HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/13/1991 - Solid Waste Abatement Commission r f'r
AGENDA
SOLID WASTE ABATEMENT COMMISSION
EAGAN, MINNESOTA
EAGAN MUNICIPAL CENTER CONFERENCE ROOMS A S B
TUESDAY, AUGUST 13, 1991
3:30 P.M.
I. ROLL CALL AND ADOPTION OF AGENDA
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
II1. STAFF REPORT
A. Six Month Progress /Tonnage Report
B. WRAPP- Waste Reduction and Procurement Policy
Work Group /Eagan Municipal Center
C. Proposed 1992 Recycling Program Budget
IV. OLD BUSINESS
VI. NEW BUSINESS
A. Yard Waste
1. Backyard Compost Ordinance
2. Dakota County /Eagan Compost Facility
VII. OTHER BUSINESS
VIII. DISTRIBUTION
IX. NEXT MEETING
Z. ADJOURNMENT
MEMO TO: CHAIR SEIZ AND ALL MEMBERS OF THE EAGAN SOLID WASTE
ABATEMENT COMMISSION
FROM: RECYCLING COORDINATOR BAGEMAN
DATE: AUGUST 7, 1991
SUBJECT: EAGAN SOLID WASTE ABATEMENT COMMISSION MEETING OF
AUGUST 13, 1991
A regular meeting of the Eagan Solid Waste Abatement Commission
will be held on Tuesday August 13, 1991 at 5:30 p.m., in the Eagan
Municipal Center conference rooms A & B. The City will provide
refreshments. Please contact Kris Hageman or Jane Helebrant by
Monday August 12 at 4:30 p.m. at 454 -8100 to indicate whether you
will attend and your dinner preference.
I. ROLL CALL AND ADOPTION OF AGENDA
The agenda, as presented or modified, requires adoption by the
Commission.
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A copy of the minutes of the Solid Waste Abatement Commission
meeting of July 9, 1991 is enclosed on pages S to 7 These
minutes, subject to any change require approval by the Commission.
III. STAFF REPORT
A. Six month Progress /Tonnage Report
The residential recycling tonnage report has been submitted to
Dakota County. To date, I have not yet received totals for
additional items such as appliances, auto batteries, etc. Included
in your packet on pages 5r to /3 you will find a copy of a memo
to City Administrator Hedges indicating our six month tonnages and
program highlights. Also included are two graphs which indicate
curbside collection tonnage /drop -off tonnages and also a breakdown
by materials collected.
*Totals for residential collection and Yard Waste are as follows:
Curbside Collections 1434 tons
Drop -off Collections 82 tons
Yard Waste (both sites) 1454 tons 8991 cubic yards
2970 tons
*Additional special items to be added.
B. WRAPP -waste Reduction and Procurement Policy
Work Group /Eagan Municipal Center
This work group has been organized to evaluate possible waste
reduction methods for the city to implement for all municipal
buildings. Currently, the group is made up of twelve members and
is off to an aggressive start. We have begun with general "waste
audits" throughout different departments and buildings to better
understand the materials and waste we need to deal with to
implement changes.
An introductory letter to all departments heads is located on page
in the packet for further information regarding the work
g oup.
C. Proposes 1992 Recycling Program Budget
The recycling program budget has begun its process for approval at
the city level. As you are aware, the Dakota County Long -Term
Funding Subcommittee has recommended substantial changes to the
local funding program for recycling activities 1992 and beyond.
Following the new guidelines set by the County, the City of Eagan
has produced a proposed budget for 1992.
The new funding policy combines all administrative and promotions
into one category and has eliminated both the operations and
capital categories for assistance. The funding level is set at
$2 /HH /Yr or $36,900.
Included in your packet on pages /.S to /$ you will find a memo to
City Administrator Hedges outlining the new funding policy in
addition to a detail of the proposed 92 budget and description of
possible revenue sources for the year.
IV. NEW BUSINESS
A. Yard Waste
1. Backyard Composting Ordinance
Currently, Eagan City Codes regulating refuse and recycling
collection and storage do not include language regulating compost
pile management on residential or commercial property. In recent
months the city has received a number of calls regarding backyard
compost pile regulations and management procedures.
City staff is able to forward information regarding proper
procedures for compost pile management but is unable to enforce
proper management because of the lack of language in the city code.
The necessity for regulations for proper management is an answer to
those residents who have complained about a neighbor or other
persons mishandling yard wastes.
As both the city and county work to educate residents about proper
disposal options for yard wastes, more and more residents will
chose to backyard compost rather bring materials into one of the
compost facilities or pay a hauler to collect do the same.
Included in your packet on pages ./q to are you will find to
example of local ordinances which satisfy staff evaluations for
adoption into city code. Staff is requesting that the Commission
review the enclosed ordinances and determine if such requirement
are needed. In addition, if the Commission determines such
language should be recommended for inclusion in the City codes,
staff is requesting the commission adopt one of the enclosed
ordinances.
ACTION TO BE CONSIDERED ON THIS ITEM: To determine whether the
need for backyard compost pile management procedures is deemed
necessary and if so, recommendation of ordinance language for City
Council review.
2. Dakota County /Eagan Compost Facility
The future of the Dakota County /Eagan compost facility located
adjacent to the Eagan Municipal Center is not secure. Future yard
waste program evaluation is needed to facilitate a smooth transfer
to a different site within the city if needed. As noted by the
high volume of material brought to the Eagan site, usage has been
significantly higher in Eagan than the main Lakeville location.
County and city staff have begun scouting for a new site but have
found a very limited amount of land available and /or accessible
for such a operation. Staff is requesting input from the
commission on possible scenarios for future yard waste operations
and avenues for staff to pursue to ensure program availability to
residents.
ACTION TO BE CONSIDERED ON THIS ITEM:
V. OLD BUSINESS
VI. OTHER BUSINESS
VII. DISTRIBUTION
The following materials are enclosed in your packet. g 1. On pages b to 9 you will find a copy of a memo to City
Administrator Hedges and Mayor Egan regarding the six month
progress /tonnage report.
2. On page q you will find a copy of a memo to City
Administrator Hedges and all department heads regarding the WRAPP
work group. �
3. On pages J� to 8 you will find a copy of the proposed 1992
program budget and addition information.
3
4. On pages I9 to r26 you will find to examples of backyard
compost ordinances, one from city of St. Paul and the other from
the city of West St. Paul.
5. On pages ar to you will find a copy of an article from
Municipal Solid Waste Management magazine, July /Aug 1991, regarding
backyard composting.
6. On page ;4; you will find a copy of an article from the Wall
Street Journal, 7/31/91 regarding the "Julia Child of Compost ".
7. On pages cP ? to 4 you will find copies of the written
comments from the Eagan Environmental Quality Surveys. These
summaries were compiled from the written comments at the end of the
surveys.
VIII. NEXT MEETING
The next meeting of the Eagan Solid Waste Abatement Commission will
be Tuesday, September 10, 1991.
Ix. ADJOURNMENT
Subject to Approval
MINUTES OF THE SOLID WASTE ABATEMENT COMMISSION
Eagan, Minnesota
July 9, 1991
A regular meeting of the Eagan Solid Waste Abatement Commission was
held on Tuesday, July 9, 1991 at 5:30 p.m. Present were Craig Seim, Terry Davis,
Ken Ische, Darlene Bahr and Floyd Hiar. Absent were Earl Milbridge, Dennis Seiz,
Terry Jacobs and Larry Knutson. Also present were Recycling Coordinator Hageman,
Assistant to the City Administrator Hohenstein and Dell Edwards, representing the
Metropolitan Council and Dakota County Solid Waste Management Advisory Committee.
AGENDA
Upon motion by Ische, seconded by Seim, all members voting in favor,
the agenda was approved as presented.
MINUTES
Two corrections were noted on page 2 of the minutes to indicate that
it was generally not acceptable to co- mingle plastics and glass because of the
difficulty of separation and that the City should retain the environmental survey
format for future use. Upon motion by Hiar, seconded by Seim, all members voting
in favor, the minutes of the June 11, 1991 meeting were approved as amended.
