Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution amends the City’s large item collection and electronic waste recycling ordinances with a proposed effective date of November 1, 2024. The proposed changes clarify the City’s utilization of a work order system, unauthorized disposal of large items on terraces, and electronic waste recycling policy. Under the proposed change, the City will no longer provide large item pickup for residential buildings with 8 or more units. This proposed change will reallocate one-quarter of a Streets position ($17,500) and provide an estimated savings in tipping fees ($2,500). Additionally, the proposed ordinance changes includes establishing penalties for violating the ordinance. At this time, the fiscal impact from these penalties is not possible to calculate.
Title
Approving the Large Item Collection and Electronic Waste Recycling Policy.
Body
Under RES-10-00362, Legistar File No. 17693 and the adopted Resource Recovery Special Charge Policy, RES-22-00399, Legistar File No. 71186, the Streets Division’s collection of refuse and recycling is generally restricted to multi-family buildings of 8 units and fewer, although some small commercial properties and larger residential properties are provided refuse and recycling services as well. Historically, the City of Madison’s Streets Division provided large item collection services through a combination of dedicated collection routes, a sticker program, and drop-off sites open to City residents. Due to inherent inefficiencies in that arrangement, and the updated service criteria, the Streets Division no longer operates dedicated large item collection routes and instead uses a work order system to manage its large item collection program. The Streets Division is also tasked with providing large item pick up during student moving days and in response to nuisance complaints. In order to continue to effectively provide large item collection services to its core customer base, and to ensure that non-customers are effectively managing their own waste and recycling needs, it is necessary to create and implement a large item collection policy.
In addition, State law prohibits the disposal of certain electronic waste, including televisions, computers, printers, monitors, computer accessories, video players, and cell phones. Such items must be recycled at authorized recycling sites and cannot be placed or kept on any terrace or curbside for collection by the City. The City does offer public recycling sites for this purpose, and has historically charged for this e-recycling service, when necessary, through sticker fees. In order to continue to effectively provide electronic waste recycling services, it is also necessary to create an implement an electronic waste recycling policy.
As a companion to this resolution, an ordinance update (File No. 83632) is also under consideration that would tie large item and electronic waste requirements and enforcement efforts to this policy.
WHEREAS, the Streets Division provides refuse and recycling services to City properties, consistent with enacted and adopted City ordinances, resolutions and policies. Among the services provided include large item collection and electronic waste recycling; and,
WHEREAS, over time, the City’s large item collection and electronic waste recycling programs have adapted to better meet the City’s needs; and,
WHEREAS, the Streets Division has prepared the attached Large Item Collection and Electronic Waste Recycling Policy for consideration by the Council, which policy reflects the City’s current operations.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Common Council approves the Large Item Collection and Electronic Waste Recycling Policy as prepared by the Streets Division, which policy is attached hereto.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that minor changes to this Policy may be made periodically by the Streets Superintendent, with the approval of the Board of Public Works.