TIC 2017-05-23 Item 2G - Discussion - Universal Garbage Collection

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City of Tukwila Allan Ekberg, Mayor INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM TO: Transportation & Infrastructure Committee FROM: Laurel Humphrey, Council Analyst CC: Mayor Ekberg DATE: May 19, 2017 SUBJECT: Universal Garbage Collection ISSUE At the March 20, 2017 Regular Meeting, Council President Robertson requested and received Council consensus to add a discussion on universal garbage collection to an upcoming Council Committee agenda. DISCUSSION The City of Tukwila currently contracts with Waste Management for solid waste, recyclables and compostables collection services through 2019. The original contract included a provision that would have given residential customers a discount if the city were to implement a compulsory /universal collection law, but this provision expired in 2015. While the majority of single family residences in Tukwila subscribe to collection services, around 25% of residents do not. Most of these households self -haul to the Bow Lake Transfer Station. There is an even smaller minority of residents that allow garbage and waste to accumulate on their property, and this can make a big impact to a neighborhood's appearance and safety. The City's Code Enforcement division has for many years advocated for residential universal garbage service as a means to reduce nuisance code violations related to trash, debris, and pest violations. The City Council last addressed the issue of universal garbage collection in 2012, 2013, and 2014. A public hearing was held on April 23, 2012 where twelve of thirteen responding residents expressed opposition. The Utilities Committee discussed it again on November 18, 2013 and directed staff to return in 2014 with information on public engagement options. The Utilities Committee addressed it next on March 17, 2014 and received comments in opposition from two households. At that meeting the Committee declined to pursue it further and stated that the Council may wish to revisit in the future. DISCUSSION Staff is seeking Committee direction on next steps and determining if there is interest in dedicating staff resources to this in 2017. Another option is that the contract with Waste Management will be up for renewal in 2019 which will provide an opportunity for the Council to revisit the issue and for the City to gather public input to inform the contract negotiation process. ATTACHMENTS 11/18/13 Utilities Committee Minutes 3/17/14 Utilities Committee Minutes 113