PHONE BOOK RECYCLING
Hageman overviewed the U.S. West and Environmental Cities Coalition's
joint announcement that phone books would be recycled in a variety of east metro
locations from July 10 through August 18 in connection with the distribution of
the new phone books. This collection would be accomplished in 22 locations
throughout the area. She stated it would be advertised in inserts in the new
phone books and newspaper ads. She stated that larger generators and curbside
haulers were permitted to drop off the large quantity at the U.S. West warehouse.
She said that U.S. West expects a 35% participation rate, representing 800 tons
of material. She stated that Eagan will be looking at additional sites for the
September delivery of the Burnsville /Eagan directory.
Hiar stated that U.S. West should be made aware that certain suburbs
receive both Minneapolis and St. Paul phone books. He said that the U.S. West
flyer should also include a map to permit residents to locate the various sites.
Hageman stated that U.S. West plans to market their materials at
Globe Paper in Chicago and at West Coast markets. Hiar stated that it was
important that U.S. West empty the containers often to avoid overflows and
unsightly conditions. Hageman stated that the surplus store at Eagan's container
location is cooperating with the program and will monitor the container and call
when it is nearly full.
V
FACILITY TOURS
Hageman reported that facility tours would be available on Tuesday,
August 13, beginning at 12:00 noon in cooperation with the Association of
Recycling Managers. She stated that the tours would include the Knutson
materials recovery facility, the Empire Gardens composting facility and the
materials recovery facility at Inver Grove Heights.
DAKOTA COUNTY PROGRESS REPORT
Hageman reported that mid -year totals are'on- target for the 1991 goal
of 14% recycling. It was pointed out that this is very positive for 1991 but
that significant additional recycling would have to occur to meet 35% recycling
goals and 50% recycling goals in the future. Seim stated that magazine recycling
will start relatively soon and that it will add significant tonnage for cities
in the county.
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY SURVEY
Hageman reviewed the preliminary results and requested that the
Commission review the individual responses and identify any items they wish to
have cross tabulated or pursued for secondary analysis. Hiar asked that the
results include the actual question rather than an abbreviation so that the
answers were easier to follow.
Hageman pointed out that 90% -95% of the survey respondents indicated
that their recycling services are efficient and reliable. Davis suggested that
this result be directly communicated with the haulers since they are principally
responsible for the quality of this service. Hageman reviewed the results of the
mandatory recycling questions and the implications of the support for mandatory
recycling.
Davis asked how the information in the survey could be communicated
to the City Council. Hohenstein stated that the Commission should prepare a
report in the form of an executive summary of the final results which would
highlight the significant trends and outcomes identified in the survey and that
that should be forwarded to the City Council with an offer to discuss the results
and their implications at a future Council workshop.
Hageman requested that any additional comments with respect to
specific questions or cross tabulations be communicated to her by the end of the
week.
RECYCLE MINNESOTA RESOURCES CORRESPONDENCE
Hageman reported that the Recycle Minnesota Resources facility will
close on September 1 due to low volumes of material but that the RMR site in
Burnsville at the County Recyclable Collection Center will continue to operate.
CITY -WIDE BROCHURE
Hageman distributed a copy of the new city -wide brochure and
indicated that they would be direct mailed to all residential addresses in the
City.
6
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by acclamation at 7:05 p.m.
JH
Date Chairperson
Secretary
MEMO TO: CITY ADMINISTRATOR HEDGES
HONORABLE MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBERS
FROM: RECYCLING COORDINATOR HAGEMEN
DATE: AUGUST 1, 1991
SUBJECT: SIX MONTH PROGRESS REPORT/EAGAN RECYCLING PROGRAM
J
I have recently compiled the January through June tonnage figures for the residential collec-
tions and drop -off centers. This report has been submitted to Dakota County as required under
our funding guidelines. In addition to the tonnage figures, I would like to highlight a few pro-
gram activities from the first half of this year.
Tonnage Report
Generally, recycling tonnages are cyclical throughout the year, usually peaking during the spring
and fall months, and our figures have followed this pattern in the first six months of 1991. We
are on target to reach our 1991 abatement goal of 14% or 3200 tons although we will need to
increase residential collections slightly in the fall to make up for the loss of Recycle Minnesota
Resources which is closing its doors September 1st.
Our total for residential recyclables collected = 1434 tons
Our total for drop -off recyclables collected = 82 tons
*Please see attached graphs.
Yard waste figures will be compiled by Dakota County and have not yet been submitted for city
review.
Program Activities
• Participation has been very good. With the addition of plastic bottles and corrugated card-
board April 1, the program continues to expand. In addition, one hauler currently and a second
to be added in August accepts magazines and catalogs in the curbside collection program. With
the addition of these materials we should see a rise in average monthly tonnages.
• A citywide brochure was sent out to all residents during the month of July. The brochure is an
overview of program procedures and also includes information regarding yard waste and waste
reduction. Another citywide brochure is scheduled for distribution October/November.
• Earth Day Celebration/Community Clean Up Day. Participation in this years activities in-
creased with more families and organized neighborhood groups. The Earth Day Celebration
held at Thomas Lake park involved a wide range of programs and environmental quality infor-
mation. The magic show about recycling was a big hit for the kids and adults.
The 3rd annual community clean up day also had good participation. This year we also had a
number of neighborhood groups organize themselves to be a part of the clean up day. We also
restructured our pick up of materials which worked very well for all participants. The Parks and
Recreation department collected the full bags of waste at designated locations throughout the
clean up area and in specific neighborhoods.
• New material for Local Cable Access has been produced. The short features walk through
the steps taken to recycle glass and newspapers once they leave the curb. The two segments are
tours through the Anchor Glass Company and Waldorf Paper Company.
• Start up of a work group with members of all departments- W.R.A.P.P (Waste Reduction
and Procurement Policy). This group will take part in a sixth month project organized to:
Identify, Implement and Measure waste reduction and environmentally sound waste manage-
ment activities throughout the Eagan Municipal Center and Maintenance Facility.
This has been a short overview of program activities over the first six months of 1991. If you
would like any additional information or have question regarding the above information please
give me a call.
Thank you for your time.
Re cling Coordi
cc: Assistant to the City Administrator Hohenstein
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MEMO TDs CITY ADMINISTRATOR HEDGES AND
DEPARTMENT HEADS COLBERT, RUNKLE, VRAA i VAN OVERBEKE
PROM: RECYCLING COORDINATOR HAGEMAN
DATE: JULY 9, 1991
SUBJECT: WASTE REDUCTION AND PROCUREMENT POLICY (WRAPP) WORK GROUP
ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING
I would like to follow up on my short presentation at the
management meeting on July 1. The source reduction work project
that I have titled W.R.A.P.P. will be conducted over approximately
six months involving all departments within the Eagan Municipal
Center and the Maintenance Facility. I have scheduled the first
organizational meeting for July 30 at 2:30 p.m. in conference rooms
A and B.
The mission for the project is to: Identify, Implement and Measure
waste reduction methods and activities.
The City has accomplished a lot in the last few years in modifying
its waste management practices by purchasing more recycled products
and expanding recycling activities but there are additional steps
that must be taken to improve on our current waste management
practices. Efforts can be made to; 1. reduce the amount of waste
coming into the Municipal Center and Maintenance Facility through
packaging and other activities; 2. reuse materials throughout
departments and also purchase durables vs. disposables and 3.
reduce the amount of garbage sent to area landfills, increase the
number of recyclable materials and reduce disposal costs.
For this project to be successful, active participation from each
department is very important. I am estimating 2 meetings per
month. I have already been contacted by 2 departments (Community
Development and Finance) which have a designated employee willing
to participate. The work group will be brainstorming and working
together to solve some important waste management needs for the
future.
I look forward to working with the work group and anticipate a
successful cooperative effort. The more people we have working
together the more we can accomplish.
Please discuss the project with . your staff at your earliest
convenience. The first meeting has been scheduled for July 30.
Please have the staff member representing your department contact
me prior to the meeting. If you have any questions or concerns
regarding the project, feel free to contact me.
