Title
Approve the Go Green! Monterey County Program Waste Reduction Policy to be included in the Board Policy Manual.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors approve a Waste Reduction Policy to be included in the Board Policy Manual.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Monterey County General Plan, Public Service Element, provides that the County will maximize the amount of solid waste diverted from local landfills through recycling, composting, and source reduction (Goal PS-5). Additionally, Goal PS-5.5 specifies that the County shall adopt a 75% waste diversion goal and support future efforts to promote organic waste composting. These goals are aligned with State regulations to divert waste and increase statewide recycling and organic composting.
On August 24, 2017, the Alternative Energy and Environment Committee directed staff to bring the draft Waste Reduction Policy (the “Policy”) to the Board of Supervisors for adoption. The Policy was drafted through a collaborative effort between the Go Green! Monterey County Program and staff from the CAO-Contracts/Purchasing Division, Health Department-Environmental Health Bureau, and RMA-Facilities Management. The Policy was created to be used as an administrative guide in the Board of Supervisors Policy Manual to reduce waste from day-to-day County operations and to reflect the goals of the County’s General Plan and the State’s requirements.
The draft Policy provides for the following waste reduction strategies:
1. Source Reduction - Reduction of waste through smart purchasing practices, paper reduction strategies (i.e. going paperless or using duplex printing), and reuse of office equipment.
2. Appropriate Purchasing Decisions - Requirements for “green” product purchasing to reduce the environmental impact of purchased items, reflecting the County’s previously adopted Climate Friendly Purchasing Policy strategies.
3. Source Separation of Commercial Waste - Mandatory separation of solid waste, recyclables, and food/yard waste (when applicable), as well as recycling bin and organic waste bin accessibility requirements.
4. Durable Goods - Redistribution of unwanted office supplies, appliances, and electronics (with lifespan of over two years) within the County’s Surplus Equipment Sales and Auction Section of the Contracts/Purchasing Division.
5. Facility Alterations, Additions, and New Construction - Reduction of construction and debris waste from County facilities construction projects.
6. Landscape Waste - Proper disposal of yard waste from County landscaping projects.
7. Zero Waste Events - Guidelines for staff and events planners under contract with the County to implement zero waste practices for all events, diverting 100% of the refuse event materials from reaching a landfill.
The draft Policy outlines procedures for how waste reduction strategies will be implemented by County departments and staff. Departments directly involved in waste reduction efforts include: Environmental Health Bureau, Go Green! Monterey County, and the Contracts/Purchasing division. Additionally, the Policy states that all departments will be responsible for enforcing source separation of waste by staff, providing access to workstation recycling bins, and planning for zero waste events.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Environmental Health Bureau, RMA- Public Works & Facilities, and CAO - Contracts/Purchasing division provided input and guidance for the creation of this Policy. The Board Policy Manual Executive Committee reviewed and approved the draft.
FINANCING:
The recommended action has no impact upon the County General Fund. It is unclear what future financial impacts will result from state requirements to implement organic waste service at specified facilities.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
The Policy is consistent with the Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives for Administration, Health and Human Services, Infrastructure. The Policy promotes efficient resource management, a healthier environment, and more sustainable county facilities by properly diverting waste from local landfills.
Check the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
__Economic Development
X Administration
X Health & Human Services
X Infrastructure
__Public Safety
Prepared by: Dan Bertoldi, Sustainability Coordinator, x5457
Approved by: Nicholas E. Chiulos, Assistant County Administrative Officer
Attachment:
a. Draft Waste Reduction Policy