Memo Solid Waste Management Update
CITY OF HOPKINS
MEMORANDUM
DATE: May 1, 1993
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Lee Gustafson, Public Works Director
SUBJECT: SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT UPDATE
PURPOSE:
This discussion on our solid waste management program is prompted
by a new requirement in the Waste Management Act which takes
effect January 1, 1994 (see outline in section titled Legislation
Requirements). Because of this, staff is reviewing minor changes
to our refuse, brush and yard waste operations taking into
account that this may commit us, long-term, to municipal refuse
collection.
It is staff's intent to complete a financial review of the Refuse
Utility factoring in the fOllowing outlined changes. After this
review a survey of Hopkins residents is proposed in an effort to
determine the disposal needs of our residents. In addition to
determining disposal needs of residents, we will be asking
questions about different brush and yard waste disposal options.
DETAILED BACKGROUND:
Our current system of refuse, yard waste, bulk pick up, bulk drop
off, and brush pick up, currently does not incorporate a variable
rate fee structure nor does it show residents the true costs of
disposal. The following information we have provided will
outline some ideas staff has been reviewing for possible
implementation in 1994. As part of the review, staff is
proposing to have a survey completed addressing these different
refuse options. Staff is very aware that in making these changes
we are making a long term commitment of at least 4-5 years to
municipal refuse collection.
Because of new legislation a domino effect will take place with
regard to refuse collection equipment. The following information
outlines minor changes staff is considering because of this new
legislation. Some changes will be mandatory others simply ways
to streamline our programs using current available equipment.
.
May 1, 1993
Page 2
Leqislation requir ments
Volume based pricing: The Waste Management Act, section
115A.9301 requires that a local government unit that collects
charges for solid waste shall implement charges that increase
with the volume or weight. It further requires that if local
government implements a pricing system based on volume, it must
establish a base unit size for an average small quantity
household generator and establish a multiple unit pricing system
for amounts of waste in excess of the base unit amount. The
penalties imposed for failure to implement this section can be
severe, up to $10,000 per day (see attachment 1 & 2). It is
because of this legislation that we intend to survey our
residents and establish this base unit size.
Visible costs: section 115A.945 of the Waste Management Act
requires any political subdivision that provides or pays for the
costs of collection or disposal of solid waste shall make the
prorated share of those costs for each solid waste generator
visible and obvious to the generator. Brush and yard waste fall
into the definition of Solid Waste (see attachment 3 & 4).
REFUSE
Purchase new refuse vehicle
.
Because our current refuse equipment is fully automated, it is
unable to accommodate collection of different size containers on
the same route without switching arms. This fact, and the fact
that volume based pricing is mandated, requires that we purchase
new equipment. The estimated cost for this equipment is $120,000
for one new truck and $20,000 to retrofit one of the old trucks
for use as a back up.
Purchase new containers or container inserts
We have been evaluating two different container options;
purchasing new smaller containers for smaller generators (30 & 60
gallon) or retrofitting an' insert for the current 90 gallon
containers. The cost for this will vary with the option chosen
but should not exceed $110,000. Staff, is leaning towards the
purchase of smaller containers due to the fact that they are
easier for people to handle, take up less space, and would allow
for the current 90 gallon containers to be used for yard waste
collection.
May 1, 1993
Page 3
YARD WASTE
Ada~t current 90 qallon container for use with yard waste
If new containers are purchased, staff is considering an option
of offering a special yard waste service using the 90 gallon
containers. This service would offer weekly yard waste
collection in the 90 gallon container at a cost of $40-$50 per
year. A free drop off would be available to all other residents
who choose not to use this service and Spring and Fall leaf pick
up would continue to be done as we do now. This method will
decrease the amount of bags purchased by residents, use less
labor, less workers compo exposure, and decrease equipment hours
by going to 1 day per week collection (currently 4 days).
BRUSH
Initiate a charqe for brush Dick up
Due to the increasing man and equipment hours spent on brush pick
up, staff is proposing to attach a user fee to this service.
