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Return to Improving Business Recycling & Garbage Collection
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why do businesses need a new system for garbage and recycling collection services?
A. Currently San José recycles 62 percent of it s waste citywide. However, the business sector is far behind the residential sector and is estimated to be recycling only about 10 percent of what could be achieved. In 2008, San José’s Council adopted a Zero Waste Policy which sets an overall goal of diverting 75 percent of our waste from landfills by 2013 and 100 percent diversion by 2022 (Zero Waste). Transitioning to a better business waste collection system is a critical part of achieving the City’s ambitious goals.
Q. How will the proposed system differ from the current garbage and recycling collection system used for businesses?
A. Currently, multiple hauling companies are authorized to collect recycling and/or garbage from businesses all over the city, which makes it difficult to track and make improvements to the business sector’s recycling rate. The proposed new system would transition the business sector to an exclusive franchise system where two or three haulers would provide waste and recycling collection services in specified geographic areas of the city. This is comparable to the City’s system for residential garbage and recycling collection.
Q. Why would the proposed system be more efficient than the current system?
A. An exclusive franchise system creates an opportunity to improve recycling services for businesses which would move the City closer to its Green Vision Zero Waste Goal. The new system would also establish consistent rates for customers and minimize environmental impacts created by the collection vehicles. Fleets may be converted to newer equipment with improved emissions technology, alternative fuels could be used, and fewer haulers will result in a reduction of traffic, fuel consumption, noise, and overall “wear and tear” on streets.
Q. What type of data is SPRI collecting for the City?
A. SPRI will be collecting information about businesses current garbage and recycling services, rates, and frequency of collection.
Q. Why does the City need data from businesses about their current garbage and recycling collection services?
A. Under the current garbage and recycling collection system, businesses often pay varying rates for the same services. As the new system is developed, the City will use the service and rate data in negotiations with future haulers to obtain the best rates and improved solid waste collection services for San José businesses.
Q. What is SPRI?
A. SPRI, the Survey and Policy Research Institute, is a non-profit organization of San Jose State University that provides expertise in quantitative and qualitative research, and conducts surveys and policy research for the SJSU campus, government, non-profit agencies, and business clients. Visit www.sjsu.edu/spri, to learn more about SPRI.
Q. How can I contact SPRI to participate?
A. If your business was not randomly contacted by SPRI to be a part of the study, but you would still like to participate, please call SPRI at (408) 924-6993.
For additional questions, email zerowaste@sanjoseca.gov, or call (408) 535-8550.
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