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Discussion 13 <br /> New programs planned for collection of batteries, electronics and recycling in local <br /> government buildings cannot be operated by current staff without sacrificing some <br /> existing programs. There is one exception; the portion of dry cell battery recycling at the <br /> Solid Waste Convenience Centers will be initiated in September using current staff <br /> collecting dry cell batteries deposited by citizens at the Solid Waste Convenience <br /> Centers. The planned programs offer drop-off of household batteries and computers and <br /> their peripherals at either the four solid waste convenience centers with salvage sheds or <br /> all six convenience centers and possibly the landfill during their respective operating <br /> hours. Staff projects that computer and battery recycling will utilize 60% of the new <br /> position's workload. (Attachments B and C) <br /> Future, household battery collection will be offered along with the current curbside <br /> recycling collection, but not at multifamily collection sites. While the curbside recycling <br /> contractor, Waste Industries, has agreed to, at no additional fee, collect properly bagged <br /> batteries left in the recycling bin, staff must retrieve, sort, process for shipping all <br /> collected batteries that Waste Industries deposits at an agreed on collection point. <br /> Certain operational details of the electronics collection are still being developed. The <br /> most likely scenario is collection at some or all the solid waste convenience centers and <br /> possibly at the landfill. We also plan an initial electronics collection day prior to opening <br /> the drop-off program, to take pressure off ongoing collections at the convenience centers. <br /> There may be a fee for disposal of computer monitors (cathode ray tubes/CRTs) if <br /> warranted. There is a cost to recycle them whereas many other electronic components <br /> have some net resale or salvage value. We will issue a RFP for computer recycling <br /> services if the program is authorized. <br /> The remaining 40% of the new position's workload would be devoted to collection of <br /> recyclables generated in the operations of local government buildings. Consolidating and <br /> standardizing in-house collection of recyclables among the four local governments has <br /> potential to save Orange County an estimated $42,000 over six years, including in-kind <br /> labor and materials, net of revenue from materials, compared to current costs. Bringing <br /> the collection program in-house will enable the County to add additional sites or <br /> materials relatively simply and cheaply as well as provide greater flexibility in how <br /> services are provided, e.g. when extra collections are needed. (Attachment A) <br /> Recommendation <br /> Staff recommendation is that the BOCC endorse the three programs including collection <br /> of batteries, computers and in-house recycling collection programs, including the new <br /> Recycling Materials Handler position, The projected cost of the position, already in the <br /> FY 2001-02 budget, is $37,080 including all benefits. Additional money is budgeted for <br /> supplies, containers, uniforms, safety gear and a collection vehicle. <br /> Attachments: <br /> A. Analysis of in-house program <br /> B. Analysis of battery collections program <br /> C. Analysis of computer collections <br /> 2 <br />