Transforming Trash · mandates, Pay-as-You-Throw, recycleBank , etc.) some efforts to develop markets and manufacturing sector Either partial industry-specific job quality standards,

Transforming Trash in Urban AmericaTrash and Recycling Profiles of 37 Major American Cities

î♻

♳

ù

@

PARTNERSHIPfor

Working Families

Acknowledgements

The Partnership for Working Families would like to thank the following funders for their generous support of this project and our campaign

work more broadly:

alki Fund

Ford Foundation

General service Foundation

Open society Foundations

Panta rhea Foundation

Penney Family Fund

Public Welfare Foundation

rockefeller Foundation

surdna Foundation

This report reflects the dedication and hard work of policymakers and local environmental, environmental justice, labor, and community

organizations. These partnerships can create more responsible and sustainable systems for managing trash and recycling, and a cleaner,

more prosperous future in our cities. Thanks to the city staff that took the time to speak with us about the successes and challenges of

managing trash and recycling in metropolitan areas around the country. a special thanks to Will Pirkey for his invaluable research and

contributions to the many phases of this project. Further thanks to the following who read and commented on this report: Kathleen

Mulligan-hansel, hays Witt, and Betsy Miller Kittredge.

sebrina Owens-Wilson served as the primary author of this report.

Design by Terry Lutz

Copyright © 2013 by Partnership for Working Families. all rights reserved.

The Partnership for Working Families is a national network of leading regional advocacy organizations who support innovative solutions to

our nation’s economic and environmental problems. Together we are a voice for working families, promoting policies that create quality jobs

and thriving, healthy communities. We advance innovative campaigns, provide issue specific resources and share winning strategies and

lessons with allies dedicated to creating a new economy that creates opportunity for all.

The Partnership and affiliates share the goal of developing powerful local organizations that pursue and win campaigns that connect and

enhance worker and community organizing, expand democracy and combat poverty by raising job standards and addressing the needs

of low-income communities. We share a commitment to building labor and community power and base-building, developing new leaders

and organizing strong regional and national alliances based on mutual self-interest and respect. We maintain a commitment to racial justice

and believe that regional organizing around power-building agendas can help transform the poverty and inequality that are endemic to

metropolitan regions.

Transforming T r a s h

�Partnership for Working Families

Understanding trash and recycling systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Progress sustainable recycling programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Atlanta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Austin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Baltimore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Boston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Charlotte . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Chicago . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Cincinnati . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Cleveland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Columbus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Dallas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Denver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Detroit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Houston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Kansas City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Las Vegas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Los Angeles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Memphis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Miami . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Milwaukee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Minneapolis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25New York City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Oakland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Orlando . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Philadelphia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29Phoenix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30Pittsburgh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Portland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32Riverside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33Sacramento . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34San Antonio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35San Diego . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36San Francisco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37San Jose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38Seattle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39St . Louis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40Tampa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41Washington D.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Cities Studied

� forworkingfamilies.org

We conducted a survey of the principal cities of the 37 largest metropolitan statistical areas in the country to learn as much as we could about how each city

manages trash and the potential for developing sustainable recycling programs. We conducted two phases of research. The first phase consisted of a detailed public documents analysis that focused on city waste management plans, recycling reports, and local news searches. Through this process we created a detailed picture of recycling programs and goals, management systems and relationships with private companies, and the issues surrounding recycling reported by local news sources. This research was followed by in-depth interviews with the staff that coordinate, direct, and manage recycling and waste management departments in each of the cities. Throughout this second phase of research we developed a more nuanced picture of the recycling and waste management landscape in each city. Each city was then placed on a matrix according to its progress toward developing a complete recycling system and creating high road jobs and economic development. The following table lists the criteria used to place each city on the matrix:

Recycling system HigH-Road jobs and economic develoPment

COMPLeTe High-road jobs throughout the waste stream and economic development

Comprehensive plan for residential & commercial waste

recycling goal over 70%

Programs for C&D and food waste

strong accountability system for residential & commercial collection (franchise, contracts, or ordinances)

strong source reduction policies (i.e. recycling mandates, Pay-as-You-Throw, etc.)

active in developing end markets/taking a holistic approach toward developing a recycling sector (i.e. investing in infrastructure, oversight of processing, procurement policies, tax incentives, etc.)

Industry-specific job quality standards for hauling and sorting (i.e. union contracts, living wage ordinance, prevailing wage, worker retention, skill certification)

INTeRMeDIATe some high-road jobs and efforts to promote economic development

Programs for residential & commercial waste

recycling goal between 50% and 70%

Developing programs for C&D or food waste

Opportunities to create stronger management systems (transition from open market/strengthen franchise agreements, contracts)

some or considering source reduction programs (i.e. recycling mandates, Pay-as-You-Throw, recycleBank , etc.)

some efforts to develop markets and manufacturing sector

Either partial industry-specific job quality standards, or good standards in parts of the industry

Two or more existing progressive job quality policies (i.e. living wage, local hire, etc.)

NO/eARLY-STAge Potential to create high-road jobs and promote economic development

some programs for residential or commercial waste

No recycling goal or goal below 50%

No programs C&D or food waste

Weak or limited management systems

No/minimal source reduction programs

No/limited efforts to develop markets

No/limited efforts to increase job quality

ReSeARCH — AND —ANALYSIS

MeTHODOLOgY

$

Understanding trash and recycling systems in 37 major American cities



Recycling system HigH-Road jobs and economic develoPment

COMPLeTe High-road jobs throughout the waste stream and economic development

Comprehensive plan for residential & commercial waste

recycling goal over 70%

Programs for C&D and food waste

strong accountability system for residential & commercial collection (franchise, contracts, or ordinances)

strong source reduction policies (i.e. recycling mandates, Pay-as-You-Throw, etc.)

active in developing end markets/taking a holistic approach toward developing a recycling sector (i.e. investing in infrastructure, oversight of processing, procurement policies, tax incentives, etc.)

Industry-specific job quality standards for hauling and sorting (i.e. union contracts, living wage ordinance, prevailing wage, worker retention, skill certification)

INTeRMeDIATe some high-road jobs and efforts to promote economic development

Programs for residential & commercial waste

recycling goal between 50% and 70%

Developing programs for C&D or food waste

Opportunities to create stronger management systems (transition from open market/strengthen franchise agreements, contracts)

some or considering source reduction programs (i.e. recycling mandates, Pay-as-You-Throw, recycleBank , etc.)

some efforts to develop markets and manufacturing sector

Either partial industry-specific job quality standards, or good standards in parts of the industry

Two or more existing progressive job quality policies (i.e. living wage, local hire, etc.)