Along with a $15.00 per pile (not to exceed 5'x 10'x 5'), a free
drop off would be available. The main reasons prompting this
decision is to show residents that their is a cost associated
wi th this' collection and to reduce the number of stops we are
currently experiencing. Currently the cost is hidden in the
refuse rate and general fund, as we review offering a 30 gallon
rate (at perhaps a reduced cost), those residents choosing this
size must realize that brush and yard waste disposal will be an
additional charge. If we continue as we do now we would not be
complying with the law by increasing cost with greater volume and
showing visible costs. By attaching a user fee to this service
it will also encourage residents who desire this service to
combine brush piles thereby reducing the number of stops. It is
the multiple stops for small piles that takes so much time and
increases costs.
BULK DROP OFF
No changes are being proposed for this service. However, Council
should be made aware that this program is being subsidized by the
refuse utility. Even though we offer this as a city-wide service
(apartments, businesses) the monthly refuse fee pays for this
program. Here again the generators do not see the costs
associated with this program.
BULK ITEM PICK UP
No changes are being proposed for this service. However, Council
should be made aware that the user fee attached to this program
only partially pays its costs. Therefore those who use this
service are getting it partially paid for by others who pay their
refuse bill but mayor may not use the service.
May 1, 1993
Page 4
SUMMARY
Most of these outlined changes are being prompted by legislation.
The intent of the legislation is to encourage people to reduce
the amount of waste produced and manage what they do produce in
the most environmentally conscious manner. By showing the true
costs of disposal of all solid waste legislators feel citizens
will make stronger efforts to reduce those costs and reduce waste
along with it.
As you can see on the attached memo dated March 12, 1993
(attachment 5), Hopkins did manage to reduce the waste we
collected from 1989 through 1991. It is now rising again as was
predicted. We will not solve our disposal crisis until we make
efforts to reduce the amount we produce. The problem with volume
based pricing and visible costs is people do see how expensive
waste disposal is, but instead of reducing they opt for a cheaper
service and toss excess refuse into commercial dumpsters,
ditches, vacant land, parks, etc.
The financial review of our solid waste program will allow staff
to determine if the city can competitively provide a volume based
refuse collection in accordance with State Statutes. The review
will also take into account the proposed changes to yard waste
and brush pick up previously mentioned. If it is determined that
the ci ty can provide a competi ti ve refuse service, staff is
intending to survey the residents (see attachment 6) in order to
fine tune our financial review of the volume based refuse
collection. This will allow us to gather reaction to possible
yard waste and brush pick up changes. Finally, if the financial
analysis and resident survey indicate that the city should stay
in the refuse business, staff would be preparing an action plan
for Council's consideration that would set out the necessary
steps to comply with the new legislation.
115A.93
ATIRCWf}?{NT
I
county shall directly require and issue the licenses. ' No person may collect mixed municipal
solid waste after January 1, 1993, without a license.
HIST: ISp1989 c 1 art 20 s 8; 1991 c 337 s 42,43; 1992 c 593 s 25,26
NOTE: Subdivision 3a is effective January 1, 1994.
.::,
115A.9301 SOLID WASTE COLLECTION; VOLUME- OR WEIGHT-BASED
PRICING.
Subdivision 1. Requirement. A local government unit that collects charges for solid
waste collection directly from waste generators shall implement charges that increase as the
volume or weight of the waste collected on-site from each generator's residence or place of
business increases.
Subd. 2. Volume requirement. If a local government unit implements a pricing system
based on volume instead of weight under subdivision 1. it shall determine a base unit size for
an average small quantity household generator and establish a multiple unit pricing system"
that ensures that amounts of waste generated in excess of the base unit amount are priced
higher than the base unit price.
HIST: 1992 c 593 s 27
NOTE: _ Subdivision 1 is effective January 1, 1993. _ Subdivision 2 is effective January 1, 1994.
"
92
Il rr /tC H t11tNT' Z
115.067
the person proposing to construct or operate the depository demonstrates that the depository
cannot reasonably be expected to cause the pollution of potable water.
HIST: 1986 c 425 s 8
_!!~.071.,j:~F:Q~~j:AfENT,,-
Subdivision 1. Remedies available. The provisions of sections 103F. 70 1 to 103F. 761,
chapters 115 and 116 and all rules, standards, orders, stipulation agreements, schedules of
compliance, and permits adopted or issued by the agency thereunder or under any other law
now in force or hereafter enacted for the prevention~ control, or abatement of pollution may
be enforced by anyone or any combination of the following: criminal prosecution; action to
recover civil penalties; injunction; action to compel performance; or other appropriate action,
in accordance with the provisions of said chapters and this section.
