Solid Waste Mgmt Plan Update
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MEMORANDUM
September 7,2006
TO:
The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM:
Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: DMASWA Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan Update
Public Works Director Don Vogt recommends approval of the Dubuque Metropolitan
Area Solid Waste Agency's 2006 Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan
Update.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
YlucLj t
Michael C. Van Milligen
MCVM/jh
Attachment
cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Don Vogt, Public Works Director
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MEMORANDUM
August 31, 2006
TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Don Vogt, Public Works Director ~
SUBJECT: DMASWA Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan Update
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this memorandum is to seek City Council concurrence and approval of
the Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency's 2006 Comprehensive Solid
Waste Management Plan Update.
BACKGROUND
Every three years, the Agency must submit an Update to the Iowa Department of
Natural Resources (IDNR) of its original Solid Waste Management Comprehensive
Plan. This is one of the requirements upon which renewal of the Agency's three year
Landfill Operating Permit is contingent. The original Plan (1990) stated how the Agency
and its customers planned to conduct their solid waste management programs during
the early 1990's. An Update has been filed every three years since, noting the
Agency's and its customers' current solid waste management programs and plans for
the next three years. IDNR requires that all municipalities and counties within the
Agency's service area acknowledge and endorse the Update, by adopting the attached
resolution.
DISCUSSION
A copy of the Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency's 2006 Comprehensive
Solid Waste Management Plan Update accompanies this memorandum. My solid
waste collection and disposal staff and I have not only reviewed and support the
Update, we actually prepared the Update on behalf of the Agency.
RECOMMENDATION
I recommend that the Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency's 2006
Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan Update be submitted to the City Council
for its consideration and approval.
BUDGET IMPACT
The Agency's 2006 Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan Update has no
immediate or foreseeable budget implications for the City of Dubuque. In any case, any
changes to the Plan Update, from either the Agency or IDNR, are subject to City
Council approval.
ACTION STEP
I request that the City Council approve the Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste
Agency's 2006 Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan Update and that it
authorize the Mayor, by the attached resolution, to adopt it.
CC: Barry A. Lindahl, City Attorney
Attachments
RESOLUTION NO. 436-06
RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE DUBUQUE METROPOLITAN AREA SOLID
WASTE AGENCY'S COMPREHENSIVE SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
PLAN UPDATE
Whereas, Section 455B.302 of the Code of Iowa requires every city and county
of this state to provide for the establishment and operation of a comprehensive solid
waste reduction program consistent with the waste management hierarchy under
section 455B.301A, and a sanitary disposal project for final disposal of solid waste by
its residents; and
Whereas, Section 455B.306(1) of the Code of Iowa requires that all cities and
counties file with the Director of the Department of Natural Resources a comprehensive
plan detailing the method by which the city or county will comply with the requirements
of section 455B.302 to establish and implement a comprehensive solid waste reduction
program for its residents; and
Whereas, a proposed comprehensive plan, as described in section 455B.306 of
the Code of Iowa has been prepared by the Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste
Agency and the Delaware County Solid Waste Disposal Commission at the direction of
and with the participation of the City Council of the City of Dubuque, Iowa, which plan is
entitled Comprehensive Plan Update and is dated September 1, 2006; and
Whereas, the City Council of the City of Dubuque, Iowa has determined that the
adoption and implementation of the proposed comprehensive plan is in its best interest,
with respect to satisfying its statutory duties.
Now, therefore, it is hereby resolved by the CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
DUBUQUE, IOWA:
1. That the City Council of the City of Dubuque, Iowa does hereby approve and
adopt the Comprehensive Plan Update as its comprehensive solid waste
reduction plan, provided that any changes in said plan hereafter proposed by the
Agency or required by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources shall be
subject to the approval of the City Council of the City of Dubuque, Iowa.
2. That the City Council of the City of Dubuque, Iowa shall implement and
participate in the programs set forth in the Comprehensive Plan Update.
3. That the Agency is authorized to submit on behalf of the City Council of the City
of Dubuque, Iowa the Comprehensive Plan Update to the Iowa Department of
Natural Resources in satisfaction of Section 455B.306(1) of the Code of Iowa.
,.
.