NO/eARLY-STAge Potential to create high-road jobs and promote economic development

some programs for residential or commercial waste

No recycling goal or goal below 50%

No programs C&D or food waste

Weak or limited management systems

No/minimal source reduction programs

No/limited efforts to develop markets

No/limited efforts to increase job quality

Understanding trash and recycling systems in 37 major American cities Progress of America’s most populous cities toward the development of sustainable recycling programs

Recycling system

HigH-Road jobs and economic develoPment Policies

High-road jobs throughout the waste stream and economic development

some high-road jobs and efforts to promote economic development

Potential to create high- road jobs and promote economic development

COMPLeTe

san Franciscosan Joseseattle

austin Oakland

Portland

INTeRMeDIATe

Cincinnati BostonChicagoLos angeles* MinneapolisNew York

Philadelphiariverside sacramentosan Diego

san antonio

NO/eARLY-STAge

atlantaDetroitDenverMiamiMilwaukee

PhoenixPittsburghst. LouisWashington, DC

BaltimoreCharlotte ClevelandColumbusDallashouston

Kansas CityLas VegasMemphisOrlandoTampa

*Los Angeles recently decided to develop an exclusive franchise system with rigorous job and economic development standards which will change its position on the matrix.

6 forworkingfamilies.org

Limited Recycling

POPULATION 432,427

RECYCLING RATE 12.5%

RECYCLING PROGRAMS

Single-Family Curbside RecyclingDowntown Zero Waste Zone

MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

Single-Family Residential: MunicipalMulti-Family/Commercial: Open-Market

HIGH-ROAD ECONOMIC POLICIES —

Atlanta's piecemeal recycling programs only make recycling available in certain parts of the city. As a result, Atlanta g rate The city has taken some steps to build recycling programs by expanding curbside recycling and establishing a Zero Waste Zone that supports recycling, reuse, and composting in hotels, food service, and convention operations in the downtown area. Atlanta presents an opportunity to build a sustainable recycling system as the city

development policies.

Atlanta G E O R G I A

12.5%

• S O U T H E A S T •

Sources:The O�ce of Solid Waste Services2011 Fulton County Waste Management Plan



Approaching Sustainable Recycling

î POPULATION 820,611

♻ ReCYCLINg RATe 38%

♳ReCYCLINg PROgRAMS

Mandatory residential & Commercial recyclingFood Waste Pilot ProgramConstruction & Demolition: 50% recycling in downtown district

ù MANAgeMeNT SYSTeMS

single-family residential: MunicipalMulti-family/Commercial: Open-market (recycling Ordinance)

@ HIgH-ROAD eCONOMIC POLICIeS

residential haulers: Collective Bargaining agreementMulti-family/Commercial haulers: some contracts include living wage requirementsrecycling Facility Workers: Living wage requirements

Austin has emerged as a leader as they work toward reaching a 75% recycling rate by 2020 and zero waste by 2040. In recent years the city took steps to strengthen Pay-as-You-Throw programs, switch to a single-stream system, and perhaps most importantly, the city passed the Universal recycling Ordinance which will phase in a mandatory food scrap collection program. although the city has taken many steps to create a high-road recycling sector that creates good jobs and economic development, there are opportunities to expand existing high-road jobs policies to raise standards for all recycling and trash workers.

AustinT e x A S

38%

• S O U T H C e N T R A L •

source:Interview with Austin Resource Recovery Department Austin Resource Recovery Master Plan (2010)

� forworkingfamilies.org

Limited Recycling




Citywide Curbside single-family recyclingMulti-family recycling bin requirement in 2014


single-family residential: MunicipalMulti-family/Commercial: Open-Market

@ HIgH-ROAD eCONOMIC POLICIeS —

Baltimore is working toward a 35% recycling rate, mandated by the state of Maryland. Current efforts to improve recycling primarily focus on single-family residential waste while commercial waste is largely unregulated. The city is focusing on improving the accuracy of the residential recycling reporting systems. There are many opportunities to improve recycling in Baltimore including: creating stronger management systems for commercial waste, developing education programs to increase participation, adopting high-road economic development and job quality policies, and developing food scrap and construction and demolition recycling programs.

BaltimoreM A R Y L A N D

25%

• M I D - A T L A N T I C •

source:Interview with Baltimore Bureau of Solid WasteBaltimore Ten-Year Waste Management PlanBaltimore Sustainability Plan

TRANSFORMING T R A S H

9Partnership for Working Families

Fragmented Recycling

POPULATION 625,087

RECYCLING RATE 23% (residential only)

RECYCLING PROGRAMS

Voluntary Single-Family Curbside Recycling

Mandatory Multi-Family RecyclingMandatory Construction & Demolition Recycling

MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

Single-Family Trash & Recycling: MunicipalMulti-Family Recycling: MunicipalMulti-Family/Commercial Trash & Commercial Recycling: Open Market

HIGH-ROAD ECONOMIC POLICIES

Municipal Haulers: Collective Bargaining AgreementPublic Investment in Construction & Demolition Recycling Market DevelopmentEnvironmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy

Strong state and local climate action plans, a model C&D diversion program, a new organic waste ban, and a broad labor-community-environmental coalition create a solid foundation for building a sustainable recycling system in Boston. In addition to the state's moratorium on incinerationand a ban on construction and demolition waste, the City of Boston has also developed a local climate action plan, which includes a goal of reducing municipal solid waste by 40%. The C&D ban has given rise to job creation in the recycling-reliant manufacturing industry and provides a potential model for a new organic waste ban that will

shape a new sector to ensure that the organics market creates the maximum number of good jobs, while dramatically

While the city provides collection services for both single-family trash and recycling and multi-family recycling, thecommercial and multi-family trash system is largely unregulated. Although the city of Boston has some strong recycling

also taken an uneven approach toward creating a high-road recycling sector. Although the city has a living wage ordinance, the recycling facility was exempted from this policy. As a result, the facility produces low-wage dangerous jobs and exploits a vulnerable workforce. The city has also taken an uneven approach toward creating a high-road recycling sector. Boston presents an opportunity to create a sustainable recycling system by: adopting a stronger management system for commerical and multi-family trash, ensuring that existing job quality standards applyto the entire waste stream, and creating an organic waste system that builds on the sucesses of the C&D system.

