Title
Initial Discussion: Addressing trash collection in swales: issues and options.
Body
Throughout the years, and most recently over the past few months, the City Commission has discussed a range of issues associated with the aesthetics and condition of swales in the public right-of-way, including the trash collection service that currently takes place in those areas. The use and misuse of the trash service in parkway swales increasingly is becoming a quality of life issue for residents, and in some cases conflicts with community efforts to preserve and enhance the beauty of our City. This report will outline the City’s current trash service regulations and guidelines, and propose for Commission consideration both short and longer term options for how we manage, collect, and dispose of trash in the community.
Current Trash Collection Service
The City offers weekly collection of up to one cubic yard of combined trash (i.e. clean yard waste and household refuse such as small furniture) in the parkway immediately next to the property; household refuse can only be placed after 6 pm before schedule pick-up day (Sec. 54-153 City Code). Yard cuttings and clippings may be placed in parkway swales anytime throughout the week. If the trash size exceeds the size limitation, the trash is still picked up but the resident is charged for the oversized pick-up by the Public Works Department.
Discussion and Options for Consideration
In pursuit of goals for improving the appearance of our community, and the operational efficiency of our trash collection service, the following actions that can be developed in the short term are provided for City Commission discussion and consideration:
• Develop a public involvement process for soliciting feedback concerning potential service changes;
• Draft potential ordinance amendments to the City Code;
o Prohibit the placement of garbage, pet waste or recyclables in the trash pits.
o Prohibit the placement of yard waste cut by landscape companies on parkway swales.
o Require landscape companies to register with the city and to have visible evidence of registration in company vehicles.
o Require placement of yard waste by residents no sooner than 24 hours prior to the scheduled collection day.
• Implement pilot projects in several neighborhoods with the following objectives;
o Evaluate the service impact of reduced trash collection frequency - modeled on programs currently in place in surrounding communities.
o Evaluate the impact of operational changes related to on-demand service, routing, and waste disposal.
• Propose strategies and related funding requests through the upcoming budget process for trash and household recyclables diversion.
Given that trash represents approximately 75% of the total annual tonnage generated by residents, more in-depth research and business analysis is required over the longer term in the following areas:
• Diversion - Pursuing diversion strategies including waste-to-energy and green organics to compost will be important as we work toward our goal to meet 60% of the State’s 75% waste reduction goal by 2019. Partners and stakeholders in this effort will include the University of Miami, Miami-Dade County, the private sector, and other cities in the region.
• Elimination of trash pits - If the ordinance amendments outlined above are adopted, and as residents become aware of and are willing to utilize alternative disposal options for bulky items - e.g. Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity, self-haul to transfer station - staff will provide the City Commission with the data and feedback it needs in order to have this important policy discussion.
Staff will have a brief PowerPoint presentation for the April 26th meeting of the City Commission and be available to answer questions and receive Commission input and direction.