TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: Peter D. Lear, CPA, CGMA, City Manager
TITLE: Utilize City property located at 5455 Pan American Boulevard (Tract D, 43rd Addition,) to develop and operate a recycling center for the transfer of recyclable material to a processor.
Recommended Action
Approval to utilize City property located at 5455 Pan American Boulevard (Tract D, 43rd Addition,) to develop and operate a recycling center for the transfer of recyclable material to a processor.
Background Information
The City of North Port Solid Waste District has utilized the Sarasota County Jackson Road Transfer Station in Venice, Florida, for the past 20 years. During this time, the processor, Resource Recovery Systems, LLC also known as Republic Services, has managed all the transfer, processing and marketing of the collected recycling material within the City.
In February 2013, China implemented a program known as “Operation Green Fence” which was an aggressive inspection effort aimed at curtailing the amount of contaminated recyclables and waste that was being sent to China. As such, China imposed very strict contamination laws and will no longer accept poorly sorted or dirty shipments of recyclable material from foreign export. Recycling revenue throughout the world has decreased, causing processing fees to increase with no market share. It is estimated that more than 800,000 tons of recyclables have been rejected by China since February 2018. In the United States, this has resulted in recycling becoming a waste with single stream recycling (all in one container). Unfortunately, the perception among many people throughout the United States is that everything is recyclable.
Single stream recycling has not aided the recycling market due to high contamination rates. It has, however, made recycling easier for the resident, but more difficult for the processor and marketing brokers throughout the world to sell the material. Single stream recycling has resulted in the following financial impacts:
Ø Recycling processing fees will increase from an average of $5 per ton to $177.28 per ton.
Ø Contaminated recyclables will be assessed $177.28 per ton plus an additional fee of $93 per ton. Also, contaminated recyclables will be required to be deposited in the landfill.
Many municipalities and counties throughout the State of Florida are changing their collection methods of recyclables from dual stream to single stream. However, the City of North Port made a sizable investment to improve our Recycling Program two years ago. The implementation of this new Recycling Program has resulted in an increase of collected recyclables without an increase in our contamination rate. In addition, the Solid Waste Division Manager and Customer Service Outreach Manager have diligently continued to provide public education to the residents and commercial customers about the new Recycling Program. As such, the Solid Waste Division is proposing to retain the dual stream collection of recyclables for the City’s residents and commercial customers. Accordingly, in order to achieve the dual stream collection of recyclables within the City it will be necessary to develop and operate a Recycling Center. Staff is proposing to utilize City property located at 5455 Pan American Boulevard (Tract D, 43rd Addition) for the Recycling Center. Currently, an existing building previously utilized for the City’s Fleet Management Mechanics’ bays will be utilized for the storage of cardboard and paper. A new fabric shelter building will be constructed on the property for the storage of commingle material (glass, plastic and cans). The goal is to keep the quality of the material superior and reduce contamination. The cost of this center is estimated at $171,140.
Strategic Plan
Financially Responsible City Providing Quality Municipal Services
Environment and Natural Resources
Financial Impact
Not applicable.
Procurement
Not applicable.
Attachments:
1. Aerial of City Property (Tract D, 43rd Addition, 5455 Pan American Boulevard)
2. PowerPoint Presentation
Prepared by: Frank Lama, Solid Waste Manager
Department Director: Juliana B. Bellia