BostonMASSACHUSETTS

23%

• N O R T H E A S T •

Sources:Department of Public Works Waste Reduction Division

Sebrina

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Limited Recycling

POPULATION 751,087

RECYCLING RATE 27%

RECYCLING PROGRAMS

Some Single-Family Curbside RecyclingMandatory Large Business Recycling

MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

Single-Family Residential : Municipal (Recycling & Multi-Family Trash Contract)Commercial: Open-Market


Despite recent efforts to expand recycling programs in response to citizens’ demands, Charlotte's recycling rate remains low. The City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg Country work together to manage trash and recycling in the region. Although the city recently passed an

avaliable in some parts of the the city. In coordination with the county, the city is considering expanding recycling mandates to include residential trash, introducing Pay-as-You-Throw, and is exploring organics and construction and demolition programs. The range of opportunities to build a sustainable recycling system in Charlotte include: building a system that prioritizes recycling over waste-to-energy, expanding residential and commercial recycling programs, transitioning to strong management systems that empower the city to set job quality and environmental standards for commercial trash, and adopting policies that will build a high-road industry and promote growth in the recycling-reliant manufacturing industry.

CharlotteN O R T H C A R O L I N A

27%


Sources: Interview with Mecklenburg County Solid Waste2012 Mecklenburg County Solid Waste Management Plan2013 City of Charlotte Solid Waste Operation Plan




POPULATION 2,707,120

RECYCLING RATE 52%

RECYCLING PROGRAMS

City-Wide Single-Family Curbside Recycling (by end of 2013)50% Construction & Demolition Recycling RequirementMulti-Family/Commercial Recycling Bin Requirement

MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

Single-Family Residential: Managed CompetitionMulti-Family/Commercial: Non-Exclusive Franchise

HIGH-ROAD ECONOMIC POLICIES Residential Municipal Haulers: Collective Bargaining Agreement

Chicago and achieve zero waste by building on existing recycling programs and taking a comprehensive approach towardcreating a high-road recycling sector. rts to increase recycling have been marred in

programs. The city recently passed ordinances that require multi-family and commercial properties to

Making curbside recycling available to all single-family homes is the city’s top priority. The transition from a municipal single-family system to managed competition presents an opportunity to create good jobs by utilizing the city’s responsible bidder policies and incorporating the existing living wage ordinance into new contracts.

ChicagoI L L I N O I S

52%

• M I D W E S T •

Sources:Zero Waste Chicago; Sustainable Chicago 2015Climate Action Plan-Waste ComponentStreets & Sanitation Department



POPULATION 296,223

RECYCLING RATE 17% (residential only)

RECYCLING PROGRAMS

Curbside Single-Family RecyclingSome Commercial/Industrial Food Scrap

MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

Single-Family Residential: Trash-Municipal; Recycling-ContractMulti-Family/Commercial: Non-Exclusive Franchise


Residential Haulers: Collective Bargaining AgreementRecycling Facility Workers: Living Wage OrdinanceEnvironmentally Preferable Purchasing Environmental Justice Ordinance

Despite a low recycling rate, Cincinnati has taken several steps to create a better trash and recycling system. The city recently expanded curbside recycling and opened a privately operated food

system for commercial trash and recycling. Cincinnati has several progressive policies in place that raise standards for workers and mitigate the industry’s impact on communities. Recycling systems could be improved by: developing construction and demolition recycling programs, expanding food scrap programs to include residences, considering mandates that would require participation in recycling programs, and ensuring that the existing high-road policies stay in place as the industry grows.

Cincinnati O H I O


Sources:

Hamilton County Solid Waste Management District Plan 2012-2027Cincinnati Climate Protection Action Plan-Waste Task Team Section

17%


1�Partnership for Working Families

Limited Recycling




some single-Family Curbside recyclingsome Commercial recycling


single-Family residential: MunicipalMulti-Family/Commercial: Open-Market


residential haulers: Collective Bargaining agreementsustainable Procurement Law

The Sustainable Cleveland plan establishes a zero waste goal by 2019; however, the city currently has an 8% recycling rate. Combined with the zero waste goal, there are several initiatives that could create momentum to create a sustainable recycling system including; a composting pilot at a local food market, a high-tech garbage tracking program to increase recycling participation, and a single-family recycling requirement. There is an opportunity to build on these programs and create a sustainable recycling system in Cleveland by: developing concrete commercial recycling programs, adopting strong management systems for commercial waste that enable the city to enforce environmental and service standards, and applying the existing living wage standards to private haulers and recycling facilities.

ClevelandO H I O

8%

• M I D W e S T •

sources: Interview with Cuyahoga County Solid Waste DistrictSustainable Cleveland 2019Summary of Cuyahoga County Solid Waste Management Plan

1� forworkingfamilies.org

Limited Recycling


♻ ReCYCLINg RATe 20% (residential only)


some single-Family Curbside recyclingsome Yard Waste Composting


single-Family residential: Municipal (recycling: Contract)Multi-Family/Commercial: Open Market

@ HIgH-ROAD eCONOMIC POLICIeS Green Purchasing Policy

Columbus is in the early-stages of building a recycling system . although the state established a 50% recycling goal for cities, the mayor’s office has set a lower goal of reaching a 35% recycling rate by 2015. Efforts to expand recycling focus primarily on single-family residences. The city collects trash from single-family homes, while recycling collection is contracted to private companies. Currently, about 68% of single-family homes have access to recycling collection services. Commercial and multi-family trash and recycling is largely unregulated under the open-market system. In order to capture the economic and job creation potential of a sustainable recycling system, Columbus will first need to develop concrete recycling programs that are supported by strong management systems thatempower the city to set environmental, job quality, and operational standards.

ColumbusO H I O

20%


sources: Department of Public Service: Refuse Collection DivisionColumbus Get Green 2011 Progress ReportSWACO Solid Waste Management Plan



Limited Recycling

î POPULATION 1,223,229



some single-Family Curbside recycling




Dallas is faced with a rapidly growing population and impending landfill shortages . These circumstances prompted the city to develop a solid waste management plan that sets a goal of becoming a zero waste city. While this goal is a step in the right direction, the planning process was marred with controversy. The city's zero waste goal lacks a deadline and the plan leaves an opening for waste-to-energy schemes, a process that is contradictory to zero waste systems. With some residential recycling programs in place, the road to a zero waste Dallas is a long one. Despite the challenges, there are a range of opportunities to build a sustainable recycling system including: building a system that prioritizes recycling over waste-to-energy, expanding residential and commercial recycling programs, transitioning to strong management systems that empower the city to set job quality and environmental standards, and adopting policies that will build a high-road industry and promote growth in the recycling-reliant manufacturing industry.

