Workshop Item - Joe Huss, Finance Director/Asst. City Manager
Title
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Organic Waste Program Discussion
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Background
Representatives from Anoka County have approached the City to see if there is interest in establishing an organic waste collection program. The program would be of no cost to the City or Blaine residents as SCORE (Select Committee on Recycling and the Environment) funds are available through Anoka County to fund the program start-up as well as ongoing costs. Before proceeding, staff is checking Council’s interest in establishing such a program.
What are Organics?
Organics include all food scraps, most non-recyclable and food-soiled paper (e.g., pizza delivery boxes, paper towel cores, paper napkins) and certified compostable products.
Why should organics be removed from the trash?
Approximately one-third of the waste collected weekly is compostable, organic material. Removal of organics from your weekly trash reduces the amount of material dumped at the landfill. Once this material reaches the landfill, the collection and reuse of it is no longer feasible.
What happens to the organics that are collected?
Food scraps and non-recyclable paper products are processed and turned into compost - a nutrient- rich resource that improves soil and decreases the need for fertilizers.
Why drop-off and not curbside?
Staff feels it is best to keep the program’s cost and complexity down as the program is introduced. The drop-off model meets both of these goals, is easily scalable, and has been successful in other Anoka County cities. Collections would be monitored and if there is demand for the program, the City could look to expand to curbside collection.
How would the pilot program work?
Staff would work with Anoka County to first set up a pilot program for residential organic waste collection. Discussions have focused on the possibility of establishing the program with a free organics drop-off location at City Hall, using this location to test participation levels and demand. To gauge residents’ interest in participating in the program, staff would organize a survey to poll residents and collect feedback on the program. If there proves to be sufficient interest in an organics program, the thought is to then add locations based on feedback and data that is collected. Potential locations include Lexington Athletic Complex, Blaine Baseball Complex, Aquatore Park, and
East Side Park.
The program would be publicized through the City’s website, newsletter, and utility bills, and residents who would like to participate could sign up for a free starter kit that includes a Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) certified compostable bag. Organics would be collected in the bag and dropped off at City Hall in the container designated for organics recycling.
Staff Recommendation
Staff is seeking Council’s direction regarding establishing a pilot program for organic waste collection.
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