SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Provide direction regarding changing the frequency of residential trash collection, from twice-a-week to once-a-week, and provide an effective date.
Body
SUMMARY:
In October 2013, the City of Clearwater converted residential recycling collection from manual collection to automated collection. This change has allowed residents to recycle more items such as cardboard, glass, and cartons. The first twelve months of the expanded residential program (October 2013 through September 2014) has seen an average monthly collection increase from 160 tons/month to 440 tons/month. As a direct result, the residential solid waste tonnage collected has decreased by 10% when compared to the prior year's amount.
The savings achieved by going to once-a-week residential trash collection has been accounted for in the Rate Study presented by Burton & Associates. The conservative annual savings estimate for once-a-week residential trash collection service is $408,000. In addition, this helps the City fulfill the State of Florida 75% recycling mandate by the year 2020.
If Council approves changing the frequency of residential trash collection, staff will bring forward an ordinance implementing the service change at a later date.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
This item will have no negative impact to the Solid Waste Fund.
USE OF RESERVE FUNDS:
N/A