TITLE
Recommendation to request City Manager to work with the Department of Public Works to conduct a study exploring options to improve the private commercial waste hauling system in Long Beach, placing an emphasis on limiting inefficient overlapping truck routes, environmental, heath, and safety impacts, unnecessary wear and tear on local streets and alleys, and establishing a pipeline for local jobs and training.
Secondly, request City Manager to issue a 5-year notification to City-permitted private waste haulers pursuant to California Public Resources Code Section 49520, and report back to the City Council on the progress semi-annually.
DISCUSSION
The Problem
Currently in the City of Long Beach, there are two different waste systems. The City's Environmental Services Bureau is responsible for collection at single-family and small multi-family dwellings (less than 10 units), while the City permits 15 private haulers to collect waste and recyclables from commercial businesses and larger apartment complexes (1 O+ units). While the City's residential waste system is a model program, recognized as the "Nation's Best Solid Waste Management Program," the private waste hauling system is fragmented and potentially unsafe.
Long Beach residents, particularly those in multifamily residences or that live near commercial corridors, are exposed to quality of life impacts due to inefficient, overlapping waste routes. Instances of overlapping waste routes in residential neighborhoods are prevalent throughout the City, and in some instances, there can be at least six different waste companies who collect waste throughout the week in only a Y, mile block. The result is a constant flow of trucks driving up the streets and in alleyways on a daily basis, increasing public safety risks, air and noise pollution, and unnecessary wear and tear on local streets and alleyways.
Of concern in dense areas, where families do not have private yards and experience heavy traffic, is ...
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