DallasT e x A S

20%

• S O U T H •

sources: City of Dallas Sanitation Services Forward Dallas City of Dallas Local Waste Management Plan


Limited Recycling




single-Family Curbside recycling




Municipal residential haulers: Collective Bargaining agreementEnvironmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy

Despite its reputation as a green, environmentally-oriented city, Denver has a low recycling rate and minimal recycling infrastructure. Denver’s recycling programs primarily target single family homes. The City of Denver picks up trash and recycling at all single and multi-family residences under 8 units. Larger apartment buildings and all businesses privately contract trash service and if they choose, recycling and/or composting, with a city-approved hauler. City leaders’ recent interest in restructuring its private waste industry is driven primarily by a need to solve city budget problems, and reduce truck impacts in the downtown business district. In order to capture the full environmental and economic benefits of a sustainable recycling system the city needs to develop a citywide curbside organics program, adopt stronger private hauler licenses in the commercial/multifamily sector, introduce job quality standards throughout the waste stream, require multi-family and commerical buildings to provide recycling, and introduce construction and demolition waste ordinances.

DenverC O L O R A D O

10%

• W e S T e R N •

sources: Denver Department of Public WorksDenver Solid Waste Master Plan



Limited Recycling




Limited single-Family Curbside recyclingMandatory separation of Yard Waste from Trash




Incineration continues to be the primary method of disposal in Detroit . The city spent over a billion dollars developing what was the largest municipal garbage incinerator in the country during the 1980s, and went into significant debt in the process. In the end, the city sold the facility to a private company and now pays high tipping fees to dispose of trash at the facility. The city recently started a pilot curbside program for 30,000 households and mandated the separation of yard waste from trash. There are several opportunities to transform trash management in Detroit and create a sustainable recycling system including: adopting strong management systems that set environmental standards and deliver cost savings, promoting the growth of the recycling-reliant manufacturing sector, which is a driver of economic growth and job creation, setting job quality standards that deliver family-sustaining jobs to local residents, and transitioning to a system that prioritizes recycling and reducing toxic pollution generated by incineration.

Detroit M I C H I g A N

10%


sources: Detroit Department of Public Works Interview with Zero Waste Detroit


Limited Recycling

POPULATION 2,145,146

RECYCLING RATE 27%

RECYCLING PROGRAMS

Limited Single-Family Curbside RecyclingYard Waste Program

MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

Single-Family Residential: MunicipalMulti-Family/Commercial: Non-Exclusive Franchise


Houston’s low recycling rate is the result of limited recycling programs, budgetary challenges, and the absence of a clear plan or goal for improving recycling. In 2011, only 21% of single-family homes had access to curbside recycling services. Factors that could create momentum to create asustainable recycling system include: a strong yard waste curbside program following Hurricane Ike, recente�orts to expand curside recycling, commerical/multi-family franchise agreements that could be used to set environmental and job quality standards, and rising citizen interest is green initiatives.

Houston T E X A S

27%

• S O U T H C E N T R A L •

Sources: Interview with Solid Waste Management DepartmentHouston-Galvaston Area Council Solid Waste Management Plan Houston 2009 Emissions Reduction Plan



Limited Recycling

POPULATION 463,202

RECYCLING RATE 37%

RECYCLING PROGRAMS

Citywide Single-Family Curbside RecyclingSmall-Scale City Market Food Scrap CompostingYard Waste Composting (twice per year)Event Recycling Programs

MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

Single-Family: MunicipalMulti-Family/Commercial: Open-Market

HIGH-ROAD ECONOMIC POLICIES Green Purchasing Policy

Although the recycling programs in Kansas City are limited, the city is working toward an 80% recycling goal by 2020. Currently, the citywide curbside recycling program is unable to accept glass because the recycling facility is not equipped to process it and commercial trash and recycling are largely unregulated. The city has developed several programs that are aimed at increasing recycling, creating jobs, and sustainability including: a food scrap composting program at a local farmers market, interest in developing an Eco-Center to attract reuse and recycling businesses, and exploration of residential and commercial recycling mandates. There is a great deal of potential to build on these programs and create a more sustainable recycling system by adopting stronger management systems that will enable the city to establish environmental and economic standards, expanding recycling programs, and passing policies that support the development of a strong recycling reliant sector and promote economic development.

Kansas CityM I S S O U R I

37%


Sources: Interview with Kansas City Department of Public Works Solid Waste DivisionLong-term Solid Waste Management Strategic Plan


Limited Recycling




some Commercial and residential recyclingGovernment Building recycling Programs


single-Family: Exclusive FranchiseMulti-Family/Commercial: Exclusive Franchise

@ HIgH-ROAD eCONOMIC POLICIeS sustainable Purchasing Policy

Las Vegas is working toward a 25% recycling goal, mandated by the state. Both residential and commercial trash is managed through a long-term exclusive franchise agreement. although these agreements can empower local governments and create accountability, the system in Las Vegas favors the franchisee. The city recently modified the franchise agreement to include a transition to a single-stream system. There is potential to build on this effort and incorporate environmental, worker, and economic standards into the franchise agreement.

Las VegasN e V A D A

17%

• W e S T e R N •

sources: Interview with the Las Vegas Office of SustainabilityNevada Solid Waste Management Plan 2007







Mandatory Multi-family/Commercial recyclingCitywide Curbside single-Family recyclingConstruction & Demolition recycling requirements


single-Family residential — MunicipalMulti-Family/Commercial — Open-Market (transitioning to exclusive franchise)


single-Family residential haulers — Collective Bargaining agreementEnvironmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy

Los Angeles has set a goal of becoming a zero waste city by 2030 . Despite an ambitious goal, the current trash system produces overflowing landfills, noxious recycling facilities, diesel spewing trash trucks, and low-wage dangerous commercial trash and recycling jobs. a strong coalition of environmentalists, community leaders, and trash and recycling workers have come together to create a more sustainable recycling system in Los angeles that benefits workers, communities, and the environment. Under the leadership of the Los angeles alliance for a New Economy, the Don’t Waste La coalition has built public support for a comprehensive structural overhaul of the city’s system. The city council recently adopted Don’t Waste La’s proposal for an exclusive franchise for commercial and multi-family trash pickup. This new system will result in fair rates for small businesses, greater recycling and decreased reliance on landfills, more revenue to the city and greater standards and accountability for the workers and communities regularly impacted by the city’s trash. The next steps toward building a sustainablerecycling system in Los Angeles is adopting high-road policies that would address dangerous conditionsat recycling facilities and promote the growth of local recycling-reliant manufacturing.