Recycling Coordinator
cc: Assistant to the City Administrator Hohenstein
/4
„),„J
MEMO TO: CITY ADMINISTRATOR HEDGES
FROM: RECYCLING COORDINATOR HAGEMAN
DATE: JUNE 21, 1991
SUBJECT: 1992 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Over the last 10 months, a subcommittee of the Dakota County Solid
Waste Management Advisory Committee has been working on the long-
term funding issue for local waste management support. The
subcommittee has finalized its recommendations and submitted the
report to the Dakota County Board of Commissioners.
The new long -term funding policy has substantial changes in regard
to local coordination responsibilities and support levels for such
activities. The plan has been laid out for a five year period with
opportunities to review as needed.
The new funding policy combines all administrative and promotions
into one category and has eliminated both the operations and
capital categories. The city is required to continue program
coordination with this level of support ($2 /HH /YR). The city will
be able to apply for grant money for additional waste abatement
activities from the County although guidelines have not yet been
established.
The program also is assuming continued general fund contributions
for 1992. The request for funds does not exceed the 1991 level of
support.
The budget for 1992 has been organized to support and enhance
coordination of the City's solid waste abatement activities and
concentrates on expanded promotions to reach and exceed our goals.
If you have any comments or questions regarding this information,
please let me know.
Recyling •ordi ator
cc: Assistant to the City Administrator Hohenstein
Department administration
Dept. Number 17
RECYCLING PROGRAM BUDGET 1991
DETAIL B
(County and City funds, $53,160)
4215 Reference Materials 200
- miscellaneous
4220 Operating Supplies
- graphic production supplies 100
-in -house recycling program 100
200
4330 Postage /Delivery
- direct mail 2090
-ADC deilivery service 320
- miscellaneous 1000
3410
4337 Personal Auto /Parking 200
4340 Advertising
- Local Newspaper Ads
2 ads @ $60 X 12 mo. 1440
4 ads @ $130 ea. 520
miscellaneous 500
- Special Events 500
Earth Day, Clean Up Day, etc.
2960
4350 Printing /Binding
- 1 Citywide brochure 2230
- Newsletter X 4 (four page) 2800
- Multi- family promotions 3000
S030
4396 Building Rental 7000-
4411 Conferences and Schools 300
4412 Local Meeting Expenses 750
4414 Dues and Subscriptions 120
4440 Contrutual Services 25300
44W Continve$cy 4690
TOTAL 53160
CITY OF EAGAN
REVENUE GENERATED
DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATION
DEPT. NUMBER 17
PAGE OF
• Dakota County Solid Waste Abatement Grant
$2 /HH /YR $2 x 18,450 = $36,900
1
• During 1992, additional Waste Abatement grants from Dakota
County will be available for capital and other needed expenditures.
Grant applications must be made and monies will be awarded on a
case by case basis. While this funding source is not an
entitlement, it would be staff's intention to apply for the
approximate $7000 necessary for building rental for container
storage.
• During April and May of 1991, the City of Eagan conducted a
Environmental Quality Survey. Included in the survey were two
questions regarding continued support at the local level for
recycling program coordination. Results of the survey (due in
July, 1991) will indicate resident responses to supporting local
coordination through a small fee added to their utility service
statement. The second question also asked at what level residents
are willing to support program coordination. A report will be
submitted to the City Council for review. This may be an
opportunity to utilize an additional funding source for program
coordination as we have experienced a significant decrease in
funding from Dakota County.
These possible funds may also in turn help offset the City's
General Fund contributions in the future and will allow continued
enhancement and expansion of local environmental program
coordination.
• The general fund has contributed to the program coordination
through the use of general fund monies in the past two years. It
it assumed that a similar contribution will be made in 1992
although no increase has been requested above the 1991 funding
amount.
11 r pCA
•
/7
CITY OF EAGAN
DEPARTMENT BREAKDOWN OF TRAVEL - CONFERENCE AND SCHOOLS
TOTAL PROPOSED BUDGET $ $300
1. COMPLETE COST BREAKDOWN FOR ANY ITEM IN THIS CATEGORY:
Coursework pertaining to the advance of skills in the areas of
graphic design and /or communication.
Miscellaneous -$100
Special seminars upon availability in the areas of solid waste
management, i.e.
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency - Annual Conference - $60
Office of Waste Management -
Waste Education Coalition Seminar- - $60
Miscellaneous $80
2. WHY IS THIS NECESSARY?
Both areas are an integral part of the Recycling Coordinator's job
responsibilities and will enhance job performance and benefit
program coordination and activities.
3. WHERE WILL IT BE?
Various locations throughout the metro area.
4. WHEN IS IT?
Various times throughout the year.
MPCA conference - February, 1992
5. WHO IS ATTENDING?
Recycling Coordinator - Kris Hageman
/7
7 � � J � t � .VV V` � NUy d. al 1.):1( ? 4 F' .
(4)4 4 Green fh..t ���^
ORDINANCE
•
CITY OF SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA
• �.� c--.........._ NY z�
Pre:ent ed tY ‘�� _ —..
•
teferred To Coastt Oa '/' L �/'6 •
. JJJ
An. ordinance amending Chapter 3S7.08 concerning composting. -
The.Council of the City of Saint Paul Does Ordain:
, .
•
•
Section 1
That Chapter 357 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code is hereby amended so as to add the
.following thereto: -
- Sec. 357.08. Composting. Composting is permitted provided the following regulations are
complied with:
(a) Composting shall be conducted within an enclosed container(s) not to exceed a
total of one hundred (100) cubic feet in volume for city lots less than ten thousand
(10,000) square feet, and one hundred fifty (150) cubic net for Lots greater than ten
thousand (10,000) square feet, and th.cc feet high and the containers(s) shall be of
a durable material sucb•as wood, block, or sturdy metal fencing material, .
(b) The compost container(s) shall be located at least five (5) feet from lot lines and
be placed no closer than 20 feet to any habitable building E,,1�ier arx ae esra' iTs
Tonle nor l than t wo feet from the alley if any alley exists. .
(c) Only organic yard materials, such as grass clippings, leaves, faded flowers, weal • • .
• sawdust, wood ash and plant trimmings, lake plants, straw and commercially available
compost a.a..cudu.vuta ui rGc extt.4, may be placed in the compost container(s). -
(d) , None df the following, materials shall be placed in the compost container(s):
meat, bones, fat oils, dairy products and other kitchen wastes; whole branches or logs, •
,
plastics, synthetic fibers, human or pet wastes or diseased plants.
(e) Compost shall be • •-• • V.. • II • • • . . • • • .V • AL • V. . • • • • •
,r p Th..Krria.d a to minimize odor generation and promote -
effective decomposition of the material, • '
0 CI
. • • famaanaur
• v
1=111111122111111 .
ma roc.
/?
911 SAVES LIVES! TEL No.00 Aug. 6.91 13 :16 P.01
On Motion Clpn. Seconded by Clpn.
ORDINANCE NO. 91-
AN ORDINANCE REGULATING COMPOSTING
.IN.REIDENTIAL ZONED DISTRICTS
•
THE CITY OF WEST SAINT PAUL DOES ORDAIN:
Section 1. Composting for the purpose of this Ordinance is any above-
ground microbial process . that converts plant materials to organic soil
amendment, or. mulch, excYuding winter plant protection coverings less
than one foot In height.
Section 2. Composting is permitted in Residential Zoned Districts
provided the following regulations are complied with:
(a) Composting shall be conducted within an enclosed container(s),
not to exceed a total of 100 cubic feet in volume for city lots
of 10,000 square feet or less and 150 cubic feet for lots of
greater area than 10,000 square feet. The containers shall be
of durable material such as wood, plastic, fiberglass, or metal
fencing material.
(b) Only organic yard materials, such as grass cHippgngs, leaves,
plant materials, sawdust, wood ash, straw,-and commercially
available compost ingredients to accelerate composing may be
placed in the compost container(s).
(c) None of the following materials shall be placed in the compost
containers: meat, bones, fat, oils, da1i$ roducts, food
scraps or kitchen wastes, synthetic fibers / human.or pet
wastes, or diseased plants.
(d) Compost shall be properly managed to minimize odor generation
and promote effective decomposition of the material.
