HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 11-11-2014 - 1ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: November 11, 2014
Action Agenda
Item No. 1
SUBJECT: Update on Urban Roll Cart Implementation
DEPARTMENT: Solid Waste Management PUBLIC HEARING: (Y /N) No
ATTACHMENT(S):
Draft Oops Tag for Improper Set -Out
Special Collection Guidance Document
INFORMATION CONTACT:
Gayle Wilson, 919 - 968 -2885
PURPOSE: To receive an update on the implementation of roll carts in the Urban Curbside
Recycling Program and the subsequent performance of the program.
BACKGROUND: On November 19, 2013 the Board of Commissioners (BOCC) authorized the
County Manager to proceed to execute a Letter of Intent with the Towns affirming the intention
of the Towns to allow the County to purchase the roll carts and provide curbside recycling
services. Additionally, the BOCC authorized the Manager to award a bid of up to 1.1 million
dollars for the purchase of 19,500 95- gallon roll carts.
In June 2014 the County Solid Waste Department began distribution of roll carts within the
Towns completing the distribution of approximately 18,100 carts and initiating service in July.
Initially there were concerns expressed by residents, primarily in Chapel Hill, regarding the large
size of the carts and approximately 80 residents requested that County staff pick up their new
carts. Virtually no complaints are currently being received about cart size, color, etc. Staff has
received at least five calls reporting missing or stolen carts.
Staff has also received a few calls regarding broken carts. Investigation has determined that
damaged carts typically result from carts misplaced at the curb (not squarely facing the curb and
clear of mailboxes /fire hydrants, etc.) so that when the automated collection vehicle's
mechanical arm grasps the cart, it is not properly aligned when dumped into the truck body and
damage to the cart can result. Staff is currently developing a program outreach plan to remind
residents of proper cart placement. Initially staff intends to record the address and send a letter
explaining how to properly locate the cart at the curb for collection. Ultimately, collection may be
suspended to those residents not following the guidelines. Attached is a draft "oops" tag that
will accompany a letter that staff plans to send to residents who have difficulty following the cart
placement requirements.
Additionally, special handicapped service requests have risen from 119 to about 224 since roll
cart implementation, which is in line with what other communities have experienced. Based on
the impact these special services have on the contractor's route efficiency and based on advice
from other programs using roll carts, staff has drafted a special collection service guidance
document (attached) to replace the previous informal special service practice so as to better
ensure dependable services to these residents.
Program performance since the roll cart implementation indicates a considerable improvement
in the quantity of materials recycled in the urban program. First quarter tonnage collected in the
three towns, compared to the same period in 2013, shows a tonnage increase of 29 %. Whether
this level of recycling can be sustained or whether it is at least in part due to the newness of the
roll carts is not known. Staff's expectations are that performance will continue to be higher than
previously, but may not maintain the extraordinary 29% level.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact related to providing a program update to the
BOCC. Staff has not yet received any of the state roll cart grant reimbursements from the
Towns.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board receive this update and
provide any comments and questions as necessary.
SET YOUR CART OUT 1161T AT THE CURB
Have your cart
lined up parallel,
to the street.
NOT
crooked, away
from the street
i tl3'
" Have the cart lid
opening and
metal lift bar
facing the street.
NOT
:T
_ with the handle
facing the street.
Have your cart at least three
feet away from cars, trees,
mailboxes, or other objects.
NOT blocked by cars
or too close to
other objects.
SET YOUR CART OUT 1I81T AT THE CURB
Have your cart
lined up parallel,
to the street.
NOT
crooked, away
from the street
Have the cart lid
opening and
metal lift bar
facing the street.
NOT
with the handle
facing the street.
Have your cart at least three
feet away from cars, trees,
mailboxes, or other objects.
S
NOT blocked by cars
or too close to
other objects.
Questions? Questions?
Orange County Solid Waste Management Orange County Solid Waste Management
(919) 968 -2788 (919) 968 -2788
recycling @orangecountync.gov recycling @orangecountync.gov
M
Special Collection Guidance Document
Effective January 1, 2015
A special recycling collection service is provided to residents who are disabled or of advanced
age and therefore unable to place their recycling receptacle at the designated point of
collection.
Residents occasionally inform the department that they are physically unable to lift, carry or
push a recycling container to the curb due to a medical or age related handicap. In addition,
they do not have any available relative, roommate, spouse, friend or neighbor who can perform
this task for them. While we are happy to provide this special service, we must limit its
availability to those whose mobility is medically or physically impaired. This special service will
allow solid waste collection staff to walk to the receptacle, take it to the truck to empty, and
then return the receptacle to its regular location.
We request that the resident fill out the questionnaire in order to request this special service,
which must be periodically renewed or verified by solid waste staff. There is no fee or other
charge for this special recycling collection service.
The following procedure is to be followed with regard to requesting, approving and servicing a
special collection service based on age or medical disability:
• Request a special service form, either by telephone, email or other means.
• Complete the form thoroughly and send the form to:
o Orange County Solid Waste Department
PO Box 17177
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
Attention: Special Service Request
• A solid waste department service representative will contact the applicant by phone to
schedule a time to speak with the applicant in person and discuss the special service
collection procedure, such as, where the receptacle will be located. A statement from a
medical care provider may be required if questions regarding resident's suitability for
special collection service arise.
• A temporary disability or other non - permanent handicap can be awarded special service
for a time - limited period assuming the conditions above are met.
• Once the special service request is approved the special service collection will begin on
the next regularly scheduled collection day.
• The resident should notify the solid waste department should conditions that permitted
qualification for the special service noted in the application form change.
• The solid waste department may require periodic verification that the resident still
requires the special recycling collection service and that conditions noted in the
application form have not changed.
PLEASE COMPLETE THE FORM ON THE REVERSE SIDE AND SUBMIT TO THE COUNTY SOLID WASTE
DEPAERTMENT AS NOTED ABOVE. THE FORM MUST BE FULLY COMPLETED, SIGNED AND DATED
Recycling Division Special Service Questionnaire
(To be completed by the person requesting service or their representative)
Name of Applicant:
Current Address:
Phone Number:
Age: (if age is basis of request)
PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY
Best Time of Day to Call:
Number of Persons Living in Household:
Ages of Additional Person(s) Living in Household: _
Who routinely places your recyclables out for collection now?
Do you have a Handicapped Parking Tag? Yes _ No
Tag Expiration Date:
Reason for Requesting Special Collection Service:
Today's Date:
Signature: _
Roll Cart or Bin Site Visit By:
If yes, Serial # on Tag:
Recycling Division Only
Circle
Approved Yes By:
Location of container for collection:
No If no, why not approved?
Date:
Date Approved:
R