Los AngelesC A L I F O R N I A

65%

• W e S T •

sources: Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy (LAANE) Don't Waste L.A. Los Angeles Bureau of Sanitation


Limited Recycling




Citywide single-Family recycling



@ HIgH-ROAD eCONOMIC POLICIeS Municipal haulers: Collective Bargaining agreement

Memphis is in the early-stages of building a recycling system . Efforts to expand recycling currently focus on single-family residences and the city is currently working to make curbside recycling avaliable throughout the entire city. The cost saving and revenue generation potential of increased recycling is recognized by the city and suggests opportunity for building a stronger system in Memphis. The range of opportunities to build a sustainable recycling system including: expanding residential and commercial recycling programs, transitioning tostrong management systems that empower the city to set job quality and environmental standards, and adopting policies that will build a high-road industry and promotes growth in the recycling-reliant manufacturing industry.

MemphisT e N N e S S e e

28%

• S O U T H e A S T •

sources: Department of Public Works Bureau of Solid Waste ManagementSustainable Shelby Implementation Plan



Limited Recycling




some single-Family Curbside recycling Mandatory Business recycling


single-Family residential: MunicipalMulti-Family/Commercial: Non-Exclusive Franchise

@ HIgH-ROAD eCONOMIC POLICIeS residential County haulers: Collective Bargaining agreement

Miami is working toward a state mandated recycling goal of 75% by 2020; however, the state includes trash that is burned in recycling rate calculations. regardless, Miami only reports an 18% recycling rate. Despite heavy reliance on waste-to-energy the city recently shifted to a single stream recycling system for residents and requires businesses to provide recycling programs to customers and tenants. Creating a sustainable recycling system in Miami would require a shift in the state’s calculation to only include materials that are truly recycled. This shift would create and opportunity to build a sustainable system that prioritizes recycling by utilizing existing franchise agreements to set environmental, operational, and job quality standards.

MiamiF L O R I D A

18%

• S O U T H •

sources: Interview with Miami-Dade County Public Works & Waste Management DepartmentMiami Dade Solid Waste and Recycling PlanCity Climate Action Plan 2008The Comprehensive Development Master PlanDade County GreenPrint Sustainability Plan


Limited Recycling

î POPULATION 597, 867



Mandatory residential & Commercial recycling


residential: MunicipalCommercial: Open-Market

@ HIgH-ROAD eCONOMIC POLICIeS Municipal haulers: Collective Bargaining agreement

Milwaukee's piecemeal programs focus primarily on single-family houses and are challenged by low participation rates. A 40 percent recycling goal and a series of laws that requirerecycling are creating momentum to improve recycling programs in Milwaukee. The city's recycling planincludes transitioning to a single-stream recycling system, consideration of Pay-as-You-Throw programs, and food scrap pilot programs. Public education campaigns that help residents and businesses overcome barriers to recycling would also increase participation and recycling rates. Developing large scale programs for both food scraps and construction and demolition waste would enable the city to capture the environmental and job creation benefits of sustainable recycling. Building a sustainable recycling program in Milwaukee is a unique opportunity to develop an enduring manufactur-ing center fueled by the community’s own waste resources. It takes advantage of Milwaukee’s substantial industrial land supply and the need for jobs in disadvantaged communities. The city is currently considering placement of an inter-governmental recycling facility. Using the new facility as an anchor, this park would attract businesses involved in recycling, including organic composting, construction and demolition material reclamation, and electronics dis-assembly. applying local hire and living wage policies to the emerging industry and protecting workers’ right to organize would help revitalize an economy that has been devastated by the demise of the manufacturing industry.

MilwaukeeW I S C O N S I N

22%


sources: Department of Public WorksDepartment of Public Works 2011 Residential Recycling ReportResearch conducted by Citizen Action of Wisconsin







Mandatory residential & commercial recyclingFood scrap Pilot Program


residential: Municipal/ConsortiumCommercial: Open-Market


residential haulers: Collective Bargaining agreementsEnvironmentally Preferable Purchasing Policyrecycling Workers: Living Wage

Three factors are driving momentum to build a sustainable recycling program in Minneapolis: a recent transition to a more streamlined recycling program, a goal to increase recycling by 17 percent, and existing policies that raise standards for workers throughout the waste stream.

although mandatory recycling was recently expanded to include commercial establishments and some institutions, Minneapolis’ recycling programs primarily focus on residential trash. The city is currently running a small scale food scrap pilot program for households and recently shifted to a single stream recycling program. Minneapolis has a unique consortium structure for managing residential trash. In addition to setting standards for the services the haulers offer, the contracts require that workers earn a living wage or be represented by a collective bargaining agreement. The private companies that operate recycling facilities are also required to pay a living wage.

While the city has strong systems in place for residential waste and recycling facilities, it has taken a much more hands-off approach toward commercial trash. The open-market commercial system makes enforcing the mandatory recycling ordinance challenging and most commercial trash is incinerated. Minneapolis presents an opportunity to develop a more comprehensive program, strengthen management systems, and ensure that the existing job quality standards stay in place as the sector expands.

MinneapolisM I N N e S O T A

18%


sources: Interview with Minneapolis Department of Public Works, Divsion of Solid Waste & RecyclingHennepin County Solid Waste Management Master Plan City of Minneaplis Sustainability Indicators






Mandatory residential & Commercial recycling


residential: MunicipalCommercial: Open-Market


Municipal haulers: Collective Bargaining agreementEnvironmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy

In order for New York City to achieve its 75 percent recycling goal by 2030, the city must expand the scale of existing recycling programs and build strong management systems needed to support complete recycling programs and high-road job and economic development policies. In New York City, residential and commercial recycling is required by law, but the recycling programs in place lack the scope, scale, and participation needed to significantly reduce the amount of trash that is sent to landfills. Currently, infrastructure is inadequate to recycle several important parts of the waste stream: food scrap organics, construction and demolition waste, and rigid plastics that make up half of New York City’s recyclable plastics.

New York City also lacks the strong private sector management systems that are needed to support complete recycling programs and high-road job and economic development policies. residential trash and recyclables are collected by the city, workers are represented by collective bargaining agreements, and the city has a clean truck program that reduces emitted diesel particulate matter by 90 percent. Commercial trash and recycling operates under an open-market system and does not produce the workforce or environmental benefits of the residential system. More than 230 private companies collect commercial trash in New York City. a franchise system for commercial waste collection would offer a comprehensive solution to the workforce, efficiency, and environmental issues of the private hauling industry.

as New York City expands recycling programs and infrastructure, it is critical that the impacts of the system are equitably distributed across the city. The majority of private waste transfer and recycling facilities handling commercial trash are sited in low-income communities of color. Environmental justice advocates are working to oppose incineration schemes and ensure that new recycling facilities are equitably distributed.

