10 Draft Integrated Waste Management Plan - City Council - City of ...

2012 Davis Integrated Waste Management Plan
of waste into a single 65 gallon garbage cart. Recycling service is provided at no additional cost, only trash has
a charge associated with collection. So if a family generates more than the typical amount of waste, looking
closer at what recyclables are still in their waste should reduce their amount of trash, increase their recycling
and keep them using a smaller garbage cart, effectively saving money.
Another argument in favor of a variable can rate structure is one of social engineering: if you provide people
with a smaller sized garbage cart, they will generate less waste (this idea of “right sizing” a garbage cart is
based on today’s world of extensive recycling programs, composting options and reducing waste). This also
brings up the discussion about equitable billing. Why should customers who generate less waste pay the same
as customers who generate more? Those who generate more waste probably should pay more for the additional
recycling outreach required to shift behavior.
Small garbage carts may fill more quickly. Experience in other jurisdictions with single-family variable can rate
structures shows that when customers are confronted with a full garbage container, they will put excess garbage
in the recycling container. This has a negative impact on the quality of the recycled material. As part of a switch
to a variable can rate, additional outreach will have to be generated during the holidays to ensure that excess
trash does not go into the recycling cart.
If the City were to switch to a single-family variable can rate structure, an outreach campaign would need to be
launched to target customers that switch from a 96 gallon cart to a 65 or 32 gallon cart size. The campaign
would address the necessity of separating out recyclables to prevent customers from placing excess trash in their
recycling carts.
If the City wants to change to a single-family variable can rate structure, such a change would need to be
reflected in the contract with DWR, requiring a contract amendment. The City would also need to give DWR
adequate time to order and distribute new garbage carts.
The City might consider setting the default customer size at 65 gallons, and build a rate structure above and
below the 65 gallon charge. Rate comparisons could be done using cities of similar size and approximate
transportation costs (see Table O-4).
City Council may next consider switching to a single-family variable can rate in June 2013 as part of the
Proposition 218 rate process. The City is working on a survey of single-family residents that will include
questions about cart size, how full carts typically are on pick-up day, and how they feel about a variable can rate
structure. The results of this survey will be presented to Council when they meet to discuss the possibility of
switching to a single-family variable can rate structure.
DRAFT
It is important to note the time required under the Proposition 218 process for rate changes. After approval of
the rate structure, the City would need to prepare and send a Public Hearing notice to customers. The notice
must be mailed 60 days before the Public Hearing date. At the Public Hearing (which occurs during two City
Council meetings) the rate change must be read twice (September 2013); Council can vote to approve the rate
change after the second reading. Forty five days after the approval the rates can go into effect (December
2013). This same process would be repeated with every rate change that is required.
Council gives staff direction to proceed with variable can rate—September 25, 2012
Council approves rate structures—April 2013
Council approves Prop 218 Notice—June 2013
Council approves rates—September 2013
Page | 8-75