(e) The compost container shall be located in the rear yard and
placed no closer than 30 feet to any habitable building and 20
feet from the street on a corner lot and at least 6 feet from
the side and rear yard lines.
Section 3. This Ordinance shall take effect 30 days after passage,
approval, and publication.
Ayes: Nays: 0
APPROVED:
/s/ Mayor Attest:
Dianne R. Latuff
City Clerk
Post - it° brand tax transmittal memo 7671 r 01 Me' ■
CO. 4 .r / / . )
ax T J (J // Fox O
c20
,
B ky d c . 1
•
. . . } :k , .t 4 ,. , H elping R ! 1 - .1-1_2 •-:- '- 4 ;1 ' - : , h . A•
„,,,,,,
3 ,..... ..., Y "`
Y
ti f ,S -
, . � ...54%." :n om . ;
i iimi t i
= ,f _.a R esidenti a!
'L , m ay' k ,
t, i .' ms 'sn . . _ t • •
;, . t ` : r -e, Teaching residents to use a simple
- fir. { 4 ,I ; compost bin in their yards can be a
'`4 .- T ' ' A : 1i, low -cost method of effectively
,;,,,,.,ate ` .
:_ L . «tii . handling much of your community's
yard waste. Selling them on the idea
. Garden Bo ::.; is the key to success r
y
.. -. •. .• =a _mot.
,
• u i�S y
T• •f•S. uY a
= y .. � .- :s:. :ne i � -- = �_ -JAMES " E G U Y E T T E
3
,« ',' •,� ,::.. s :; I _ ow many potential sites for composting opera-
, - -'' - •tH
.• ^�i•.• Iii - ...
" " " • ' °'� .• :•'• bons could you identify in a typical city contain-
,x•_; -: ,. - • ing 10,000 residences? Would you believe about
•:µ z .lre: :...:: 10,000? i
-^ +4:714 4'114.11 Interest in backyard composting is growing
.. aiiiiuiii:.: ' if �; Vi„ •"" ^' • across the entire continent as MSW managers seek
N :w - - � ; ; : . i _� — , -- �-z integrated solutio to overcrowded landfills. Of the 160 mil- ,
's ` - .W. : ,,, ,,, - - lion tons of MSW generated in the US each year only about
• •a;:..•,r `• i" I ' r, 1 11% is recycled or composted, according to US Rep. George
5:.�..•......z"' ."'ri r •�T
p ~ ' J. Hochb eckner (D -Iv'Y) who i ntroduced into Congress the
. ' - - �, - • _ - • Composting Research Act of 1990. Yet easily composted yard •
�',- waste takes up as much as 20% of the available landfill space
by weight — second only to paper and cardboard products.
:IA:: . . . .
-- —'� Already at 1 east 16 states have passed legislation banning
and waste from landfills. Many
L
yard y communities refuse to pick I
r• ��,►►,: ,," ' = - ,fir • IP' . ' up grass clippings, branches and other organic waste at the •
, ' ,1 `„�` v . " :~ See an active compost bin (!e) is enough to interest
- t` - , . • � ' many homeowners in composting.
(A • �� -•_� July /August 1991
curb when collecting nonrecyclable Santa Barbara County, says Dominski. duced educational materials describing
MSW. More than one -third of MSW can "Several hundred people in town bought how to build a simple composting bin.
be composted, Hochbrueckner says, their own bins, and they are starting to Other citizen groups, such as garden -
adding, "I believe that composting could go to work, so it's gathering momen- ing clubs, can also provide needed
prove to be the 'sleeping giant' of waste tum. People like it." expertise and manpower not available
management." For MSW managers, John Bajor, public works services from a government staff. In some back -
enlisting your community's residents in manager of St. Charles, IL, reports the yard programs, community residents
a backyard composting program can same reception from residents involved are trained to teach others how to com -
provide welcome relief for a thomy dis- with his community's backyard pro- post. If you can join together and con -
posal problem. gram. "They have a mind frame to par - tract out to an urban garden group, you
The key concept in a backyard com- ticipate in anything to save the envi- won't have to do it full- time," Leven -
posting program is decentralizing the ronment," he says. ston adds.
processing of all organic waste. If every Apparently the popularity of back- City Farmer has a number of staff
resident of your community knew how yard composting knows no interna- requirements for its Vancouver pro-
to create an effective compost pile, the tional boundaries. "Everybody in Cana- gram. 'We set up a demonstration com -
local government wouldn't have to da is for this," says Michael L. Levenston, post garden in the center of the city,"
expend as much money, labor and time executive director of City Farmer, which noted Levenston. The 2,500 - square-foot
collecting. transporting and processing runs a backyard composting program enterprise features vegetables, fruit and
yard waste and other organic material. in Vancouver, BC, in cooperation with flowers grown with composted materi-
`A backyard composting program is the SWM branch of the city's engineer - al. There's also a greenhouse, along with
cheaper than hauling it away and bury- ing department. Levenston says that in a display area of composting bins cur-
ing it," says Tony Dominski, education the province of Ontario alone, more rently on the job.
director at the nonprofit Community than 100 communities — including We have more than 20 home com-
Environmental Council in Santa Bar- Toronto — have heeded the call for posting units," explains Levenston.
bara County, CA. Dominski estimates backyard composting programs. "These are constantly changed as new
that it cost about $40,000 to $50,000 to "Strangely enough, its become a fad," ones come in and we test them."
design and implement a backyard com - Levenston says. "It's like a pair of Adi In addition to the demonstration site,
posting pilot program for the county, das —everybody wants one. Everybody the program also offers a compost hot
plus $15,000 to give away $25 com- wants to do the right thing." line and a staff that will speak to groups
posting bins to 500 homeowners. about composting. While the city con -
Dominski stresses that start-up costs GETTING STARTED tributes about $50,000 to support the
are greater for a pilot program than they If citizens are motivated to start com- program, another $50,000 to $70,000 will
would be for an ongoing project. The posting, how do you set up a backyard be raised through other sources, includ-
Santa Barbara experience has been so composting program for your commu- ing a Canadian government job- train-
positive, the county is going to expand nity? You can begin by identifying peo- ing program.
the program the council started, he ple who can supply technical support, Of course, getting county commis -
adds. as well as political support, within the sioners or city councils to approve even
The reason communities find back- community. "Every city is structured modest budgets means communicating
yard programs successful is that start- differently," points out Carl Woes- with them before you contact residents.
ing a compost pile is easy —it's just that tendiek, Seattle's project manager for We had prior committee and council
many homeowners have never done it backyard composting. "People have to approval," says Bajor of the St. Charles
before. If you give them the informa- deal with the intricacies of their own experience. The process was made sim-
tion, residents respond enthusiastically. communities." pler because a recycling committee had
'People in the cities are much more "The important thing is to have the already been formed in the city. Com-
willing to participate in a composting backing politically," advises Bajor. Meet mittee members received a lot of infor-
program than most city managers and with other public officials and commu- mation from other agencies and semi-
municipal waste managers would bet," nity groups to hear their opinions and nars that helped in the decision - making
says Candy Cox, vice president of C2S2 "indicate to them what the needs are" process, Bajor says.
Group Inc. in Seattle. The organization within your department. Santa Barbara County hired an intern
trains MSW managers and others inter- It might help to enlist the support of to study backyard composting and to
ested in setting up backyard compost- an environmental organization that is raise awareness of backyard compost-
ing programs. already up and running, says City ing among residents before the pilot pro-
So far the concept has generated a Farmer's Levenston. For example, local ject began. It cost the county — which
very enthusiastic public reception," in chapters off the
eee��� Sierra Club have pro- is home to a number of wealthy com -
JuIy'Augus 1991 )
f
gram and follow the directions to com-
- — — - post properly. "Are these bins going to
_ • j t ': Ry '-` - be used for toys in the backyard ?" Lev-
s$. ' , a 4 ;,.� enston asks. "Is the health department
E r -�: _'� going to get fed up with rats everywhere?
f " - �,; You can't just have everyone throwing
"`� ' t , t. _.- :- ' � ti _ their trash out in their yards. If you make
�',� A _ € ; - Y 3 - t F a mess of it, in five years you're going .
�` f r
'_ x: t • to have environmental health roblems."