New York CityN e W Y O R K29%

• N O R T H e A S T •

sources: New York City Department of SanitationResearch conducted by the Alliance for a Greater New York (ALIGN)




POPULATION 395,817

RECYCLING RATE 65%

RECYCLING PROGRAMS

Mandatory residential & commercial recyclingNew requirement for food scrap collection in 2014Construction & Demolition Recycling Requirements

MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

Residential & Commercial Trash & Residential Recycling: Franchise AgreementCommercial Recycling: Open Market


Residential & Commercial Trash and Residential Recycling: Collective Bargaining AgreementsEnvironmentally Preferable Purchasing PolicyBan the Box & Local Hire Included in RFP

Oakland is an example of a city that appears to be ahead of the curve— with advanced recycling programs and strong environmental and labor movements — but Oakland is at a crossroads. The city’s goal of achieving zero waste will remain a plan on paper unless there is a change in policy to ensure equitable and

and setting standards for commercial, organics, and other non-traditional recycling.

Oakland’s successful recycling programs are supported by a framework of strong state, county, and city ordinances

institutions, and construction and demolition contractors to recycle. In addition to a strong legal framework, the City of Oakland adopted a Zero Waste Strategic Plan in 2006, which established a goal of reaching a 90 percent recycling rate by 2020.

Strong franchise agreements for residential trash and recycling and commercial trash are increasing recycling, generating revenue for the city, and creating family-sustaining jobs. In contrast, commercial recycling and processing facilities operate under an open-market system. The open-market system creates gaps in service, quality of commodities for reuse, reporting, and enforcement. Under this system there are no standards that protect material processing workers from hazardous conditions or substances, or that ensure recyclables are processed

Oakland that will help the city reach its zero waste goal including: introducing job quality standards for recycling workers, developing stronger systems for managing non-traditional recycling, and exploring countywide strategies for building sustainable recycling throughout the region.

OaklandC A L I F O R N I A

65%

• W E S T •

Sources:Research conducted by the East Bay Alliance for a Sustainable Economy

Sebrina

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Limited Recycling


♻ ReCYCLINg RATe 36% (residential and yard waste only)


some single-Family Curbside recycling some Food scrap Composting at restaurants


single-Family residential: MunicipalMulti-Family/Commercial: Municipal (recycling – Open-Market)

@ HIgH-ROAD eCONOMIC POLICIeS some City haulers: Collective Bargaining agreement

Unlike other Florida cities, like Tampa and Miami, Orlando does not have a waste-to-energy facility; however, the city is pursuing one. The city is working to make curbside recycling a citywide service and also offers weekly yard waste pickup to residents and food composting to some restaurants. although the city is pursuing a waste-to-energy facility, there are also opportunities to create a sustainable recycling system including; developing concrete commercial recycling programs that are managed by strong service contracts or franchise agreements, introducing residential recycling requirements and increasing the frequency of recycling pickup, and utilizing high-road economic development policies to promote growth in the recycling-reliant manufacturing sector.

OrlandoF L O R I D A

36%

• S O U T H •

sources: Interview with Orlando Department of Public Works Solid Waste Management DivisionSolid Waste Element Plan 2009City’s Sustainability (GreenWorks) PlanOrange County Solid Waste Integrated Resource Plan

Sebrina

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Mandatory single-Family residential recyclingYard Waste CompostingCommercial recycling Plan requirement


single-Family residential — MunicipalMulti-Family/Commercial — Open Market


recycling Facility Contracts — Living WageMunicipal haulers — Collective Bargaining agreementrecycled Product Procurement Policy

Philadelphia greenworks Plan establishes a 70% recycling goal by 2015. residents are required to separate yard waste, glass, newsprint, and cans from trash. Multi-family buildings and commercial establishments are required to file recycling plans with the city. In June of 2012, the city council voted on a new $256 million dollar Waste Management contract that greatly influences how the city deals with trash. Central to this plan is the development of a recycling facility that will sort and process residential and commercial trash turning acceptable material into fuel pellets for coal-fired power plants. Environmental groups oppose this waste-to-energy scheme and are advocating for more recycling and waste reduction programs. The city is expanding its residential recycling program by collaborating with recyclingBank to offer incentives to increase participation. Commercial recycling remains a challenge as ordinances are loosely enforced, and not well known. This could be attributed to the open-market permit system for commercial collection, which limits the city’s ability to enforce recycling ordinances. The opportunities to create a more sustainable recycling system in Philadelphia include: strengthening commercial recycling programs and management systems and utilizing high-road economic development policies to promote growth in the recycling-reliant manufacturing sector.

PhiladelphiaP e N N S Y L V A N I A

49%

• e A S T •

sources: Interview with Streets Department Sanitation DivisionGreenworks PlanDepartment of Streets: Sanitation Division

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Limited Recycling




Voluntary single-Family Curbside recyclingsome Yard Waste Composting


single-Family residential: Managed CompetitionMulti-Family/Commercial: Open Market


City single-Family residential haulers: Collective Bargaining agreementEnvironmental Preferable Purchasing Program

The City of Phoenix manages residential trash and is prohibited from being involved in commercial trash due to an ordinance that was passed 20 years ago. as a result, the city’s Department of Public Works only manages and reports on residential trash and recycling. The city competes with private companies for city contracts for residential collection under a managed competition system. Currently the city holds all of collection contracts. recycling collection is provided to single-family homes, but participation is voluntary and residents are required to separate materials. There are also some yard waste composting programs. Commercial and multi-family collection is completely unregulated and citizens complain about not having access to recycling services or being charged extra for recycling. The ordinance that prevents the city from intervening in commercial and multi-family collections creates considerable challenges for increasing recycling and building a sustainable recycling system. There is some discussion of passing an ordinance that would require private commercial collection companies to offer recycling services, which would be a step in the right direction.

PhoenixA R I z O N A

13%

• S O U T H W e S T •

sources: Interview with the Department of Public WorksSolid Waste Strategic Plan 2010


�1Partnership for Working Families

Limited Recycling




Mandatory single-Family residential recyclingMandatory Multi-Family/Commercial recycling


single-Family residential: MunicipalMulti-Family/Commercial: Open Market


Green Purchasing Policy

The City of Pittsburgh benefits from state regulations that establish a 35% recycling goal and make recycling mandatory at residences, businesses and institutions. Within this framework the city’s efforts to increase recycling focus primarily on single-family residences with consideration of Pay-as-You-Throw and education programs to increase participation. Increased recycling is recognized as a stream of revenue for the city and has created some momentum to create a stronger system. While funding and budget constraints make expanding recycling programs challenging, the city could consider adopting a stronger management system that would enable the city to set service and job quality standards for commercial and multi-family collections and potentially generaterevenue. In addition to building a more robust commercial recycling program, the food scrap and construction & demolition waste streams should be addressed in order to build toward a sustainable recycling system.

