02/21/1997 - Minutes 0
City of Tigard, Oregon
Solid Waste Efficiencies Task Force
Minutes of February 21, 1997 meeting
Members present: Mike Leichner, Bob Rohlf, John Cook, Steve Bried, Buck Westfall.
Staff present: Loreen Mills, Wayne Lowry
Loreen explained again that she has not been able to recruit a commercial member to the
committee. The group discussed proceeding without the fifth member but that efforts should
continue to try and find one. Bob would mention to the Mayor and Council.
The committee reviewed and approved the minutes from the previous two meetings. Steve asked
several questions related to the last meeting. Loreen will assemble a list of duplications between
the City and Metro.
The committee began to discuss the Haulers suggestions for efficiency. Bob explained to Steve
that the original scope of the committee was the hauler suggestions but the scope was broadened
to include regional issues and Metro.
The first suggestion discussed was the commingling of recyclables at the curb by the generator
and the possible variation in the pick up of those materials. Mike leichner explained that
customers could be given a second roll cart. They would be allowed to place glass, tin,
cardboard and plastic in it. This would encourage more recycling because the need to separate
the material would be eliminated. Efficiency would be gained by the automated pick up of the
material either weekly or every other week. Separation would be done at the haulers MRF or at a
third party facility.
Portland charges $4.60/mo. for weekly recycling pick up. Tigard charges $4.70/mo. for the
same service. Mike felt that half of this cost could be saved if automation was used in pick up.
Loreen mentioned that ORS requires source separation and on route collection each week for
residential. Commercial and Multifamily at least 4 materials.
Mike mentioned that Eugene has been looking at this idea and are moving in this direction.
Savings would result from lower capital costs in the long run because the same equipment could
be used for garbage and recycling, automation would result in savings of labor costs and
overhead, and customers would be better served because of the reduction in the preparation and
separation of materials. It was also mentioned that this would cut down on the amount of
improperly prepared items left at the curb.
The committee discussed yard debris in Tigard and the applicable exemptions.
John Cook left at 9:OOam.
After much discussion, Steve agreed to meet with the haulers to determine which options related
to frequency of pick up, which items can be commingled and the size and shape of carts should
be subjected to further financial analysis. Once the committee has agreed on the alternatives,
Wayne and Loreen will contact HLA and pursue an analysis of the alternatives.
The idea of getting a grant from Metro could be secured to help pay for any transition costs. It
was also brought up that maybe the City could provide the capital costs for this change to be paid
back through the rates over time. It was also discussed that staff should discuss this concept with
Metro and the County to test any resistance that may rise in the future.
The next meeting is schedule for Friday, March 7, 1997. The committee will follow up on the
commingling issue and take a look at the rest of the haulers suggestions.
March 21, 1997 meeting. The committee will return to the regional issues in an attempt to focus
on those issues where Tigard could have some influence.
Bob would like to look also at Hauler administrative issues and processes including billing and
customer service items.
Steve explained that he would like to get agendas out a week before the meeting with agenda
items and approximate times. All members should plan to discuss the items and prepare ahead of
time to facilitate the discussion.
Mike discussed the virtues of garbage hauling as a family business.
Meeting adjourned at 9:30am.