2000 Trash Cutter Award Program Case Studies

City of Millbrae: Best Recycling Program

• Program Description
• Program Summary
• Benefits
• Contact

Program Description

The city of Millbrae has taken a proactive role and implemented comprehensive recycling programs that serve all sectors of the community, including residents, businesses, schools, and city departments. It is committed to maintaining and exceeding the AB 939 50 percent diversion goal. The city has partnered with a franchised hauler--South San Francisco Scavenger Company (SSFS Company)--to implement recycling collection services. The city and SSFS Company conduct frequent public outreach and educational programs to increase recycling participation rates.

Program Summary

Residential Recycling Program

A curbside recycling program has been in place since 1989. Over the years new materials have been added to the program. Currently, recyclables collected include mixed paper, newspaper, cardboard, steel/tin and aluminum cans, glass containers, plastic containers, yard waste, used motor oil and filters, and household batteries. Recyclables are collected weekly, except for yard waste, which is collected every other week.

When the yard waste program was implemented at the end of 1998, recycling rates increased and the volume of trash in garbage containers was significantly reduced. Now, over 95 percent of households are participating in curbside recycling. Some households also recycle using the local buy-back center.

Multifamily dwellings (MFD) are also included in this program. In 1999 a direct mailing was sent to owners of these dwellings which was very effective in signing up many of them for recycling collection services. As of 1999, 93 percent of MFDs were signed up.

Business Technical Assistance Program

The Business Technical Assistance Program (TAP) was started in 1994 to provide hands-on assistance to help businesses start and expand waste prevention, recycling, and buy recycled programs. In many cases, waste assessments are conducted and follow-up reports of recommendations, along with educational handouts, are mailed to businesses. Recycling collection services are tailored to the needs of the businesses.

Businesses are provided recycling containers that meet their needs, and collection service is normally weekly. Most businesses are recycling the standard types of materials, such as steel/tin and aluminum cans, glass bottles and jars, #1 and #2 plastic containers, mixed paper (including white and colored paper), newspaper, and cardboard. There are also some businesses recycling metal, wood, and other materials.

In 1998, the first direct mailer was sent to all businesses not signed up for recycling collection service with SSFS Company. In 1999 a follow-up mailing signed by the mayor was sent to those not signed up for the services. These direct mailings were very effective in getting businesses onboard with recycling. New businesses are also targeted for the recycling service.

By the end of 1999, 200 businesses out of 240 were signed up for recycling collection services. Some businesses that were contacted were already recycling with private recycling companies. In 1996, when the franchised hauler began submitting reports, 23 percent of commercial businesses were recycling. By 1999 the number had increased to 83 percent. Through concentrated efforts, between 1997 and 1998 the city was able to increase the number of businesses recycling to nearly 100 percent.

School Program

All schools are recycling mixed paper and some are recycling other materials, such as aluminum cans. In addition to assisting the schools expand their recycling programs, the city also conducts educational programs to encourage students to recycle.

City Department Program

All city departments are recycling. The city's Waste Prevention, Recycling, and Buy Recycled Administrative Standard Procedures, developed in 1994, provide guidelines and requires departments to recycle. Assistance and encouragement are provided on a regular basis to expand programs. The city's Source Reduction and Recycling Committee, comprised of department staff, meets quarterly to discuss recycling programs and how best to increase participation.

Costs

The program is funded by the garbage ratepayers.

Benefits

The high participation rate for all sectors is attributable to the hands-on approach the city has taken to achieve the 50 percent goal. The community has been very receptive and responsive in participating in these programs. Since 1996, when the hauler began reporting, recycling has increased 235 percent. The amount of garbage disposed of since 1991 has decreased by 11,375 tons.

In addition to the recycling programs, a construction and demolition program and guide were developed in 1999. SSFS Company is also sorting mixed waste at the transfer station and diverting recyclables from the landfill.

All of the programs discussed above could be implemented by any community, whether large or small.

For Further Information, Contact:

City of Millbrae
621 Magnolia Avenue
Millbrae, CA  94030
(650) 259-2444
(650) 697-8158 (fax)