Title
Recycling Infrastructure for New Multifamily Developments
Description
This report provides information to the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on proposed revisions to the City of Phoenix Public Works Department Solid Waste Access and Containment Standard to incorporate a requirement for recycling collection infrastructure for new multifamily developments.
THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION.
Report
Summary
In February 2013, the Mayor and City Council established a citywide goal to divert 40 percent of solid waste from the landfill by the year 2020. In order to reach this goal, the Public Works Department launched Reimagine Phoenix. This initiative focuses on offering new solid waste services and programs, increasing education and community outreach, and fostering new public-private partnerships to expand waste diversion opportunities.
Based on Section 19K of Phoenix City Code Chapter 27, "Solid Waste," the Public Works Department's Solid Waste Access and Containment Standard details technical requirements for property infrastructure to ensure safe access to and servicing of refuse and recycling collection bins by collection vehicles (Attachment A). On May 9, 2017, the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee directed staff to develop language that would make recycling infrastructure a requirement for new multifamily developments.
During the summer, staff met with the community to obtain insight on recycling at multifamily properties and feedback on a potential infrastructure requirement. Staff met with representatives of the Arizona Multihousing Association, Valley Partnership and private haulers, including Waste Management, Republic Services, Sonoran Waste and Premier Waste Services. Based on these discussions, staff developed the proposed revisions to the Solid Waste Access and Containment Standard (Attachment B).
Staff also surveyed residents who live in multifamily housing. The survey was distributed in-person, electronically through the City's website, as well as social media, including Twitter, Facebook and NextDoor. More than 800 residents responded with more than 86 percent residing in an apartment, condominium or other multifamily housing development. Slightly more than half of respondents (57 percent) lived in developments that did not offer both trash and recycling services. The majority of respondents (65 percent) indicated they would be encouraged to recycle if the complex in which they lived offered recycling. Revisions to the Solid Waste Access and Containment Standard will achieve the objective of making recycling infrastructure a requirement for new multifamily developments. The Public Works Department will continue to facilitate stakeholder discussions to identify creative solutions to expand recycling opportunities to existing multifamily residents.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Karen Peters and the Public Works Department.