HomeMy WebLinkAboutUtilities 2014-03-17 Item 2A - Mandatory Garbage CollectionCity of Tukwila
Jim Haggerton, Mayor
INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor Haggerton
Utilities Committee
FROM: Bob Giberson, PW Director
BY: Frank Iriarte, Deputy PW Director
DATE: March 14, 2014
SUBJECT: Mandatory Garbage Collection
ISSUE
Discuss public engagement considerations for mandatory garbage collection.
BACKGROUND
Per Council's direction, the Utilities Committee revisited Tukwila mandatory garbage collection during the November
18, 2013 Utilities Committee Meeting. A summary of the key points discussed during that meeting is Attachment 1.
As noted in the attached summary, only nine (9) individuals participated in the public hearing and three (3) residents
submitted written comments. In an effort to provide more community engagement opportunities for Tukwila residents,
Committee members directed staff to return to the Utilities Committee with additional information and cost estimates
for a potential survey and /or a possible advisory vote measure in the 2014 Primary or General Election.
DISCUSSION
In addition to a public hearing, conducting a survey and placing an advisory measure in the Primary or General
Election ballot are viable community engagement options that would afford more opportunities for Tukwila residents
to provide their input regarding citywide mandatory garbage collection. Cost estimates, timelines, and other
administrative considerations for both options are summarized below:
• Survey: Depending on the survey design and sample population, a telephone survey conducted by a reputable
and experienced consultant is approximately $15,000 to $20,000. Upon contract execution, the consultant
would conduct the survey and submit a formal report within 30 -45 days.
• Advisory Vote: Should the Council pursue an advisory vote on mandatory garbage collection, the measure
could be included in the 2014 Primary or General Election. According to King County Elections staff, the cost
for an advisory measure is approximately $7,800 to $11,700, plus $500 -$600 for the voter's pamphlet. These
deadlines must be followed:
W:1PW Eng1 PROJECTS \Solid Wasle\Info Memo Mandatory Garbage Collection UC 3.17.14 gl.docx
19
Primary Election
General Election
Election Date
August 5, 2014
November 4, 2014
Resolution Due
May 9, 2014
August 5, 2014
Explanatory Statement
May 13, 2014
August 8, 2014
Pro /Con Committee Appointments
May 13, 2014
August 8, 2014
Pro /Con Statements
May 19, 2014
August 14, 2014
Rebuttal Statements
May 21, 2014
August 18, 2014
W:1PW Eng1 PROJECTS \Solid Wasle\Info Memo Mandatory Garbage Collection UC 3.17.14 gl.docx
19
INFORMATIONAL MEMO
Page 2
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Currently, there is no budget for a survey or an advisory vote. The survey is estimated to cost around $15,000-
$20,000. A mandatory garbage collection measure included in the 2014 Primary or General Election would cost
approximately $8,300- $$12,300. Both options would cost approximately $23,000 - $32,200.
RECOMMENDATION
For discussion.
Attachment: Staff Report Summary wl Attachment
W: \PW Eng \PROJECTS \Solid Waste \Info Memo - Mandatory Garbage Collection Plan- UC- 3- 17- 14.doc
20
November 18, 2013 Utilities Committee Discussion Summary
BACKGROUND
On April 23, 2012, a public hearing was held to obtain feedback from Tukwila residents regarding a proposed
mandatory garbage collection program. Nine residents testified with only one in favor of implementing a
mandatory program. Additionally, three residents submitted written comments and all three opposed mandatory
collection.
After the public testimony, Council deliberated on the merits and demerits of the program and decided to defer
the mandatory garbage collection decision to a later date. Council further directed staff to return to a committee
a year after implementation of the new contract with Waste Management and revisit the subject.
DISCUSSION
The City has debated mandatory garbage collection since 1976. Undoubtedly, it is a challenging, controversial,
and emotional topic. Opponents of mandatory garbage collection cite many reasons including loss of control in
deciding how to handle their garbage disposal and the right to choose whether or not to purchase garbage
service. Proponents cite environmental, esthetic, and health benefits, including the decrease in build -up and
long -term storage of garbage in residential neighborhoods.
Despite a slight increase in garbage subscribership since the implementation of the new contract with Waste
Management in 2012, approximately 25 %, or 883 of Tukwila's single - family residents have chosen not to
subscribe for garbage /recycling collection services. Of the 883 non - subscribers, some may support mandatory
collection and some may vehemently oppose the proposal regardless of the benefits and convenience.
Attached is an updated version of the Mandatory Collection Information Sheet used during last year's
deliberation and provides facts and issues for both opponents and proponents to consider.
One important initiative that is not included in the information sheet merits consideration. Last year, City Council
adopted the City's first Strategic Plan. Implementing a mandatory garbage collection program supports at least
two of the Strategic Plan's goals by helping the City achieve /maintain a clean and inviting environment.
Should the Utilities Committee /Council decide to pursue mandatory collection, a public hearing is recommended
to obtain comments. After the public hearing, Council could consider the same three options provided during the
April 23, 2012 public hearing:
Option A: Reject proposal to implement mandatory garbage collection.
• Advantage(s): This option requires no additional staff time. Waste Management will not have to deal with
issues related to non - complying customers and potential bad debt accounts.
