TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute a contract with BigBelly Solar for the implementation of a Solar Powered Trash Compactor and Bottle/Can Recycling Pilot Program. (Districts 2,3,8)
DISCUSSION
In 1989, the State of California mandated that all cities and counties divert at least 50 percent of their waste stream into recycling or reuse by the year 2000. In the first year on record, 1995, Long Beach had a 12 percent diversion rate. After implementing its waste management programs, Long Beach easily exceeded the state goal, diverting 69 percent of its waste in 2006. Among large cities, that diversion rate is the second highest in the nation. This is achieved through various programs such as residential curbside recycling, household hazardous waste roundups, consistent public outreach, elementary school recycling education, and even classes for at-home composting. With the City's history of leadership of successful waste diversion programs, the City strives to find additional ways to collect trash and provide expanded recycling opportunities while reducing truck trips to reduce the City's greenhouse gas emissions.
The City has partnered with Big Belly Solar and three local Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) to conduct a six-month Solar Powered Trash Compactor & Bottle/Can Recycling Pilot Program (Pilot) in three BIDs in the City of Long Beach. The Pilot will consist of three solar-powered automatic trash compactors, together with three bottle/can recycling units, as well as a supply of compactor waste bin liner bags, technical assistance and product support for a six-month period. One trash/recycling unit will be deployed in the Downtown BID, the second trash/recycling unit will be deployed along the Bixby Knolls BID, and the third trash/recycling unit will be deployed along the Belmont Shore BID. The attached map shows the three locations, which were determined by each BID.
Throughout the duration of the Pilot, BigBelly Solar will provide the following:
• A Program Manager and Technical Support Manager to oversee and support the Pilot;
• On-site product installation, product operation and installation training and ongoing product technical support at the time of installation;
• Local technical support resources to maintain machine up-time, provide any necessary product repairs, training and technical assistance; and
• Removal of graffiti.
The City of Long Beach will monitor the Pilot and will prepare a final report documenting all findings. The existing local waste haulers will continue to be responsible for regularly emptying the units of waste and recyclable material as part of their regular route.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Linda Trang November 25, 2009 and Budget and Performance Management Bureau Manager David Wodynski on November 25,2009.
SUSTAINABILITY
The goal of the Solar Powered Trash Compactor & Bottle/Can Recycling Pilot Program (Pilot) is to reduce solid waste and recyclables collection costs, increase landfill diversion rates, increase litter abatement rates, increase recycling rates and reduce green house gas emission rates.
This Pilot relates directly to the tenets of the City's Integrated Waste Management Program, as it is the City's policy to:
• Develop solid waste management methods that result in the achievement of maximum environmental quality and materials recovery;
• Maximize the amount of materials recycled or recovered to the fullest extent feasible in both City operations and the community-at-Iarge; and
• Actively promote the use of both private and public sector waste reduction/recycling opportunities.
The Pilot includes distinct metrics by which the success of the Pilot will be measured, including:
• Trash collections in the pilot locations is reduced by at least 50 percent
• Each unit is operational 97 percent of the time
• Increase recycling rates
• Decrease recycling contamination rates
• Reduce greenhouse gas emission rates
The Pilot complements current waste reduction and recycling programs and helps Long Beach test new ways to increase recycling and reduce the greenhouse gas emissions related to trucks trips from waste management operations.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
This action is not time critical.
FISCAL IMPACT
The cost for the six-month Pilot is $5,850. This amount will be paid for by the Refuse Fund (EF330) in the Department of Public Works (PW), and partially offset through the sale of advertising space available on the units. These advertising panels will include eco-friendly messages from the Long Beach Water Department, the Port of Long Beach and Litter Free Long Beach. Each trash/recycling unit is equipped with six advertising panels. With three trash/recycling units being deployed, there is a total of 18 advertising panels.
At the conclusion of the Pilot, the City will own these units. If the Pilot is deemed successful, the City has the option of expanding the program and BigBelly Solar will provide discount pricing for larger volumes of equipment, will credit any pilot purchases toward those volumes, will rebate any volume price discounts for all purchases made within 12 months of completion of the pilot evaluation period and will allow the City to share in contracts and rates with other cities. If the Pilot is deemed unsuccessful, the City has the option to return the units and the $5,850 paid will cover the cost of equipment depreciation over the six-month period.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
PATRICK E. WEST |
APPROVED: |
CITY MANAGER |
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PATRICK H. WEST |
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CITY MANAGER |