Number
141230
Version
ORIGINAL
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. DUDZIK
Title
Resolution directing the Department of Public Works to increase the enforcement of regulations relating to the separation of recyclables.
Analysis
This resolution directs the Department of Public Works to immediately increase the enforcement of regulations relating to the separation of recyclable materials from postconsumer waste.
The resolution also directs the Department of Public Works to report to the Common Council within 120 days of the passage of the resolution with information relating to the number of orders and citations issued and to include this data in the department's annual recycling report to the Common Council.
Body
Whereas, Section 79-25 of the Code requires that occupants of single family residences, 2 to 4 unit residences, condominium complexes, multiple-family dwellings and non-residential facilities and properties separate recyclable materials from postconsumer waste; and
Whereas, Section 79-47-2-b of the Code establishes that a person who fails to comply with s. 79-25 shall receive a written notice, and, if failing to comply with the written notice, shall receive a special charge; and
Whereas, According to the 2013 Department of Public Works Annual Residential Recycling Report, resident participation in the household recycling program avoided nearly $940,000 in landfill disposal costs in 2013 and earned over $1.77 million in revenue from the sale of recyclables; and
Whereas, According to this same report, the City's residential landfill diversion rate was 23.8% in 2013, down from 24.3% in 2012, but above the 5-year average of 23%; and
Whereas, According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the average national landfill diversion rate is 33.8%; and
Whereas, According to the UCLA Engineering Extension Recycling and Municipal Solid Waste Management Program's 2013 Zero Waste Progress Report, 7 of the 10 largest U.S. cities have a recycling rate greater than 23%, including Los Angeles (76%), San Jose (73%), San Diego (65%), Chicago (58%), Philadelphia (49%), Dallas (29%) and New York (27%); and
Whereas; The City collects over 25,000 tons of residential recyclable material annually; and
Whereas, The City realizes a savings of approximately $57 for every ton of recycled materials not sent to a landfill; and
Whereas; In 2013, DPW issued 991 written warnings for recycling enforcement to one- to 4-unit residences, 12 written warnings to residences with 5 or more units and one written warning to businesses; and
Whereas, In 2013, DPW issued 682 written citations for recycling compliance to one- to 4- unit residences, one citation for residences with 5 or more units and no citations for businesses; and
Whereas, The total fine amount for recycling enforcement in 2013 was $23,108.17; and
Whereas, Increasing recycling by just 5% (1,252.6 tons) from 2013 numbers could save the City approximately $71,398; and
Whereas, In neighborhoods where DPW has offered education and guidance to property owners to assist in the implementation of recycling, more strict enforcement of recycling laws may be necessary; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the Department of Public Works is directed to increase the enforcement of regulations relating to the separation of recyclable material from postconsumer waste; and, be it
Further Resolved, That DPW is directed to report back to the Common Council within 120 days of the passage of this resolution, including information relating to the number of orders and citations issued; and, be it
Further Resolved, That DPW is directed to include current and historical recycling enforcement data in its annual report to the Common Council.
Drafter
LRB155288-1
Andrew R. VanNatta
11/17/2014