Recycling Subcommittee Meeting Minutes

April 19^th, 2006

Laura agreed to write a letter to the City Commission with recommendations on improving recycling in Lawrence.  Talking points include:

1 It is unsustainable for the City to rely on the private sector for recycling services, especially in situations where:

a. Programs fail or falter

b. Materials are not handled properly

2 Curbside Recycling Report in 2004 did not explore all options.  It only looked at a city built and run MRF model, which is very capital-intensive.  Other options include:

a. Contract curbside collection out to private (local) company(s).

b. Have city collect curbside recyclables and then transfer them to a near by MRF.

c. Provide neighborhood drop off sites where all recyclables are accepted.

Additional idea to improve access: provide gas station recycling program where recycling bins are located at the pump. Discussion of pros and cons of public area recycling efforts.

3 Laura would like to know what garbage collection would cost if it were not provided by the public sector and whether or not it is heavily subsidized by the city.  If it is subsidized, Laura would suggest that the subsidy be examined, and that we focus on subsidizing residential recycling, too, in an effort to encourage better access and services.

4 Residents should receive recycling subsides just as the private sector does. Businesses currently receive some free recycling pickup services. Residents do not.

5 Waste Generation and Disposal Issues

a. We do not pay the full cost of disposal; externalities are not considered in current accounting methods.

b. Landfills create methane which add to greenhouse gases and lower air quality

c. Landfills can contaminate groundwater supply.

d. For basic recyclables (cans, paper, cardboard, etc. recycling is preferable to landfilling.

Next Meeting:  May 17^th, 5:30pm at the SWAN building.