�:;'. '' F '2.-:.%.....t. , ' } ." i • • 1,: Despite the potential pitfalls, pro-
. ` 'ji `; t -0 . : a gram operators say backyard compost-
F
.( r '� 4 * - " ing can be a successful component of
: • �'' ` � . ' k °` '- an SWM plan. Even the Solid Waste Com-
1- 3- posting Council in Washington, DC,
K3� ' 2 `.:t .3 1 a '� 1Z".•:' � : . - which targets mostly large -scale citywide
•
;� �� ::....- �,, F , 4 , :•? composting ventures, is interested in the •
I 4.: r `" f ,4f 'h 1 %: Y': ,- success stories. "We're not all that strong
x �- �a „ f h � on backyard composting but we intend
-* h. =-- . ' :. � * 4, - *'' . : to be," says Randy Monk, the council's
I) t - fi ` . ° - - { �` ' `l ` � director of operations.
' ---, ^t. .r R f. 7 �'O e i •w ' s 1� � i y ':T S 1 # 4, ; ,. . .
, " t . 4t-,, , f ` 1 E `� t X ° . - TECHNICAL CONCERNS: • _ -.:. FOOD, CHEMICALS, PESTS
A conveniently located demonstration site can help residents learn about 1 How can you find the correct proce-
1 different composting equipment. dures and people to ensure that your
program doesn't fail? Everyone seems
to agree that an MSW manager shouldn't
1 munities — $15,000 to $20,000 to fund try to wing it when it comes to setting
the internship program for one year. The up a backyard composting program for
intern conducted research, gathered your town. Levenston says a "seat of the
publications about composting, and pants" approach to the program might
sought advice from other areas, such as work out, but he recommends that you
! Seattle, that were already engaged in consult with experts.
backyard composting. Articles were pre- There are a number of consulting
pared for local newspapers to increase fu that can provide answers to many
awareness of the concept. basic questions. "We've presented a lot
Bajor says the news media are a good of conferences and talked to people all
outlet to get the message to residents. over the country," says C2S2's Cox. Of
"We had prepared articles on the mer- course, you can seek out MSW profes-
its of composting," he says. "We got the sionals in other cities who operate effec-
word out, and the local newspapers tive programs.
picked up on the program." The St. The experts can help you answer a
Charles program also . benefited from number of questions that may be spe-
direct mailings and a community cific to your community. "It depends
newsletter, published under the direc- on the size and scope of the program
tion of local compost expert Jon Franz. and the sophistication of the citizens,"
"They certainly got the word out to a says Cox. "If you're doing a program,
lot of people," Bajor adds. I'd recommend that you hire someone
Establishing a good working rela- to focus on it"
tionship with your community's re- One common question for new back -
porters, editors and news directors is a yard programs involves introducing
key step in putting together a success- food, especially table scraps. For many
ful program. "The only way to do it is communities, including table scraps
through public education, and public could be bad news "unless people know
education involves tons of media," says how to manage a compost pile," says
Levenston. Professor Harry Hoitink, plant patholo-
Communicating with the public will gist and composting expert at Ohio State
help you gauge what the response will University's (OSU) Agricultural Research
I be if you start a backyard composting and Development Center in Wooster.
program. You can determine if residents In fact, because of that, Hoitink tends
are willing to get involved with the pro- to favor centralized composting sites.
4i • MSW M..y..�..t / July /August 1991
----f
"We recommend that people not put I'HERE
kitchen waste in compost bins," Cox
advises. "Programs in other parts of the
I country encourage people to put kitchen
waste in their compost bins." In the Van - A RECYCLING
couver program, for example, residents
are told tea and coffee grounds, rinsed
egg shells, and raw fruit and vegetables EvipmENT
from the chopping board can be added
to compost.
Bins that keep out rats and other ani-
mals are a top priority — and some are
being used by residents to compost C MPANY
the above- mentioned kitchen scraps.
"We're only in year one of using the
rodent - resistant bins," says Levenston.
"So far the public's reaction has been SO ADVANCED
exceptional."
If a community undertakes backyard
composting. make sure the bins are
large enough. Hoitink cautions. "It
would be best to go to an expandable IT HAS ITS
system. Manv of these bins fon the mar-
ket] are Mickey Mouse gizmos that are
too small for people —they hold a
OWN SPACE
week's worth of clippings."
A lawn of 7,500 square feet gener-
ates 3,000 pounds of clippings in one
year, according to Dr. Bill Pound, turf -
grass specialist at OSU in Columbus. Too
many clippings can ruin a compost
project. "Clippings don't compost near- .
ly as easily as branches and leaves do,"
Pound says.
"Grass by itself isn't very good
because it tends to compact. Some Introducing Custom Design Service, from ARMS.
municipalities have a problem with
brown liquid oozing out of the bottom," If you're looking to expand your current recycling activities,
says Andy Fogarty, a microbiology grad or if you're starting up from scratch, ARMS can help you
uate research associate who studies conquer space.
composting at OSU. "The big problem ARMS' advanced service now includes custom design assistance.
is to keep them from becoming com Our staff is made up of recycling professionals y
parted." p recyc rofessiornals wi 50 ears
These problems point to the main combined experience in the field. They'll use the latest CAD
component of backyard composting, technology to use your existing space in
the educational process. Residents have - the most efficient way possible. Or they'll
to be instructed to resist the temptation • _� 4111=v-..- , help you customize your project from the
to dump all their clippings into the bin 1,.-� floor plans u p .
at once. They have to be warned tha • • •
y
throwing fats and cooking scraps into _ For more information about the space
compost attracts rodents and other ani- s• • • - - 'i pro n that's out of this world, put
mals. At the same time, they have to be � " "1 a ARMS at
•
reassured that managing the compost - 1-800-288-ARMS.
bin is not difficult. �_ r � � a. f ✓
In many cases, the solutions to com- ! V ; t�
post problems are simple. "We encour -! Alcoa
peop to mix clippings with other Recycling
materials," says Woestendiek in Seattle. � Machinery
Leaves and brush are logical choices, Services
although straw can do the job, too. Lev -
enston says Vancouver residents are
July/August 1993 Circle *26 on Reader Service Curd
0 g
told, "Buy a bale of straw for three residents' share of the yard waste stream. project shouldn't be difficult if you plan
bucks. You need the carbon source, and To make your backyard composting ahead. People throughout North Amer -
you need the air space inside the bin." program even more complete, you may ica are ready to tackle composting, says
Other concerns that education pro- consider entering into a partnership with City Farmer's Levenston. He cites the
grams have to cover are chemically treat- local landscapers, observes Phil Fogar- ease with which his community's pro-
ed lawns and odors generated by com- ty, president of the Ohio Lawn Care gram was accepted: "Without us doing
posting. Hoitink says within a six-month Association and owner of Crowley Lawn anything, the move [to backyard com -
period of composting, research shows Service Inc. in Cleveland, OH. Fogarty posting] is popular in the culture. The
that all common lawn chemicals degrade (no relation to the OSU grad student) government has to keep up with the
into harmless components. Residents distributes a 150 -gallon polyurethane- culture."
that have tumed over an untended pile weave composting bag that requires Because of the simple technology and
of grass clippings may fear a compost little maintenance on the part of the relatively low cost, small -scale com -
bin will generate the same overpower- homeowner. posting is one area that promises to grow
ing aroma. Residents will want to know The large bag will compost grass at the local level with little government
that properly managed backyard com- alone, he says, and will hold an entire intervention — especially from above
posting does not produce odors. season's clippings from an average lawn. the local level. "Composting can be an
"There's nothing more practical than ideal strategy for dealing with large seg-
NOT FOR EVERYONE this. It's indestructible and it's simple," ments of the waste stream," says Rep.
