Agenda - 10-18-2005-9e - Laserfiche WebLink

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1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: October 18, 2005 Action Agenda Item No. `~.e,- SUBJECT: Policy on Salvage/Scavenging of Items at Solid Waste Convenience Centers DEPARTMENT: Public Works/Solid Waste PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Draft Policy Wilbert McAdoo, 245-2627 09/08/05 SWAB Resolution Terry Edmonson, 245-2637 Gayle Wilson, 968-2885 PURPOSE: To consider approval of a proposed policy governing the removal of items from salvage sheds and from bulk disposal sections of Orange County's Solid Waste Convenience Centers (SWCCs). BACKGROUND: Since the opening of staffed solid waste convenience centers in October 1993, Sanitation Division staff have tried to observe certain practices governing what items may be removed, and under what circumstances, from different parts of each convenience center. There has been confusion at times regarding what, and how, the public may and may not salvage from convenience centers. The accompanying proposed policy attempts to strike an appropriate balance among the desirability to recycle/reuse as many materials as possible, the promotion of efficient operations, and safety far both citizens and employees. The Solid Waste Advisory Board (SWAB) recommended the adoption of this policy at its meeting on September 8, 2005. Specific issues which the proposed policy would address include, among others: • maintaining and promoting environmental responsibility and personal safety of SWCC users and employees • minimizing inappropriate loitering which can interfere with customer access to containers, impede customer or service vehicle traffic flow, or limit user parking • providing clarity and consistency of standards for site attendants to explain to users at SWCCs throughout Orange County • maximizing and preserving the market value of recyclable materials, which contribute to the revenue stream that funds recycling service delivery and educational outreach • prevent the disassembly, breakup, or other fragmentation of any material or item that would render the material more difficult to collect, store, ship, or market. Since the implementation of roll-off containers at four of the solid waste convenience centers, Highway 57, Eubanks Road, Ferguson Road and High Rock Road), the volume of scavenging has decreased. This has promoted a positive impact on congestion and safety concerns at these centers, especially on weekends. Implementation of this policy will further these improvements.