Agenda - 11-09-1999 - 1 - Laserfiche WebLink

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initial focus of the waste reduction effort was to be on mixed solid waste or what we commonly think of as garbage. The plan framework adopted by the governments included methods for reduction of mixed solid waste but not construction and demolition waste specifically. (see attachment 1 -2) Initially a lesser emphasis in the earlier phase of the solid waste plan was to be placed on reducing construction and demolition waste, a target reduction of 20% per person was set in the plan (see attachment 1 -3). The bigger reduction push for the C &D sector, was to follow complete implementation of the elements of the plan to reduce mixed solid waste. However, over the past six months, C &D issues have become more important due to the imminent closure of the C &D landfill. Therefore, the short term emphasis is now on resolving construction and demolition waste management efforts. That resolution may include a significant effort to reduce C &D. Attachment 1 -3 shows a much greater projected reduction in C &D per capita to reach the overall goal by 2006, going down from the 699 pounds per person per year to 300 pounds per person per year by 2006. One thing is clear from the table and from the nature of our waste stream consisting of one -third C &D. We will not meet our adopted goals without a reduction in construction and demolition waste landfilled. In the intervening two and a half years since the plan framework was adopted, management of C &D has clearly become more a priority due to the impending closure of the C &D area of the current landfill. Thus, the planning priorities for solid waste reduction may change in the short run to focus more on methods to reduce C &D while we also look for a more permanent solution for managing the non - recoverable C &D. As of June 30, 1999, due only in some small part to our direct efforts at reducing C &D waste, the C &D generation rate has fallen 15% to 607 pounds per person compared with the 1991 -92 base year estimated generation rate of 699 pounds per person. Table 1 b shows a considerable fluctuation in C &D per capita regardless of population in any given year. Our initial analysis has shown a closer correlation of C &D landfilled per person with weather conditions, specifically annual rainfall, than population growth. Regardless of the causes of reduction in C &D to date, we will not meet our planned C &D goal of 300 pounds per person by 2006 without a plan, a strategy and resources in getting to the reduction goals. Section 4 of this report addresses some possible strategies for moving towards our waste reduction goals in C &D. 8