Despite general support for backyard Fogarty adds. The bags retail for about Hochbrueckner. "Municipalities across
composting, homeowners that hire lawn $30, but Fogarty says that landscapers the nation want to maximize recycling
services and landscapers may not be can buy the bags in bulk quantities and of their waste, and they have seen no
interested in doing their own compost- use them at their customer sites. Anoth- leadership from Washington addressing
ing, either. Not only that, you may have er alternative would be finding resi- this problem," he says. Msw
a number of people who simply can't dents who can use more compost on
do yard work. such as some senior cit- their property and asking them to accept James E Guyette is a free - lance writer spe I
izens and disabled persons. If your com- their neighbors' yard waste. cializing in business and technical topics
munity bans yard waste from MSW col- Based on current programs, enlist- including landscape agriculture and retail
lections, you still have to add those ing support for a backyard composting systems.
f
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•
Laid to Rest functioning compost heaps by their charac
At Cafe Brinton, Such as DeCoster Farms, a big egg pro-
ducer in Turner, Maine. After a smoky fire
smell stinks. An example 1s the awful
Today s Special Is smothered its chickens a few years ago, smell emitted by decomposing lawn grass
DeCoster buried them on its land. But
state environmental officials soon found
when it gets too alkaline, he says, handing
tal off a visitor a bottle of a chemical called ca
Chicken a la Sawdust out and ordered tai off er to exhume the daverin for a sample whiff of the odor.
* • birds and give them a better send-off; the
regulators, fearing the decomposing ani-
Used to train employees' noses at xis
End, the stuff smells like a dead
The Julia Child of Garbage mats would foul ground water, threatened To prevent such odors, Mr. Brinton
Cooks Up Tasty Compost fines if they weren't disposed of fast in a shows clients how to treat their heaps with
P Y tender loving care. At a pilot project he
nonpolluting way. helped set up at a Nestle plant in New Mil -
For the Microbial Palate To avoid whopping cleanup costs, De ford, Conn., food-processing wastes are
Coster called Mr. Brinton, who activated carefully mixed according to his recipe,
By DAVID STIPP his rot team. First the researchers, gag- then ladled into 270 -foot -long troughs. A
Staff Reporter of THE WALL STREET J OTJRNAL ging, unearthed some of the birds and ana- machine resembling a farm combine
MOUNT Maine—A thousand Iyzed their chemical makeup at the Woods crawls along the troughs, turning the piles.
MOU i
tons of NT VERNON, VER ted chickens M are rotting. End laboratory, a renovated horse barn Workers plunge yard -long, silver thermom-
local won't take the mess. Ling. in Maine's lake country filled with beakers eters into the steamy heaps to monitor
The cal dump State and lab benches. The chemist-cooks then heat-releasing reactions. The place is
officials
cleaned are
ap fap won' t k st. big fine f ta began adding this and that to the chickens faintly redolent of hay and cheddar cheese.
This
u a sb for William Brinton, the in pot 11 "hrnPh enmpnsters." seeking a Taking a whiff, John Dwyer, the project's
Julia Child of garbage, an internationally manager, comments: "These things live or
die by their odor."
known master chef who shows clients how Continued From First Page But sweet smells from the compost
to mix, rake and bake their troublesome combination that would "take off," or get kitchen are worthless if what comes out
waste. His motto: "Compost happens." steamy hot from chemical reactions as isn't nourishing, says Mr. Brinton, a qui-
In just weeks, his customized recipes bacteria began eating in earnest. etly earnest man with Pennsylvania
can turn a big stink into savory plant food, Meanwhile, Mr. Brinton headed to a Quaker family roots. Indeed, some care -
usually at a cost far _ public hearing to reassure citizens who lessly composted things are toxic to
below that of alter- feared composting the birds would stink plants —too much chicken manure, for ex-
natives, such as up the town. "1 had to put my reputation
p p ample, makes compost salty.
trucking the crud to
on the line and say there was nothing to On the other hand, studies at Woods
an incinerator. It , -- t worry about," he says. Back at the lab, End and other places indicate certain
sounds simple, but f T however, there were problems. Animal tis-
Mr. Brinton's cre- d is hi h in nitrogen and has to be cut types of compost actually suppress plant
sue
ations are a differ high disease. Woods End rigorously tests cli-
ent kettle of fish ::tiig; with carbon to biodegrade well. But where ents' compost for plant-growing potential,
N r;; to get lots of carbon fast? Moreover, the shifting the input mix if necessary. Nes-
from the suburban '>`��:,,,; -= , chickens were squashed and mixed with tie's Mr. Dwyer shows off a lettuces 'ad
environmentalist's _ sandy soil, making a dense mess that air
backyard heap. 3 #''' almost as big as a basketball that v r
i couldn't enter to fuel bacterial action. tilized with his operation's compost. **I've
Compost doesn't just , But after four days, Woods End had a
happen with stuff he ' 'Tr', '• ' f
is often hired to ran- solution that went roughly like this: Take a
die: tons of fish William Brinton chicken. Add a gallon of carbon -rich saw- never seen lettuce like this come out of our
dust from a local lumber mill. Mix well. garden" at home, he says.
scraps, dead animals, paper -plant sludge. Carefully blend in a gallon of chicken ma- Today lettuce, tomorrow the world: Mr.
Woods End Research Laboratory, his nure. Let sit for two months, stirring daily. Brinton has some grand visions for his in-
nine- employee firm here, sometimes ex- Serve to garden plants. dustry. One is a farming revolution in
periments for weeks to find the right ingre- "It worked very well, and I was sur- which compost helps growers get off their
dients to blend with such wastes so they prised," says James Brooks, a Maine envi- water-polluting chemical fertilizer habit.
please the microbial palate. The resulting ronmental official who monitored the proj- Recently, he planted seeds of the revolu-
masterpieces biodegrade fast with little ect. The decomposing chicken mix emitted tion in Eastern Europe by helping officials
odor as bacteria gobble away. Recently, little odor, he adds, and soon the birds had there plan massive composting operations
the firm even concocted a way to compost completely disappeared "with the excep- to offset demand for costly fertilizers from
explosive sludge contaminated with TNT. tion of the tips of their beaks." the West.
It was a "very challenging" piece de re- Mr. Brinton says the typical job costs He also envisions new technologies,
sistance that contained, among other between $10,000 and $50,000. He estimates such as special strains of bacteria and ex-
things, buffalo dung, says Mr. Brinton. he saved DeCoster about $67,000 in disposal - tra -fancy recipes to break down recalci-
An agricultural chemist who studied or- costs. • trant wastes. The TNT project, conducted
ganic farming in Europe, Mr. Brinton, 37 Over the years, Mr. Brinton has turned with consultant Roy F. Weston Inc. to dis
years old, has quietly tilled his consulting the humble art of composting into a high- t ech affair. Computers ca
pose of toxic wastes on milita ry bases,
calculate needed
niche for more than a decade. Now a shows the idea's promise, says Weston
bumper crop of business is coming in as ratios of ingredients such as manure, manager Rich Williams. But why buffalo
composting takes off nationwide. Some cli- which adds bacteria and fuel for desired chips?
ents, such as Walt Disney World in Flor- reactions. Another machine analyzes levels
ida, plan big composting projects to gener- of plant nutrients in compost. The firm cctual
ed fo BBut buffalo herd
ate a low - polluting substitute for chemical even has an automated simulator that rep -
fertilizers. Others, such as New York licates temperature lift -off inside big com- happened to be near the project's Oregon
City's solid -waste agency, see composting post heaps when all systems are go. test site, and its output ohad all the right
mainly as a way to cut waste - disposal
But Mr. Brinton sometimes gets his attributes. I liked it a lot."
costs. On Prince Edward Island, Canada, most valuable data simply by sniffing. Af-
which is fighting a potato disease, one of ter years of experience, he says he can
Mr. Brinton's composting recipes recently instantly tell what's wrong with some mal-
helped hard-hit farmers avoid the crushing
blow of disposal costs for 16,000 tons of in-
fected spuds. "Increasingly." he says, tien,,t-A "people call us when they're in trouble." ( 1 / po �/� et (" ,- B t'
City of Eagan
Environmental Quality Survey
Waste Mangement
Comments
�7
Environmental Quality Survey Waste Management Written Comments
Utility charge to support local recycling program
I thought some of the fees we pay currently to our curbside garbage service were
going to recycling costs
I believe charges should be made on those who do not recycle.*
The trash haulers keep raising their prices. I would not pay extra to recycle*
I thought we were already being charged because of recycling. 1 don't think it should
cost more to recycle, since there is less waste.