Passed, adopted and approved this 18th day of September, 2006.
Roy D. Buol, Mayor
Attest:
Jeanne F. Schneider
City Clerk
COMPREHENSIVE SOLID WASTE
MANAGEMENT PLAN: UPDATE
DUBUQUE METROPOLITAN AREA SOLID WASTE AGENCY
Permits No. 28-SDP-02-99, 31-SDP-01-75, 31-SDP-02-75, 31-SDP-07-96
September, 2006
COMMUNITIES IN SERVICE AREA:
Dubuque County:
City of Asbury
City of Cascade
City ofDyersville
City of Holy Cross
City of Rickardsville
City ofZwingle
Delaware County:
City of Coles burg
City of Dyersville
City of Hopkinton
Clayton County:
City of Strawberry Point
City of Balltown
City ofCentralia
City of Epworth
City of Luxemburg
City of Sageville
City of Bankston
City of Dubuque
City of Farley
City of New Vienna
City of Sherrill
City of Bernard
City of Durango
City of Graf
City of Peosta
City of Worthington
City of Delaware
City of Earl vii Ie
City of Manchester
City of Delhi
City of Edgewood
City of Masonville
City of Dundee
City of Greeley
City of Ryan
- 1 -
Hard Copy Supplement to
Solid Waste
Comprehensive Management Plan: Update
Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency
Permits No. 28-SDP-02-99, 31-SDP-01-75, 31-SDP-02-75, 31-SDP-07-96
September, 2006
I. Planning Area Description
1.1 Permanent Changes in the Planning Area
There have been no changes in the DMASW A Planning Area.
1.2 Planning Area Description
Submitted on-line
1.3 Planning Area Contacts
Submitted on-line
1.4 Permitted Facilities in the Planning Area
Submitted on-line
1.5 Planning Area Boards
Submitted on-line
1.6 Planning Area Board Members
Submitted on-line
II. Evidence of Cooperation
2.1 Resolutions from All Participating Governments and/or 28 E
Agreements
Municipal resolutions adopting the subsequent plan are included and can be found
at Attachment B.
2.2 Letters of Cooperation from Participating Private Agencies
Letters of cooperation from private sanitary disposal projects are included and can
be found at Attachment C.
2.3 Copies of Contracts and 28E Agreements That Have Changed
Delivery contract has been extended six years to June 30, 2012 for the following:
Delaware County Solid Waste Disposal Commission
P.O. Box 375, 606 N. Franklin St.
Delhi, IA 52223
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Delivery contracts have been extended one year to June 30, 2007 for the
following:
Bi-County Disposal Inc.
798 6th Ave. NW
Dyersville, IA 52040-1034
City of Dubuque
50 West 13th St.
Dubuque,IA 52001
Bacon Recycling
P.O. Box 88
Hopkinton,IA 52237-0088
Allied Waste
c/o Delaware Co. Transfer Station
2124 State Hwy 38
Manchester, IA 52087
City of Cascade, Iowa
320 1st Ave. West
P.O. Box 400
Cascade,IA 52033-0400
Dittmer Recycling
16331 Rustic Forest Trail
Dubuque, IA 52001-9638
Houlihan Sanitation
721 E. Main St.
Manchester,IA 52057-1840
Allied Waste Services
c/o BFI Waste Service, LLC
1755 Radford Rd.
Dubuque, IA 52002
III. Public Participation
3.1 Public Input Strategies
The Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency (DMASW A) meets
approximately once per month in public session. Unless closed following appropriate
procedures of the Iowa Open Meetings Law, all meetings are held in public session and
include opportunities for public comment. Meeting agendas are posted in the Dubuque
City Hall, Dubuque County Courthouse, and actual meeting location. Notices and
agendas are also distributed in advance to Delaware County, area media, waste haulers,
and other interested groups such as the Dubuque County Environmental Task Force.
Reports provide details on the ongoing education programs, the tonnage of waste
materials collected within the planning area, and monthly revenues and expenses. A
report on landfill activities and DNR issues is also presented at each meeting.
