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 pr...
Click here for full text