To lower cost, could not current garbage haulers manage this at less cost than local
government.
Profit from aluminum should cover this.
If state law required you to recycle, would it change your recycling habits?
(Recycling will) Become more of a daily ritual - something I have to do like wearing a
seatbelt.
I would recycle what ever was required. I also may change my buying habits
(packaging).
I'd have to pay closer attention to what can be recycled and where.
Recycle more variety of items.
Would need to start recycling glass and plastic.
I would force myself to take better action.
I would recycle more often.
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Environmental Quality Survey Waste Management Written Comments
It would seem better to provide a positive incentive to recycle, like money from can
machine, than a negative for the ones who don't.
Would participate and develop a program at work.
I would have to pay more attention to the issue.
I would probably try harder to recycle and so would other people who don't care
about recycling. If it was a law they would be forced to.
I would be more thorough and faithful in my recycling.
Try to recycle more white paper and cardboard.
Be more careful at separating garbage.
I would look into a program to make me more knowledgeable of recycling and
purchase items that could be recycled.
Would recycle whatever possible that I don't already.
Add plastics, cardboard and tin cans.
Hopefully more items will be allowed to be recycled at curbside pickup.
I would do whatever is required.
Switch to paper bags instead if plastic and look to see what else I can recycle.
We would recycle everything possible. We believe the only way to provide for
adequate recycling is by legislative mandate - by city, county, and state.
Would recycle more can material. The problem right now is that it is too time
consuming to take paper off the cans.
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• Environmental Quality Survey Waste Management Written Comments
would perhaps begin to recycle steel cans. It is more cumbersome than aluminum
and demand is not as great for steel cans.
I would make more of an effort to get to drop off centers for things not picked up at
curbside.
•
Recycle more items.
I would be more aware of every thing I throw away.
Try to recycle more items.
Would change little things - we only get the Sunday paper and we just throw it now.
I would change my buying habits to reduce my packaging waste and organize my
waste better.
Continue to recycle and buy less that needs recycling.
I would recycle all items that are recyclable.
Try to recycle more plastics.
Concerns about the compost drop -off center
I think it is crazy that we have to pay for this service.
I don't think we should be charge to use the compost site - we didn't at first.
This site should expand or alter its hours to be more convenient for day workers. (i.e.
It should be open later on week nights.)
Compost drop -off should be open all week.
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• Environmental Quality Survey Waste Management Written Comments
Additional Comments
Eagan needs better control on local business disposal habits and control of waste
material at all new construction sites!!
There is plenty of information available to describe how, when, where and what to
recycle. The problem is getting people to recycle. The key to recycling is making it
convenient and ensuring a market for recycled products. Put your energy and money
in those areas.
Instead of using pesticides use natural /organic methods of correcting problems, i.e.
mosquito attack ring from Ringer products and wasp and hornet attack from Ringer.
We are eager to recycle! Personally, our curbside garbage has decreased 50% from
two years ago, and we continue to try to do better. The idea of a garbage incinerator
angers us. We don't feel it is a proper or effective way to deal with garbage!
Your recycling program is well put together and also the compost site by city hall
I have not or am not aware of information for disposal of household hazardous
wastes. I believe a disposal site should be available on a continuing basis. I also
believe (strongly) recycling should be mandatory and that those who do not recycle
should pay heavily. There also needs to be a greater emphasis placed on reuse or
recycling of re- modeling and construction waste, and more education of construction
industry on use and hazards of the construction process and materials that are
hazardous to the environment. Examples: glues and adhesives, paints, wastes, paint
and adhesive spraying which end up in the air, ground and living environment of
residents.
If you want to help the image of Eagan, mandate a maximum time you have to put a
lawn in. I am so sick and tired of seeing people take years before doing something
with their yards. Also, I don't like to go out in my yard and smell compost from my
neighbors. I think that there are plenty of areas in Eagan where you could put more
compost sites. And don't charge people for using them. People then would not throw
bags of leaves, grass and /or garbage on the side of, roads. Also, the city should
start a weekly or monthly collection day for old paint and other recyclable things the
garbage people won't take. People could get paint that other people don't use. With
all the new construction, I am sure people would turn in paint instead of dumping it
down the drain.
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• Environmental Quality Survey Waste Management Written Comments
You should step up capacity for recycling plastics. For example, if you can recycle
plastics with necks, you surely can recycle caps made of the same material, but the
literature says to discard all caps. Aluminum foil is also not listed as recyclable
Any plastic bags and tubs should also be recycled.
What do I do with household batteries? We need more information on what plastics
can be recycled.
think the cost is too high. In the last four years garbage rates have skyrocketed.
Expand curbside recycling to include : shiny cardboard (cereal boxes, pizza), white
and non -white office paper - junk mail primarily, expand plastics to include all plastic
containers and bags. This would eliminate about 75 to 85% of our waste.
The more convenient recycling is made, the more people will participate. Recycling
should not cost the average person any money. It should be publicly funded.
The one impediment to the recycling process is the requirement that people bend
down to peel off papers from glass bottles before dumping them in the central
containers. On the average people don't have the time to do that. Invariably, they
dump everything in the general trash container.
I don't believe we do plastic or corrugated cardboard recycling at my apartment
complex - at least the bins do not include them on the labels. Also, seems a local co-
op would be beneficial as far as consumer education and opportunity to buy non -
packaged food and avoid the need to dispose of more containers.
Possible charging for solid waste pickup by charging per pound when it becomes
available. Encourage local businesses to reduce their mail ads , or at least use
recyclable paper for these ads. If possible, put a still fine on households who do not
recycle.
think that if all U.S. government offices used recycled paper, it would be a great
example to those who do not.
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32
Environmental Quality Survey Waste Management Written Comments
Include recycling information in the Eagan phone book. It's a good reference book,
plus less likely to lose (as newspapers and newsletters are.) Getting information is the
key to successful recycling. Need to know when, where, how, what, etc. and find this
information easily - Recycler "Yellow Pages"
Recycling should be mandatory for all residential, business and industrial properties.
Costs for recycling residential waste should be covered through the sale of the
recycled material and /or through the general taxes.
The city leaders must take the initiative in this area. Compulsory participation in
recycling by all residents is the only answer to achieving maximum goals. For those
who do not participate, the fees should be equivalent to minor infractions. The funds
raised could pay for the program administration. The curbside collection company
however, would unfortunately have to be the policeman to determine who is not
participating. Over time, the habits of recycling will become automatic and we will all
be better off. But it begins here at home. The mayor and council need to lead the
way. They will have to make the tough decisions.
Yard waste is the largest volume of waste I must contend with. Grass clippings are
also an ideal breeding ground for biting flies and other non - biting species. As more
people operate backyard compost sites, this will become a serious nuisance problem
that most people will not know they are creating.
More opportunities to dispose of hazardous wastes, and more information on
alternatives to hazardous products. Would also like more information on what's done
with the items that are recycled - would be helpful in explaining to children why
recycling is important and worthwhile.
Make sure companies pick up recycling when placed outside.
As I talk with friends and relatives in other communities, I feel that we in Eagan are
doing a commendable job in this area. Keep up the good work and keep improving.
Notify the newspaper vendors not to throw their plastic bundle ties out on the curb.
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Environmental Quality Survey Waste Management Written Comments
Clarify what plastics can be recycled, and expand plastic recycling.
Consider legislation on the types of containers allowed /banned for sale at the stores
to reduce waste, and increase the amount that can be recycled while reducing the
undesirable types of containers. Consider how to monitor and control industrial
hazardous waste to keep it from entering the ecosystem in an undesirable way. Look
at developing a good system. Japan stores industrial hazardous in large containers
that don't leach into the ground, with similar items stored together. Switzerland has
free pickup of industrial waste to eliminate the improper dumping, disposal of wastes
and the problems associated with trying to monitor industry. Place the costs of
handling the e\wastes of products back to the manufacturer of the product, so that
waste will be reduced and prices of products will reflect their true cost.
For glass recycling , why waste water to rinse items, what's wrong with broken glass?
Why not supply container for plastics?
I need more information on plastic recycling. Someone needs to invent something
neat and nice looking for the kitchen.