Subd. 2. Criminal penalties. (a) Violations of laws; orders; permits. Except as
provided in section 609.671, any person who willfully or negligently violates any provision
of this chapter or chapter 116, or any standard, rule, variance, order, stipulation agreement,
schedule of compliance or permit issued or adopted by the agency thereunder shall upon
conviction be guilty of a misdemeanor.
(b) Duty of law enforcement officials. It shall be the duty of all county attorneys, sheriffs
and other peace officers, and other officers having authority in the enforcement of the
general criminal laws to take all action to the extent of their authority, respectively, that may
be necessary or proper for the enforcement of said provisions, rules, standards, orders,
stipulation agreements, variances, schedule of compliance, or permits.
Subd. 2a. Repealed, 1987 c 267 s 5
Subd. 2b. Repealed, 1987 c 267 s 5
j. ,Subd.~. Civ}l penalties. Any person who violates any provision of this chapter or
- chapter 116, exc'ept anY-provisions of chapter 116 relating to air and land 'pollution caused by
agricultural operations which do not involve National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
permits, or of (1) any effluent standards and limitations or water quality standards, (2) any
permit or term or condition thereof, (3) any National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
filing requirements, (4) any duty to permit or carry out inspection, entry or monitoring
activities, or (5) any rules, stipulation agreements, variances, schedules of compliance, or
orders issued by the agency, shall forfeit and pay to the state a penalty, .,in an...."amR.H!1t,12..!?!
~~tenllined ex tbt( ~w:t, of .~,gt,}l}ore t~an.~~lOlOOO ~e+ sJ~,.9t~igl.~.!i2!L.except that if the
violation relates to hazardous waste the person shall forfeit and pay to the state a penalty, in
an amount to be determined by the court, of not more than $25,000 per day of violation.
In addition, in the discretion of the court, the defendant may. be required to:
. (a) forfeit and pay to the state a sum which will adequately compensate the state for the
reasonable value of cleanup and other expenses directly resulting from unauthorized
discharge of pollutants, whether or not accidental;
. (b) forfeit and pay to the state an additional sum to constitute just compensation for any
loss or destruction to wildlife, fish or other aquatic life and for other actual damages to the
state caused by an unauthorized discharge of pollutants.
As a defense to any of said damages, the defendan-t may prove that the violation was
caused solely by (1) an act of God, (2) an act of war, (3). negligence on the part of the state
of Minnesota, or (4) an act or failure to act which constitutes sabotage or vandalism, or any
combination of the foregoing clauses.
The civil penalties and damages provided for in this subdivision may be recovered by a
civil action brought by the attorney general in the name of the state.
114
flTT!J(fltntlVT 3
116.06
Snbd. 10. "Solid waste" means garbage, refuse, sludge from a water supply treatment
--
plant or air contaminant treatment facility, and other discarded waste materials and sludges,
in solid, semisolid, liquid, or contained gaseous form, resulting from industrial, commercial,
mining, and agricultural operations, and from community activities, but does not include
hazardous waste; animal waste used as fertilizer; earthen fill, boulders, rock; sewage sludge;
solid or dissolved material in domestic sewage or other common pollutants in water resourc-
es, such as silt, dissolved or suspended solids in industrial waste water effluents or discharg-
es which are point sources subject to permits under section 402 of the federal Water
Pollution Control Act, as amended, dissolved materials in irrigation return flows; or source,
special nuclear, or by-product material as defined by The Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as .
amended.
Subd. 11. "Noise" means any sound not occurring in the natural environment, including,
but not limited to, sounds emanating from aircraft and highways, and industrial, commercial,
and residential sources.
Subd. 12. "Noise pollution" means the presence in the outdoor atmosphere of any noise
or combination of noises in such quantity, at such levels, of such nature and duration or
under such conditions as could potentially be injurious to human health or welfare, to animal
or plant life, or to property, or could interfere unreasonably with the enjoyment of life or
property.
