Improving Business Recycling & Garbage Collection
New Recycling and Garbage Collection Services
San José’s overall citywide recycling rate of 70 percent is among the highest in the nation, and the City has set a goal of achieving Zero Waste. Currently, the recycling rate of the commercial sector is 22 percent so this sector has the greatest potential to significantly improve and help San José become a Zero Waste City.
The new system reflects extensive input from 500 small and large businesses, analysis of comparable collection models from other cities, and a waste stream study. In April 2011, the San José City Council voted to negotiate exclusive 15-year agreements with Allied Waste and Zero Waste Energy Development (ZWED) to collect and process waste from all businesses citywide. The new agreements will create the most aggressive commercial recycling system in the United States, providing numerous benefits for businesses and moving the City significantly closer to achieving its Green Vision goal of diverting 100 percent of its waste from landfills and converting waste to energy.
View the April 2011 Council Report, Attachment – Memo from Mayor Reed and Councilmembers Nguyen and Rocha, Supplemental Memo – Memo from the Directors of ESD and Finance, Supplemental Memo – Memo from the Directors of ESD and Finance.
The City Council will consider the final agreements in late June 2011. Visit the City’s website to confirm the date: www.sanjoseca.gov/clerk/agenda.asp
Overview of Recycling and Garbage Services
Proposed |
Current |
One citywide hauler – Allied
One citywide organics processor- ZWED |
Multiple (~25) companies authorized to collect recycling and garbage from more than 10,000 commercial customers. Each company chooses where to take organics material contributing to a large carbon footprint. |
Customer Benefits |
Consistent & equitable service rates citywide |
Inconsistent rates, even for neighboring companies with identical service levels |
Customer service standards and incentives
- On-going technical assistance
- Greater accountability from service provider
|
Varying levels of satisfaction with customer service |
More standard service options that can be customized:
- Allied One-Bin Plus system allows businesses to place all materials in one container, including organics/food waste
- Businesses with large amounts of organic material should subscribe to the "Plus" or second container service level
|
Input from businesses mentioned that ease, convenience and space contributed to low recycling rates |
Customer account access on-line for bill management and service changes |
Varies by provider |
Environmental Benefits |
Potential to recycle at least 75 percent of waste currently going to landfills |
A waste characterization study shows that 80 percent of business waste could be recycled or composted |
Reduced Operational Noise and Pollution
- More efficient truck routes
- Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks are quieter
- Plastic bins, as opposed to metal, are quieter
|
Noise and traffic complaints from multiple collection trucks driving overlapping routes
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Stay Informed
Visit this website for updates.
Sign-up here to receive updates and information on the business recycling improvement process
E-mail questions to zerowaste@sanjoseca.gov
Call (408) 535-8550
Zero Waste Video for Businesses
Watch the Zero Waste video introducing San José's Green Vision Goal # 5 and how the City is working with the business community, event organizers and large city facilities such as the airport and convention center to divert 100% of waste from our landfill.
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