• Disadvantage(s): Non - subscribers will continue to dispose of garbage and recyclables through self -haul
or other legal and illegal means. Accumulation of excess garbage and bulky items such as broken
furniture and appliances on private property will continue to be problematic.
21
Option B: Defer decision to implement mandatory garbage collection.
• Advantage(s): The new contract contains a provision requiring Waste Management to reduce single -
family customer rates by $0.64 per month should the City decide to exercise its option to implement
mandatory garbage collection by November 1, 2015.
• Disadvantage(s): Same as Option A.
Option C: Approve mandatory garbage collection services.
• Advantage(s): The 3,500 total (2,617 current customers plus 883 non - subscribers) single - family
residential customers would benefit from some of the lowest solid waste rates in the area. Collectively,
they would save approximately $26,880.00 annually. Those who sign up for the minimum level service
would pay a nominal fee of $4.89 (plus tax and fees) per month and receive monthly curbside garbage
collection, unlimited every- other -week recycling, and access to the special annual curbside
collection /recycling events. This annual event allows residential garbage customers to dispose of items
such as appliances, furniture, and other bulky items. Implementation of a mandatory garbage program
would help curb illegal dumping and accumulation of garbage on private property. The program supports
City of Tukwila's Strategic Plan and would have a positive effect on Tukwila's neighborhoods.
• Disadvantage(s): Additional staff time (City and Waste Management) would be required to manage
challenges and issues related to mandatory collection implementation and enforcement requirements.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
If Council selects Option C and approves mandatory garbage collection, the 3,500 single - family residential
customers would save approximately $26,880.00 annually. Additionally, utility tax revenues from solid waste
and recycling collection services would increase. Assuming all 883 non - subscribers sign up for the minimum
service, the annual garbage utility tax revenues would increase by approximately $3,108.00. This utility tax
revenue could be used to offset illegal dumping /litter clean -up expenses or provide a subsidy to selected low -
income households who cannot afford the monthly $4.89 (plus tax and fees) minimum service charge. Low -
income seniors and low- income disabled customers are currently eligible for a 50% discount.
RECOMMENDATION
Information only at this time. Council is being asked to consider public comments and discuss Options A, B, or
C in 2014 during the first quarter in a Committee of the Whole Meeting /Public Hearing with possible action
during a subsequent Regular Council Meeting.
Attachment: Mandatory Garbage Collection Information Sheet
22
Mandatory Garbage Collection Information Sheet
• What are the savings if the City proceeds with mandatory collection? Individual customers would save
$0.64 /month on their rates. The total 2,617 current customers would save approximately $20,000 /year.
• What percentage of customers currently have collection? Approximately 75% of Tukwila single - family
customers have garbage collection (2,617 current single family customers /3,500 single family residents).
• What do non - customers do with their garbage? Some self -haul to King County transfer stations or may
use other legal methods such as dumping in their workplace dumpster (with permission) or sharing service
with a neighbor. Other residents rely on illegal disposal including burning, burying, using commercial
dumpsters (without permission), accumulating in rental spaces, or dumping.
• Why should people have to pay for mandatory collection if they currently handle their materials
legally? The new contract has been structured to provide a very economical service level that is actually
less expensive than self - hauling. The lowest service level is once per month collection of one 32- gallon
garbage cart (the cart is provided by Waste Management), unlimited every- other -week recycling and
access to the City's annual curbside clean -up program where bulky material and appliances can be set at
the curb at no additional charge. This service cost of $4.89 per month under the new contract is less than
paying the minimum fee at King County's transfer station three times a year.
• The savings don't matter to us - we just prefer to self -haul. King County has increased the minimum fee
(currently $22). Legal self -haul will more than likely be less attractive in the future.
• What about low - income households? As described above, the minimum service level is less expensive
than other legal options. The $4.89 per month may be more expensive than illegal disposal, but illegal
disposal increases costs to the community at large.
• What about senior /disabled households? The new contract continues current provisions that allow
eligible households a 50% discount on collection services. In that case, the monthly fee for the minimum
service level would be $2.45 per month, which is far less than any other legal disposal method.
• What are the net ratepayer costs of having or not having mandatory collection? If mandatory
collection is implemented, the 3,500 total (2,617 current customers plus 883 non - subscribers) single -
family households will save $26,880 annually. If all 883 current non - subscribers sign up for the minimum
service, they would collectively pay a total of $51,814 annually.
• Will mandatory collection help City's effort to curb illegal dumping, litter, and accumulation of
trash /garbage on private property? Garbage and trash related code violations continue to increase in
Tukwila neighborhoods. Tukwila Code Enforcement officials have wrestled with residents piling garbage
in the back of trucks, on their decks, under their carports or on the ground for significant periods of time.
Code Enforcement officials have also found some residents burying and burning garbage.
Their caseload rose from 105 trash and garbage related complaints in 2011 to 130 in 2012. Most of the
complaints were for accumulation of garbage, yard waste and bulky items such as furniture, appliances, etc.
on private properties. Implementation of mandatory garbage collection will provide a basic level of service
that includes monthly garbage collection, recycling service, and participation in the annual curbside
collection of bulky items /white goods (furniture, appliances, electronics, washers /dryers, etc.) at no
additional costs. Although implementation of mandatory garbage program may not totally solve illegal
dumping and garbage related issues, services provided by mandatory collection would have a positive
effect on Tukwila's neighborhoods.
23