Subd. 13. "Hazardous waste" means any refuse, sludge, or other waste material or
combinations of refuse, sludge or other waste materials in solid, semisolid, liquid, or
contained gaseous form which because of its quantity, concentration, or chemical, physical,
or infectious characteristics may (a) cause or significantly contribute to an increase in
mortality or an increase in serious irreversible, or incapacitating reversible illness; or (b)
pose a substantial present. or potential hazard to human health or the environment when
improperly treated, stored, transported, or disposed of, or otherwise managed. Categories of
hazardous waste materials include, but are not limited to: explosives, flammables, oxidizers,
poisons, irritants, and corrosives. Hazardous waste does not include source, special nuclear,
or by-product material as defined by the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended.
Subd. 14. "Deputy commissioner" means the deputy commissioner of the Minnesota
pollution control agency.
Subd. 15. "Assistant commissioner" means the assistant commissioner of the Minnesota
pollution control agency.
HIST: 1967 c 882 s 6; 1969 c 1046 s 3,4; 1971 c 727 s 1,2; 1973 c 35 s 29; 1974 c 346 s 1; 1974 c 483 s 3,4;
1980 c 564 art 11 s 1-4; ISp1981 c 4 art 1 s 74; 1983 c 373 s 42,43; 1987 c 186 s 15
-?
116.07 POWERS AND DUTIES.
Subdivision 1. Generally. In addition to any powers or duties otherwise prescribed by
law and without limiting the same, the pollution control agency shall have the powers and
duties hereinafter specified.
Subd. 2. Adoption of standards. The pollution control agency shall improve air quality
by promoting, in the most practicable way possible, the use of energy sources and waste
disposal methods which produce or emit the least air contaminants consistent with the
agency's overall goal of reducing all forms of pollution. The agency shall also adopt
standards of air quality, including maximum allowable standards of emission of air contami- /
nants from motor vehicles, recognizing that due to variable factors, no single standard of
purity of air is applicable to all areas of the state. In adopting standards the pollution control
agency shall give due recognition to the fact that the quantity or characteristics of air
162
A T7RC fI mtNT Jf
MANDATORY COLLECTION
115A.941 SOLID WASTE; REQUIRED COLLECTION.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), each city and town with a population of 5,000 or
more shall ensure that every residential household and business in the city or town has solid
waste collection service. To comply with this section, a city or town may organize collec-
tion, provide collection, or require by ordinance that every household and business has a
contract for collection services. An ordinance adopted under this section must provide for
enforcement. . .
(b) A city or town with a population of 5,000 or more may exempt a residential household
or business in the city or town from the requirement tg..have solid waste collection service if
the household or business ensures that an environmentally sound alternative is used.
(c) To the extent practicable, the costs incurred by a city or town under this section must
be incorporated into the collection system or the enforcement mechanisms adopted under this
section by the city or town.
HIST: 1991 c 337 s 47
VISffiLE COSTS
....,
115A.945 VISffiLE SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT COSTS.
Any political subdivision that provides or pays for the costs of collection or disposal of
solid waste shall, through a billing or other system, make the prorated share of those costs
for each solid waste generator visible and obvious to the generator.
HIST: lSp1989 c 1 art 20 s 9
RECYCLABLE MATERIALS PROHffiITION-
115A.95 RECYCLABLE MATERIALS.
A resource recovery facility that is composting waste, burning waste, or converting waste
to energy or to materials for combustion, and is owned or operated by a public agency or
supported by public funds or by obligations issued by a public agency, may not accept
recyclable materials except for transfer to a recycler, unless no other person is willing to
accept the recyclable materials.