The Delaware County Solid Waste Disposal Commission meets approximately
semi-annually in public session. Agendas, which include opportunities for public
comment and discussion, are distributed in advance to area media as well as City Council
and Board of Supervisor representatives. Members of the Commission indicate that they
regularly receive input and feedback from area residents and businesses. This process
often occurs through a call to the city clerk, mayor or council member, all of whom have
relatively high visibility in their communities, or to the Commission's secretary.
At each Agency meeting, the Education and Communication Coordinator
provides written and verbal reports on the Agency's waste reduction education programs
and prepares news releases and articles for area media to publicize important waste
issues. Attachment D illustrates examples of local newspaper reports.
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3.2 Public Meetings Held for Plan Development
Waste reduction programs, solid waste management, and ways to expand and
improve the Planning Area waste management system are discussed at each monthly
public meeting. Notice of meetings is published in area news~apers.
A strategic planning workshop was held on October 4' and 5th of 2005, at which
community input was solicited and received on waste management issues. The Agency
Board members also focused on both short and long term strategic planning.
Attachment E illustrates examples of the methods used to publicize public
meetings. Notices of all public meetings are published in the newspaper pursuant to the
Code ofIowa.
3.3 Public Review Meetings
The draft comprehensive plan update and a copy ofDNR's resolution language
were distributed throughout the planning area in June 2006, with the intention of
receiving comments and approvals in time for the September I, 2006 submittal. A list of
individuals and/or groups to whom the draft plan and resolution were sent are included in
Attachment F. Comments received by late July, 2006 were incorporated and/or addressed
as appropriate.
The Agency held three public meetings specifically for plan development:
June 15th - Delhi Community Center
June 20th - Dyersville City Library; and,
July 5th - Dubuque Municipal Services Center.
Minutes from the public meetings at which the draft and/or final comprehensive
plan were discussed are included in Attachment G.
IV. Baseline Waste Stream Report
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources performs the goal progress calculation at the
time of comprehensive plan update approval. The 1988 base year total waste disposal for
the Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency area was 100,568 tons. The total
waste disposal for FY2005 is 92,429 tons.
V. Changes in Area Demographics
There has been a relatively flat growth rate of the populations in the city and county of
Dubuque, but a 30+% growth rate in the smaller neighboring cities around Dubuque. Jobs
have increased from 50,800 in 2002 to 56,000 in 2006 in the Dubuque area. New
construction valuation in the residential and commercial sectors totaled $421,574,000 in
this time period, with record new homes built in 2004. Dubuque has been #1 injob
growth rate in Iowa for the last three years. The population shift into the Dubuque area is
+2.1 %, which is double the 1.0% growth rate in the state ofIowa.
"4 "
VI. Waste Composition & Generation
6.1 Changes in Waste Generation Since the Last Approved Plan
There have been no significant changes in waste generation since the last
approved Comprehensive Plan Update in May of 2002. Landfill tonnage
increased about six percent in FY2003, but only increased about one percent in
FY2004. FY2005 saw an increase of almost six percent, attributed mainly to an
increase in construction and demolition (C&D) materials from various large
development projects.
6.2 Changes in Waste Composition Since the Last Approved Plan
There have been minimal changes to waste composition since the last approved
Comprehensive Plan Update of 2002. Already noted is the FY2005 increase in the
C & D waste stream due to large development projects and an ongoing increase of
electronics products (computers) seen in the waste stream.
The DMASW A did participate in the Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Waste Characterization Study in October, 2005. (See attachment H) This study
indicated a possible decrease in the percentage of paper being landfilled compared
to the 1996 study. In 1996, it was reported that 51.50% of the waste stream was
paper. In the 2005 study, the report stated that 31.09% ofthe waste stream was
paper. This is still above the state study report at 26.17%. Discussions have
begun to explore options for decreasing the amount of paper being landfilled with
an emphasis being placed on cardboard. Food Waste increased from 7.30% in the
1996 study to 11.60% in the 2005 study. DMASWA and the City of Dubuque
have begun a pilot program for food scrap recycling pickup from residences and
businesses in Dubuque. The amount of yard waste being landfilled has decreased
from 5.50% in 1996 to 1.12% in 2005. Consumer awareness of composting
options seems to be increasing.
6.3 Effects of Anticipated Planning Area Modifications
There are no planning area modifications anticipated for the next three years.
