Title
Apply for U.S. Department of Energy Consumer Electronics Battery Recycling, Reprocessing, and Battery Collection Grant Opportunity for Federal Fiscal Year 2022-23 - Federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funding (Ordinance S-50269)
Description
Request to retroactively authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to apply for, accept and, if awarded, enter into an agreement for disbursement of Federal funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) through the Federal Fiscal Year 2022-23 Consumer Electronics Battery Recycling, Reprocessing, and Battery Collection Grant opportunity. If awarded, the funding will be used to conduct a multi-media and education campaign focused on proper battery recycling and disposal. Further request to authorize the City Treasurer to accept, and the City Controller to disburse, all funds related to this item. Funding for this grant opportunity is available through the Federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The total grant funds applied for will not exceed $1.25 million, and the City would not be required to provide a local match.
Report
Summary
The increasing prevalence of batteries in the national solid waste stream and the introduction of more recycling markets present a unique opportunity to divert batteries from the landfill. Additionally, lithium-ion batteries can pose a fire risk to the City's solid waste collection trucks, transfer stations and material recovery facilities when individuals improperly dispose of them. To protect human health and the environment while advancing the City's circular economy initiatives and waste diversion goals, the Public Works Department is working to increase residential recycling and proper disposal of batteries.
The USDOE Consumer Electronics Battery Recycling, Reprocessing, and Battery Collection Grant program aims to expand participation in consumer electronics battery recycling programs. On Sept. 18, 2023, USDOE notified the City that they encourage the submittal of a full grant application based on the City's submitted concept paper. The grant application submittal was due within 30 days from this notification, or no later than Oct. 18, 2023.
The Public Works Department is requesting retroactive authorization to submit an application for grant funds of up to $1.25 million. If awarded, funding would be used by the Public Works Department to implement a Citywide multi-media and education campaign in partnership with the Communications Office and the City's marketing contractor, O.H. Partners. The two-year campaign will educate residents about the dangers of improper battery disposal and increase awareness of the City's Household Hazardous Waste Home Collection Program. The grant was submitted prior to the deadline of Oct. 18, 2023. If not authorized, the grant application can be withdrawn. The Public Works Department is also requesting authorization to enter into agreements to accept the funding if awarded.
Financial Impact
The estimated total project cost is approximately $1.25 million. The maximum federal participation rate is 100 percent, with a minimum local match of zero percent of the total eligible cost. If awarded, the federal match would not exceed $1.25 million and the City’s costs would be approximately $0 for the local match.
There is no required cost share for the City. Potential grant funding received is available through the Federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, from USDOE through the Federal Fiscal Year 2022-23 Consumer Electronics Battery Recycling, Reprocessing, and Battery Collection Grant program.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Mario Paniagua and the Communications Office and Public Works Department.