Integrated Resources & Solid Waste Management Plan Update - Dec 2009

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4.0 RECYCLING, BIOCONVERSION, AND MARKETS 4.5.5 Source Separation Ordinance (Mandatory Recycling) and/or Disposal Bans with Differential Tip Fees A growing number of local governments are adopting policies and legislation that prohibit disposal of recyclable products and /or mandate source separation and /or recycling of those materials. For example, in January 2006, the City of Seattle, Washington, began enforcing a policy that all waste generators recycle. As a result of this policy, residents can lose pickup services temporarily if their garbage contains more than 10- percent recyclable materials. Once recycling opportunities for select materials are in place, some policies the County could consider include the following: • Require residents and businesses to participate in recycling and composting programs. An ordinance could be developed that either requires residents and businesses to source - separate recyclables, or bans the combination of designated recyclable or compostable materials with the garbage. • Ban readily - recyclable and reusable materials and products from landfills and /or any future energy from waste facility. Ban single -use disposable products from public events and festivals and as many other places as possible. A good discussion of mandatory recycling policies recently prepared by Portland Metro (Oregon) 12 included the following lessons learned from communities that have implemented such policies: • Required recycling programs have the potential to divert a significant portion of the waste stream and help communities meet recovery goals. • Education and technical assistance are key factors to the implementation of mandatory recycling requirements. Virtually all of the program managers stressed the importance of education as a key element to a successful program. • Using a cooperative approach with haulers, business owners, and community organizations can build program support for required recycling and influence participation. • Strong commodity markets ultimately determine what is recyclable and influence participation. It is not practical to mandate materials recycling unless the markets exist for the materials. Therefore, any program mandating recycling should only include recyclables with developed and stable markets in order to avoid having to change policies in the future. • A number of programs require the recycling of materials for which the cost of recycling is less than or equal to the costs of proper disposal at a solid waste facility. 12 Required Recycling and Incentive Program Survey, Summary of Findings. 2002. Portland Metro Regional Environmental Management Department. December 2009 4 -21