VII. Existing Integrated Solid Waste Management System Description
7.1 Select a City
Submitted on-line
7.2 Recycling and Waste Collection Systems
Submitted on-line
7.3 Recycling and Waste Haulers
Submitted on-line
7.4 Residential Recycling
Submitted on-line
7.5 Commercial Recycling
Submitted on-line
7.6 Drop-Off Recycling Sites
Submitted on-line
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7.7 Diverted Materials Collection
Submitted on-line
7.8 Yard Waste Management Programs
Submitted on-line
7.9 Yard Waste Management Sites
Submitted on-line
7.10 Material Specific Initiatives
Public Education
The Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency uses its public
education program to increase public awareness about proper recycling and
disposal options for motor oil, lead acid batteries, tires, and household appliances.
These education activities include the distribution of brochures explaining proper
disposal of household hazardous materials such as batteries, cleaning products,
pesticides, and household paint. The flyers and brochures are distributed at area
events, school programs and at presentations to community organizations.
(Sample in Attachment I)
Environment and science classes from Planning Area schools tour the
Agency's Landfill many times each year. Presentations regarding Household
Hazardous Materials (HHM), composting and waste management practices are
made to area schools and civic groups. Brochures on backyard composting,
proper disposal of HHM, appliances, e-waste, and tires are distributed frequently
throughout the planning area.
Household Hazardous Materials
With assistance from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the
DMASW A received HHM's from the following number of households, at both
mobile and drop off events: FY03 -715, FY04 - 654, and FY05 - 608. In FY03,
a total of 56,159 pounds of hazardous waste materials were collected for proper
disposal. In FY04, 62,948 pounds were collected and in FY05, 68,753 pounds
were collected. The total HHM collected since being permitted is 433,492
pounds. Hazardous waste management brochures and recycling flyers were
distributed to all program participants.
The Agency's HHMRCC is located at the Dubuque Landfill on Highway
20 and serves Dubuque and Delaware counties. The RCC began accepting HHMs
from residences in October 1997 and from conditionally exempt small quantity
generators (CESQG) in February 1998. The RCC also features a Reusable
Materials Exchange Program, where usable products that have been delivered are
offered to the public for reuse at no cost. A mobile trailer is used for conducting
small, HHM cleanup events in service area communities. The service area
includes all Agency planning member communities, though other northeast Iowa
counties have also been provided service. Several contractors are used to manage
materials accepted at the RCC.
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Backyard Composting and Yard Waste Management
In the past year, the DMASW A held compost demonstrations and
backyard compost bin sales in cooperation with the Dubuque Arboretum, the
Delaware County Solid Waste Disposal Commission, the Dubuque County
Conservation Board, Iowa State University Extension Service and an area garden
store. Seventy-five people attended the composting demonstrations and
approximately 225 compost bins were sold.
In FY 2001, the Agency began operating a permit-by-rule composting
facility at its Landfill. The cities of Asbury, Manchester, Hopkinton, Cascade,
Dyersville, and Farley all offer sites to which residential yard waste and brush
may be delivered. The Dubuque Arboretum accepts leaves if delivered. The
Splendid Valley Nursery also accepts leaves and grass from area residents.
Data for each facility are submitted on-line in the Composting Facilities
Form.
Tires
The Agency has been accepting up to four tires per individual per visit
free of charge since FY 2003. This will end July I, 2006. In FY03, 197 tons of
waste tires were collected by Agency operations. In FY04, 181 tons were
collected, and FY05, 201 tons were collected. A waste tire collection event was
held in cooperation with the Western Dubuque FF A Chapter in October, 2005. As
part ofthe event, each participant was provided with information about problems
posed by waste tires, potential waste tire management options, and ways to extend
the usable life of tires.
The Agency will be following the Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Tire Take Bake Initiative when it becomes effective.
Used Oil
Used oil is accepted at a drop-off facility at the RCC located at the
Landfill. Used oil is also accepted at many local service stations in the Agency's
planning area. Charges may apply. These are summarized in the Iowa Used Oil
and Auto Parts Directory.
