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ORANGE COUNTY <br />BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br />ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br />Meeting Date: June 3, 2008 <br />Action Agenda <br />Item No. ~ - p <br />SUBJECT: Receipt of Sustainability Award from Glass Packaging Institute <br />DEPARTMENT: Solid Waste Management PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No <br />ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br />Glass Packaging Institute Newsletter Article <br />Gayle Wilson 968-2885 <br />PURPOSE: To recognize the Solid Waste Department and specifically Recycling Programs <br />Manager Robert S. Taylor for receipt of the national Glass Packaging Institute's annual <br />Sustainable Practices Award for the County's commercial recycling program. <br />BACKGROUND: On May 5, Orange County received a sustainability award from the national <br />Glass Packaging Institute (GPI) as part of its annual Clear Choice Awards, mostly given to <br />manufacturers and designers of innovative glass containers. GPI formally recognized the <br />commercial recycling program that Orange County has operated since 1992. The program has <br />focused predominantly on bars and restaurants, therefore 400 of the 640 tons collected annually <br />are source-separated glass bottles and jars. The willingness of over 150 businesses to properly <br />separate materials for recycling has helped create a program that has been referred to <br />informally by GPI in the past as the "Cadillac" of commercial glass recycling programs. The <br />participating businesses are recognized through advertisements, articles, and staff <br />presentations. The program is growing due to a generally increased demand for recycling and <br />specifically due to the new State law requiring those who hold ABC permits to recycle their <br />beverage containers. <br />FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with recognizing the Solid Waste <br />Management Department's Sustainable Practices Award. <br />RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board recognize Solid Waste <br />Management staff receipt of the Sustainable Practices Award and thank the Orange County <br />businesses and residents who have shared in the commercial recycling program's success. <br />