PittsburghP e N N S Y L V A N I A

21%

• e A S T •

sources: Interview with the Department of Public Works Environmental ServicesAllegheny County Municipal Solid Waste Management Plan City of Pittsburgh Climate Action Plan

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Mandatory single-family recycling & Food scrapMandatory Multi-family recyclingMandatory Commercial recycling & Food scrapConstruction & Demolition recycling


single-family residential: Non-Exclusive Franchise agreements

Multi-family/Commercial: Open Market (with recycling ordinance that sets service & operational standards)

@ HIgH-ROAD eCONOMIC POLICIeS sustainable Procurement Policy

Portland has one of the highest recycling rates in the country and is striving towards 75% by 2015. The city’s highly effective recycling programs benefit from high participation among residents, institutions, and businesses fostered by recycling mandates and Pay-as-You-Throw programs. although Portland has a living wage ordinance and local hire requirements, these standards are not incorporated into current agreements with private companies. Portland’s recycling system could be improved by applying high-road job quality standards to the trash and recycling industry and takingsteps to promote growth within the recycling-reliant manufacturing industry.

PortlandO R e g O N

63%

• P A C I F I C N O R T H W e S T •

sources:Interview with Portland Bureau of Planning & SustainabilityPortland Recycles! Plan (2008)Metro Council Garbage & Recycling Division


��Partnership for Working Families





Mandatory single-Family residential recyclingMandatory Multi-Family/Commercial recyclingConstruction & Demolition recyclingYard Waste Composting


single-Family residential: 70% Municipal/30% service ContractsMulti-Family/Commercial: Non-Exclusive Franchise


Private Franchisees and Contractors: Living WageEnvironmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy

Riverside is well on its way toward achieving the state mandated 75% recycling requirement by 2020. a combination of mandates and strong franchise agreements and contracts that set service standards for the private sector has created robust recycling programs for residences, commercial establishments and institutions. Budgetary challenges have prevented the city from developing a food scrap composting program. additionally, there are opportunities to continue to build a high-road recycling sector by expanding existing job quality standards and adopting policies that will encourage continued growth in the recycling-reliant manufacturing sector.

RiversideC A L I F O R N I A

69%

• W e S T •

sources: Interview with the Department of Public Works Recycling and Solid WasteRiverside Green Action PlanRiverside County Integrated Waste Management Plan



POPULATION 472,178

RECYCLING RATE 52%

RECYCLING PROGRAMS

Residential Recycling Mandatory Commercial Recycling Restaurant Food Scrap PilotMandatory Construction & Demolition Recycling

MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

Single-Family Residential: MunicipalMulti-Family/Commercial: Non-Exclusive Franchise


Recycling Workers: Living WageSustainable Purchasing Policy

Sacramento has strong programs in place for residential, commercial, and construction and demolition recycling that have produced a 52% recycling rate. Although the city is currently running a pilot food scrap program at restaurants, it lacks a full scale program. One of the strengths of Sacramento’s recycling program is the strong management systems used to manage trash. While the city collects trash for residences under four units, most of Sacramento’s trash services and processing are managed through franchise agreements and service contracts with private companies. These contracts lay out the terms of their relationship with private companies and set a variety of standards that direct trash to certain facilities, establish franchise fees that are paid to the city, and establish service requirements. Recycling facility contractors are also required to abide by the city’s living wage ordinance; however, franchisees are not required to pay haulers a living wage. As the city strives to reach Zero Waste by 2040, there is an opportunity to build a high-road recycling sector by expanding existing job quality standards throughout the waste

SacramentoC A L I F O R N I A52%

• W E S T E R N •

Sources: Department of Utilities, Solid Waste and RecyclingSacramento Sustainability Master Plan 2030 Sacramento General Plan







Mandatory single-Family residential recyclingMandatory On-site recycling at Multi-Family Buildingssome Food scrap & Yard Waste Composting


single-Family residential — Municipal Multi-Family/Commercial — Open-Market

@ HIgH-ROAD eCONOMIC POLICIeS Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy

In 2010, the City of San Antonio approved a plan to modify its solid waste management system to achieve a 60% recycling rate by 2020 and build a solid strategy for working towards a zero waste future. The city has made rapid and tangible changes to its solid waste management system in order to increase its recycling rate. san antonio’s recycling programs address the organics, single-family, multi-family, and commercial aspects of the waste stream. With some of the essential elements in place there are multiple opportunities to build a sustainable recycling system in san antonio including: developing recycling programs for construction and demolition waste, adopting a stronger management system for the commercial sector, building a high-road recycling sector that creates good jobs and promotes economic development, and expanding programs that will increase participation in existing recycling programs.

San AntonioT e x A S

27%

• S O U T H •

sources: 10 Year Recycling and Resource Recovery Plan: For Residential and Commercial ServiceCity of San Antonio Solid Waste Management Department



Sustainable Recycling

POPULATION 812,826

RECYCLING RATE 80%

RECYCLING PROGRAMS

Mandatory Residential & Commercial RecyclingMandatory Residential & Commercial Food Scrap CollectionMandatory Construction & Demolition RecyclingCommunity Recycling & R

MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS Residential & Commercial: Exclusive Franchise


Haulers: Living & Prevailing Wage Collective Bargaining AgreementsEnvironmental Preferable Purchasing Policy

San FranciscoC A L I F O R N I A


Sources: San Francisco Sustainable City PlanDepartment of Public Works Climate Action Plan

San Francisco has built a sustainable recycling system that has produced the highest recycling rate in the country. The recycling programs in Sanparticipation at single-family homes, multi-family units, and businesses. These robust programs also tackle the more challenging aspects of the waste stream, including food scraps and construction and demolition. These programs are supported by a strong exclusive franchise agreement that has enabled the city to form a true partnership with a private company that is committed to achieving the zero waste goal. Not only dothese agreements set a range of environmental standards that have created a low-impact system, they also promote accountability and transparency. In coordination with labor, community, and environmental justice advocates, San Francisco’s sustainable recycling system also creates family-sustaining jobs throughout the waste stream. Collection drivers to sorters are all covered by a collective bargaining agreement and a local hire policy gives preference to residents that live in the communities surrounding the recycling facility. The city has also works with community based organizations and workforce development agencies to create job

San Francisco has built a sustainable recycling system that has dramatically increased recycling, creates good jobs, spurs innovation, and is shifting the way residents and businesses think about trash.