HIST: 1985 c 274 s 13; 1987 c 348 s 28
'-'"
96
111TIlC.1I
~NT 5
CITY OF HOPKINS
MEMORANDUM
DATE: March 12, 1993
TO: Lee Gustafson, Public Works Director
FROM: Kathy Max, Recycling Coordinator
SUBJECT: Refuse tonnages & costs
Jan-June tons
July-Dec tons
Year end tons
Tons difference
Jan-June cost
July-Dec cost
Year end cost
Yard Waste
*Recycling
Quarterlyj
Drop off tons
Quarterlyj
Drop off cost
1988 1989
1610 1607
1842 1655
3452 3262
NjA -190
62,274 72,507
63,163 119,429
125,435 191,933
470 558
Spring
Clean-up
400**
Quar +
Drop off
348
1990 1991 1992
1438 1268 1416
1414 1412 1367
2852 2680 2783
-410 -172 +103
129,336 113,409 128,478
126,382 127,799 118,471
255,718 241,208 246,949
480 536 690
604 671 1437
Quar + Drop off Drop off
Drop off Only Only
351 145 119
52,875 19,481 16,662
Tip fees gradually increased in 1988-1989 and took a larger jump in 1990 to
$90jton. In 1991 the tip fee at EPR increased to $91jton. In 1992 and
1993 some waste was hauled to the transfer station for disposal at $95jton.
It is interesting to note that the highest decrease in tons collected was
in 1990 when the tip fee increased, our program expanded with bins, and the
yard waste ban went into effect. The decrease in yard wastejgrass
collected was most likely due to the drought. 1992 shows an increase in
refuse tons collected showing that even though tonnage of recycling is
increasing so is the amount of waste produced. This is not to say that
waste reductionjrecycling is not' occurring, it just isn't occuring fast
enough to keep up with waste production.
* These figures include multi-family recycling tonnage, as well as
residential, so we cannot assume this figure depicts a reduction in city
refuse hauled. Only a portion of it would have been hauled by the city
refuse crew.
** This figure includes some yard waste, logs, and major appliances as it
was legal to mix these items together at this time. It is difficult to
compare 1988 to the other years as methods and regulations differed
greatly.
16,720
28,460
,tt\\AtW MeHT "
1993 RESIDENTIAL REFUSE RECYCLING SURVEY
The City of Hopkins is reviewing refuse service options. Please complete the
following questionaire and return it by June 15, 1993. You may mail it back,
bring it to city Hall or Public Works, or include it with your Utility Bill.
.his information is very important to our evaluation of the current services.
2lease be sure to complete and return this form.
Thank you.
Do you Rent or Own?
(circle one)
Last Name
First Name
Street Address
1)
How many refuse containers do you currently have?
1 2 3 4
(circle one)
2) Would you request a smaller refuse container if they were made available
at a lower rate than the 90 gallon container rate? YES NO
(circle one)
3) If YES, what size would accomodate your refuse disposal needs?
less than 20 gallons 30 gallons ___ 60 gallons (check one)
4)
Do you recycle? YES
NO (circle one)
5) What materials? (check the ones listed below that you recycle)
Aluminum Cans
Magazines
Cardboard
Others (please list)
Tin/Steel Cans
Mixed Paper
Glass
Plastic bottles
Newspaper
6)
Do you use the city's brush pick up service?
YES NO
(circle one)
7) Do you use the city's yard waste pick up service? YES NO
(circle one)
8)
If the city started charging $10 - $15 per
per bag for yard waste, but also offered a
you: A. Pay for the service B.
or C. Use a combination of both ?
stop for Brush pick up and $1
free drop off location, would
Use the free drop off
9) If a 90 gallon container were offered for disposal of grass clippings
from May through September at a cost of $50 per season (spring and Fall
leaf pick up would continue as it is now at no cost) would you use this
service? YES NO (circle one)
10) Do you use any of the processed compost or wood chips made available
from the Brush and Yard Waste services? YES NO (circle one)
.2)
11) Do you use the Thursday, Bulk pick Up service that is offered for $15.00
per bulk item? YES NO (circle one)
Do you use the Free Bulk Drop off service offered in the Spring and
Fall? YES NO (circle one)
If you have any questions or need assistance to complete this form, please
call Public Works at 939-1382.
.
.
PLEASE LIST ANY COMMENTS YOU MAY HAVE BELOW:
Thank you for your prompt attention to this report. If you need
assistance or have any questions regarding this requirement,
please call Kathy Max, Recycling Coordinator at 939-1382.
To mail this back,
address is showing.
fold along dotted line making sure the City
Tape or staple.
Hopkins Public Works
1601 2nd Street South
Hopkins, MN 55343
Place
postage
Here
RECYCLING OFFICE
HOPKINS PUBLIC WORKS
1601 2ND STREET SOUTH
HOPKINS, MN 55343