At first I was against the incinerator, but have since changed my opinion. I would like
to know more about that program.
Necked plastic containers are #2 plastic. Why can't baby wipe containers that are
also #2 plastic be picked up by curbside recycling. All #2 plastic containers should
be recycled.
City of Eagan
Environmental Quality Survey
Water Quality and Urban Forestry
Comments
3.0
Environmental Quality Survey Water and Urban Forestry Written Comments
Pruning ordnance...
(City ordnance to prune and maintain trees within street right -of -ways) I consider that
to be an unfair intrusion on the part of the city.
Planting of trees on major streets...
Shrubs would be more appropriate for maintenance and R/W needs.
It's a waste of taxpaper money. Let the homeowner pay for his own trees.
Lawn and Yard Care...
We have utilized the services of Tom Schuster from the city, very helpful!
If my two neighbors would put down sod, I wouldn't have to fertilize or use weed killer.
But their weeds have overrun my yard.
We need trees in Eagan. New homeowners should have to plant at least two trees.*
How can the city wipe out areas of highly wooded trees for development and not
replant or have the developer replant? This is an absolute shame.
Additional Comments...
We are very concerned about the pond behind us. It has grown over with algae. We
use Ringer's, however most of our circle uses lawn professionals.
We built here before it was Eagan, and we are proud to say we live in this area,
because of the quality of life here.
We must preserve and protect our water areas with quality management.
I understand that Eagan requires city permission to remove trees from one's property.
While I understand the desire and the importance to retain trees, I do not believe the
government has the right to tell property owners what to do with their own property.
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Environmental Quality Survey Water and Urban Forestry Written Comments
We feel that mandatory composting should be free to the community. We realize this
costs money, but it may be better to absorb the cost in taxes so that certain people
wouldn't decide to save on money by secretly disposing their waste in the woods.
This would help the environment. Perhaps charge only to residents who do not live in
Eagan, and require resident ID.
Pay attention to a builder or developers unnatural grading of a lot, i.e., making a flat lot
into a daylight or walkout lot causing unnatural water flow and retention problems. If
there is no water shortage, we should be able to water lawns, etc., when we need to.
Keep up the good work in maintaining all the parks.
It would be nice to have a place to dispose of dead and diseased trees over six in
diameter, such as the old site on coachman road. Many of the treated landscaped
timbers that were installed 10 - 15 years ago are deteriorated to the point where they
must be replaced. Finding a place to dispose of them is almost impossible.
Information on disposing of such timbers is badly needed.
Lets set up Park citizen police aids (deputies) to help watch parks. We could divide
the work load in our area. Kids hang around and cause damage and should be
controlled. We need a badge and ID card to make it work. I believe Eagan has the
best park program I have ever seen. Keep up the good work.
The pond behind our home is slowly being filled in with sand from drain runoff. There
are no longer any fish in the pond. Later in the year it does become quite full of
algae. We are concerned about the life of our pond.
Remember overhead utility lines when planting trees. Contact electric utilities for the
approved list of trees to be planted near overhead lines.
I lived in Apple Valley from 1979 to 1983 and moved to Seattle and Memphis. From
1983 to March of 1919. I an now a proud resident of Eagan. It's good to be back in
a state and city where people will put time and money into the environment around
them for future generations. They try to think long term not short term. The worst
things that I saw in other states was uncontrolled growth and the unwillingness of its
people to pay for the long term qualities of life like the environment, education, law
enforcement, road systems, etc. I wish they were free, but there not.
2
Environmental Quality Survey Water and Urban Forestry Written Comments
The city of Eagan should take full responsibility for boulevard plantings. there should
be a full time, city organized site for collection of household hazardous wastes
(paint,leftover pesticide, empty hazardous waste containers, oil cans) in small amounts
(less than a gallon) should be free, else these things get dumped. Eagan should be
prepared to accept small amounts of such things as paint stripper, fungus neutralizers
and muriatic acid. If a charge is made for collection of these types of waste most
residents will wrap them up in newspaper or other waste and hide them in the trash
pickup.
Programs to educate elementary children in the areas of recycling in our city , keeping
lakes healthy and more Arbor Month involvement with students.
It would be nice if the city council wasn't so self- serving and would listen to what the
citizens of Eagan told them. All major city issues should be put to referendum and
then let the majority rule, like a democracy should be.
I think it would be useful and encouraging to see a schedule of the planting of
boulevard trees along the streets. Also word as to when the program will begin would
be encouraging. Whose responsibility is it to dean up and maintain drainage pond ant
Cliff and Pilot Knob.
We read an excellent article in the St. Paul Pioneer Press (4/3/91) about keeping
fertilizer out of lakes. Our neighborhood is brand new and many of our neighbors are
new to the area as we are. Never having lived near or on a pond before, we were
unaware of the information presented in this article. If the city could somehow get his
information to homeowners, it would help alot. A lot of our neighbors have been
fertilizing their new sod and we hope they are aware how their treatments can effect
the neighborhood pond, even if they don't live directly on the pond.
We would like the compost area (by the police station) to be open longer in the
season. Also, if there was a section put aside in the compost area for hazardous
materials (paint,oil, pesticides,etc.) it would be easier for people to drop off and
perhaps they wouldn't be put down the sewers. Also, a solution for old tires should
be sought. We see them along roads and by the swamp areas.
Keep up the good work in our city Eagan Newsletter. It has a lot of good information.
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Environmental Quality Survey Water and Urban Forestry Written Comments
Please expand the amount of trees in the May sale. My neighbors always enter and
never get trees. The lower cost is very nice. I always enter even if I don't need the
trees, because I always can find someone who does. Please expand the varieties -
would like to see birch.
Construction sites kept cleaner. Regulations on what can be dumped outside at
construction sites (liquids,cement,etc.) Less salt on roads in winter. More flyers to
homes. Signs, Keep America Beautiful or something. Incentives for recycling.
Please require contractors when building to not remove all the trees as they have been
doing to date. Also, to properly drain developments and provide adequate storm
sewers.
I think the recycling program has been excellent. I appreciate the curbside pick -up.
We have lived in our home for nine years and have seen no improvements made in
regard to the storm sewer drainage problem, despite many efforts. We doubt we'll be
able to sell our home in the near future because of our flooded yard and wet
basement. When it rains very heavily - the water comes out of the sewer in our street.
In the fourteen years I've lived in Eagan, there has been too much destruction of
woodlands and local lakes due primarily to poor planning of growth. I think future
growth should be regulated in a manner that preserves what is left of Eagan's beauty.
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Environmental Quality Survey Water and Urban Forestry Written Comments
Dear Mayor Egan,
What I have suggested as "comments" (below) to the survey could easily be
developed into a township -wide watershed management program that would not only
assure the best quality of runoff the watershed is capable of producing, considering its
residential use,and at the same time provide a reasonable, economical,
environmentally sound and very enjoyable approach to the care and maintenance of
the watershed itself. I would certainly participate in something like this and I'm sure
many other would too, but it requires city leadership. Please consider it.
It seems to me that for the most part our residential properties are larger than
what is often needed and that most properties are often landscaped too
meticulously. I think that city policies often favor both situations. What if zoning
regulations and city policies required or at least encouraged "wild area"
vegetation on at least a certain percentage of the back part of Tots as they are
developed or later as landscaped? Not weeds but native trees, shrubs and
grasses either left undisturbed where and when possible or re- established at a
later date perhaps even with city participation (money,technical help, etc.) The
Tots in my neighborhood are much too large for actual needs. True, they
provide distance and privacy but, at lest for me, they are difficult to maintain to
decent lawn standards. In our neighborhood group of 6 -8 lots, there must be
almost an acre of open lawn with few trees scattered here and there. How nice
it would be if that area could be developed with native trees,shrubs and wild
prairie grasses and with the variety of wildlife (birds,butterflies,and bunnies) that
would be attracted there. Spring would bring the various shades of green from
different vegetation ; summer the colors of flowers; fall the gold and red of
aspen,birch and sumac; and winter the evergreens. How much nicer and with
less expense and work to have something like this to enjoy rather than a few
monotonous boulevard trees.
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