80%




POPULATION 967,487

RECYCLING RATE 70%

RECYCLING PROGRAMS

Single-Family Curbside Recycling and Yard WastePost Collection Recycling and Organics SortingIncentive Programs for Construction & Demolition Recycling

MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

Single- & Multi-Family — Service ContractCommercial: Exclusive Franchise


Collection & Recycling Workers — Collective Bargaining AgreementRecycling Facility — Local Hire PolicyGreen Procurement Policies

San JoseC A L I F O R N I A

70%


Sources: Interview with the Department of Environmental ServicesSan Jose Dirversion Program PresentationZero Waste Strategic Plan

San Jose has created a sustainable recycling system that is producing one of the highest recycling rates in the country and is building a high-road recycling sector that creates good jobs and economic development. The multi-family recycling rate is around 85% and is the result of high-tech facilities that sort trash after it is collected. A similar system is used for commercial establishments that separate wet and dry trash and further sorting is completed at recycling facilities. Single-family recycling follows a more traditional model where residents separate recyclables and trash. The City of San Jose’s franchise agreements and service contracts enable the city to partner with private companies that will help it achieve zero waste. These agreements enable the city to set and enforce standards that establish service requirements, emission standards, franchise fees that are paid to the city, a living wage for haulers and give workers a voice on the job.



Sustainable Recycling




some single-Family Curbside recyclingsome Yard Waste Composting


single-Family residential: Municipal (recycling — Contract)Multi-Family/Commercial: Open Market

@ HIgH-ROAD eCONOMIC POLICIeS Green Purchasing Policy

The City of Seattle has created a sustainable recycling system that decreases landfill disposal, creates good jobs, and delivers a more effective, lower cost system. seattle’s rising recycling rate of 55 percent is the result of increasingly aggressive efforts to expand programs and opportunities to divert trash from landfills. all recyclable materials and food scraps are banned from commercial and residential trash containers. The city is particularly focused on increasing participation at multi-family buildings and has developed extensive outreach campaigns for institutions like schools, businesses, and immigrant communities. subsidy programs that assist with the cost of collection services are also available for low-income residents. seattle also has banned certain construction materials from landfills.

These comprehensive programs are supported by a strong management system that enables the city to set environmental and job quality standards, and promote growth in the recycling sector. The city is divided into two service area contracts, each serviced by one private company. The contract requires that haulers earn a prevailing wage and also allows employees to be covered by a collective bargaining agreement. all processing contractors are also required to pay a living wage and provide health care benefits at recycling facilities. These requirements have created more than 1,000 family-sustaining jobs for seattle residents. service contracts have also empowered the city to more accurately track the amount of trash diverted from landfills and direct trash to certain facilities to create a more efficient system.

SeattleW A S H I N g T O N

55%

• P A C I F I C N O R T H W e S T •

sources: Seattle Solid Waste Management PlanZero Waste Resolution Interview with Seattle Public Utilities - Solid Waste Divsion


Limited Recycling

POPULATION 318,069

RECYCLING RATE 10%

RECYCLING PROGRAMS

Citywide Single-Family Curbside Recycling

MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

Single-Family Residential: Municipal Multi-Family/Commercial: Open-Market

HIGH-ROAD ECONOMIC POLICIES Some City Haulers: Collective Bargaining Agreement

St. Louis reports a recycling rate of just 10%, there is potential to build on existing

crisis. St. Louis rolled out a curbside recycling over the last two years that is now a citywide program. The city has limited involvement with commercial trash or construction and demolition waste, which is collected by private companies. Private haulers provide collection services to businesses and an ordinance recently passed allowing residents to opt out of city collection services and go with a private hauler. Under this system the city has limited ability to set any standards for private haulers including service requirements, customer rate standards or job quality standards. There is also an opportunity to build a high road

ies to jobs throughout the waste stream.

St. LouisM I S S O U R I


Sources: Interview with St. Louis Streets Department Refuse Division2012 Draft City Sustainability PlanMissouri Solid Waste Plan

10%


�1Partnership for Working Families

Limited Recycling




some single-Family Curbside recyclingsome Yard Waste Collection


single-Family residential: Municipal Multi-Family/Commercial: Municipal (recycling: Open-Market)


Tampa is working toward the state mandated 75% recycling rate that includes trash that is sent to waste-to-energy plants. according to the states calculation Tampa’s recycling rate is 51%, excluding waste-to-energy the rate is 6%. The City of Tampa has exclusive rights to collect residential and commercial trash and residential recycling and yard waste. If multi-family buildings and businesses want recycling pick-up they must contract with a private company. although Tampa is in the early-stages of developing a recycling program the city is exploring new initiatives including: mandatory commercial recycling, construction and demolition recycling programs, and residential and commercial organics programs. Each of these programs create an opportunity for the city to introduce policies that raise standards for workers and promote economic growth as the city works toward achieving its goal of creating a healthier local economy that relies on recycled materials.

TampaF L O R I D A

6%

• S O U T H •

sources: Department of Solid Waste and Environmental Management City of Tampa Comprehensive Plan - Solid Waste Element


Limited Recycling

POPULATION 617,996

RECYCLING RATE 20%

RECYCLING PROGRAMS

Citywide Single-Family Curbside RecyclingSome Yard Waste CollectionMandatory Commercial Recycling Plans

MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

Single-Family Residential — Municipal Multi-Family/Commercial — Open Market

HIGH-ROAD ECONOMIC POLICIES Municipal Haulers-Collective Bargaining Agreement

Washington D.C. provides a unique context for recycling. Without a state or regional body, waste management is left entirely to the city. The city provides trash and recycling collection to single-family homes and also runs a yard waste program. Although commercial establishments are required to submit recycling plans to the city, funding and capacity issues have made enforcement challenging. While overcoming the budgetary issues is the primary obstacle to building a sustainable recycling system in Washington D.C. other opportunities to improve include: transitioning to a stronger commercial management system that would increase participation, developing construction and demolition programs, strengthening reporting systems for residential and commercial collection, and applying the city’s existing living wage and local hire policies to private waste companies.

WashingtonD. C.

• E A S T •

Sources: Interview with Department of Public Works, Division of Solid Waste ManagementGreen DC Agenda Sustainable DC Plan

20%

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Documents

Transforming Trash · mandates, Pay-as-You-Throw, recycleBank , etc.) some efforts to develop markets and manufacturing sector Either partial industry-specific job quality standards,