
participation in recycling programs .
2 . Public Convenience
It is the policy of the City that the convenience of
the public in participation in recycling programs be
taken into consideration in the design of recycling
programs .
3 . Recycling Programs
It is the policy of the City to encourage the
initiation and development of recycling programs in
cooperation with other governmental agencies and the
private sector which include, but are not limited to:
a. Residential source separation collection programs
for single and multi -family dwellings
b. Commercial / industrial recycling programs
c . Composting
d. Recycling Centers
Materials within the waste stream that are to be
targeted for recycling to the extent technically ,
economically , and environmentally feasible shall
include, but not be limited to:
a. All classes of paper
b. Glass
c. Ferrous and non-ferrous metals
d. Plastics
e. Household and commercial goods
f. Construction and demolition materials
g. Plant debris and landscaping materials
h . Inert materials such as pavement , rocks , and tires
i . Oil
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To the extent economically and operationally feasible,
the City will actively pursue the recycling of
materials from its daily operations . Additionally, the
City will support Christmas Tree Recycling Day and
Clean-up Day as effective methods for reducing the
amount of materials sent to the landfills .
4 . City Purchasing Practices
The City, where feasible, will examine its purchasing
sepcifications and modify them to allow the use of, or
to give equal consideration to, products produced from
recycled materials and encourage purchasing items that
can be reused and easily recycled; e . g. , purchasing
paper and paper products made from recycled fiber . A
few of the factors considered in purchasing of such
products and materials will be :
a. Cost
b. Compatibility with existing equipment
c . Timely delivery of product
d. Ease and convenience of recycling and /or
feasibility of recycling or reuse
5 . Recycling Economics
It is the policy of the City to consider recycling
programs as alternatives to existing solid waste
management and disposal programs and , as such ,
recycling programs shall not be expected to operate
solely on revenues generated from the sale of recovered
materials . In evaluating the costs of recycling
programs , consideration shall be given to the
quantities of materials diverted from landfill disposal
and the marginal costs of traditional collection and
disposal methods .
6 . Legislation
It is the policy of the City to support State and
Federal legislation that encourages recycling, removes
barriers to recycling , provides funding for local
recycling programs , or promotes waste reduction . At
the same time, the City will oppose legislation which
would reduce local control and autonomy in dealing
effectively with the City' s responsibility for solid
waste management .
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7 . Relationship to Comprehensive Solid Waste Management
Program
While recycling is an important element in the City of
Palm Desert ' s waste management strategy , it is
important to recognize that recycling will not
eliminate the need for other environmentally safe and
economically sound disposal technologies , facilities ,
and programs in the comprehensive program for the
management and disposal of the City' s solid waste.
8 . Recycling Program Review
Council will review the City ' s progress in the
implementation of the recycling programs and the
achievement of the recycling goals identified in this
policy on an annual basis .
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