Council
Communication

Office of the City Manager

 
 

Date

February 25, 2008

 

Agenda Item No.       35

Roll Call No.              08-

Communication No.  08-081

Submitted by:  William G. Stowe, Assistant City Manager/Public Works/Engineering

 

 

AGENDA HEADING:

 

Request to issue RFP for single-stream recyclables processing

 

 

SYNOPSIS:

 

To increase the amount of material recycled, the Public Works Department is recommending an automated single-stream recycling program.  The convenience of wheeled containers is expected to lead to increased quantities and automated collection is expected to reduce overall program costs over time.  Therefore, it is recommended that the attached Request for Proposals (RFP) be approved to solicit a provider for processing the combined recyclables collected via automation.  Metro Waste Authority (MWA) has communicated to City staff its intention to convert to single-stream recycling, following the City of Des Moines.  Through this RFP, this intention is also being communicated to potential providers to increase the attractiveness of this larger combined recyclables market which may increase bid prices on recyclables.

 

 

FISCAL IMPACT: UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME

 

Amount:  Funding is available within the current Solid Waste Budget utilizing the City’s Lease/Purchase Program for the acquisition of wheeled containers and vehicles.

 

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: 

 

In December of 2002, the City entered into an agreement with MidAmerica Recycling, and for the first time, received revenues for the recycled materials.  Since 2002, recycling participation rates have leveled off at approximately 54 percent, and quantities of recyclables have remained constant at approximately 6,500 tons per year.  Revenues for recyclables in FY2007-08 are now anticipated to be $460,000. 

 

To reduce collection costs and increase quantities, the Public Works Department proposes to automate recyclables collection using wheeled carts and side-load vehicles.  If approved, residents would be asked to place all recyclables in a wheeled cart for collection.  Wheeled carts would be provided only to participating residents who opt for this service at no additional cost.

 

Automation will require an estimated 34,000 96-gallon wheeled containers at an approximate cost of $1,700,000.  Funding is available within the current Solid Waste Budget utilizing the City’s lease/purchase program for the acquisition.  A staff reduction of six personnel by attrition, along with reduced fuel expenses, would reduce program expenses by approximately $400,000 annually.  An additional $600,000 in vehicle procurement costs would be saved by purchasing five side-load automated collection vehicles rather than replacing current vehicles that will soon require replacement.

 

The Public Works Department recommends converting the City’s annual recyclables collection program to automated collection.  Their research shows that in other communities converting to automated collection increased the quantities of recyclables collected and reduced overall program costs.  Restructuring of the recyclables collection program appears to be in the best interest of the City.

   

 

PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION(S): 

 

Date:  12/3/07

 

Roll Call Number:  07-2308

 

Action:   Approval of Amendment to Recyclables Processing Services Contract with MidAmerica Recycling, Inc. for adjustment of prices.

 

Date:  12/4/06

 

Roll Call Number:  06-2387

 

Action:   Approval of Amendment to Recyclables Processing Services Contract with MidAmerica Recycling, Inc. for adjustment of prices.

 

Date:  10/24/05

 

Roll Call Number:  05-2564

 

Action:   Approval of Renewal and Amendment to Recyclables Processing Services Contract with MidAmerica Recycling, Inc. for adjustment of prices.

 

Date:  10/25/04

 

Roll Call Number:  04-2275

 

Action:   Approval of Amendment to Recyclables Processing Services Contract with MidAmerica Recycling, Inc. for adjustment of prices.

 

Date:  11/17/03

 

Roll Call Number:  03-2604

 

Action:   Approval of Amendment to Recyclables Processing Services Contract with MidAmerica Recycling, Inc. for adjustment of prices.

 

Date:  11/18/02

 

Roll Call Number:  02-2710

 

Action:   Approval to amend and accept RFP submitted by MidAmerica Recycling and authorize the City Manager to negotiate and sign contract with MidAmerica Recycling in accordance with terms and conditions of RFP.

 

 

BOARD/COMMISSION ACTION(S): NONE

 

 

ANTICIPATED ACTIONS AND FUTURE COMMITMENTS: NONE