Lead-Acid Batteries
Lead-acid batteries can be taken to the Battery Center, Blum Company, or
many battery retailers. Many batteries, including button and NiCad batteries, can
be dropped off for recycling at the place of purchase, or an appointment can be
made at the RCC.
Appliances
The Agency accepts appliances at its landfill for a fee. In return,
appliances are picked up by Moor's Salvage for recycling and certified hazardous
component recovery. Moor's removes the appliances from the site before
removing Freon, PCB's, and recovering the metal. In FY03, 4,686 individual
appliances were collected. In FY04, 4,250 appliances were collected, and in
FY05, 3,801 appliances were collected.
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7.11 New Waste Reduction and Recycling Programs
7.11.1 Solid Waste Education Office Programs
The Agency bears the majority of the responsibility for addressing
comprehensive planning activities in both Delaware and Dubuque counties.
Administrative activities are the responsibility ofthe recently created position of
Agency Administrator. Education and communication activities are implemented
through a contract with Loras College to provide an Education and
Communication Coordinator (Education Coordinator), a position funded by a
portion of retained tonnage fees. Several ofthe communities noted in the survey
forms returned to the DNR noted that they also provide solid waste information to
residents. It appears their information is provided mostly on an as-requested basis
to current residents and via use of documents created by the Education Office.
Larger communities that have cable TV also use their local govemment channels
to share information about their various integrated solid waste management
system components. Area haulers also regularly distribute information about their
services to customers. Because the Agency delegates recycling collection and
processing activities to the haulers, who often vary in program details, it is more
important for this specific information to be provided by the haulers than by the
Agency.
DNR Education Trailer
The DNR education trailer was used by the DMASW A during
Earth Week in 2005 and 2006. During Earth Week 2005, the trailer
traveled to eleven schools, with 1,134 third and fourth grade students and
teachers visiting it. During Earth Week 2006, the trailer was used for the
sixth grade E-Cubed programs, as well as stops in Dyersville, Delhi, and
Manchester. Total number of people visiting during 2006 was 1,500 youth
and adults. The trailer featured interactive educational games, two large
flat screen televisions that showed recycling videos, and many different
recycling displays. Waste reduction education materials were distributed.
Loras College Efforts have included:
. Distribution of Loras Recycling Brochure to campus community.
. Working with the Loras Environmental Action Forum group on
America Recycles Day and Earth Week activities
. Working with Technology Team to increase recycling of batteries,
computers, and projector bulbs
. Shared chemical disposal information with Science Hall staff
. Supervising Solid Waste Education Office interns.
. Working with housekeeping staff to increase recycling and waste
reduction in residence halls
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Public Presentations
During FY05, 2,020 students from 24 schools attended classroom
presentations or landfill tours. (The RCC Coordinator assists the
Education Coordinator with the Landfill tours.) In addition, several other
presentations were made to adult groups, ranging from the Optimists to
graduate level teacher workshop participants. During FY06, 1,783
students from 16 schools attended classroom presentations or landfill
tours. In addition, the Education Coordinator assisted with the UNI Waste
Reduction Teacher Workshop held in Maquoketa. In addition, the local,
private recyclery offers tours and educational presentations to groups.
Public Event Displays
. Embrace Dubuque - September, 2004
. Loras Wellness Day - October, 2004
. Sustainable Lawn & Garden Workshop - March, 2005
. Dubuque City Expo - April 2005 & April 2006
Special Events/Efforts
. Established a School/Business Partnership with the Dubuque
Community School District, resulting in a comprehensive resource
management evaluation program called Green Vision Education. Two
schools have been evaluated through this program as of the time of
writing this update, with four more scheduled for the' 06-' 07 school
year. Attached in Attachment J is the evaluation form used with the
schools.
. Served on the Dubuque Community School District Middle School
Science Curriculum committee
. Served on the Dubuque Community School District Wellness
Committee
7.11.2 Bi-County Medical Wastes Task Force
A group of representatives from Dubuque and Delaware counties have
been meeting to create strategies for the safe disposal of pharmaceuticals and
medical sharps for homeowners. At this point, the group is working on education
components to be distributed through physicians, pharmacists, and community
resources. The group also hopes to establish an expanded drop off program for
medical sharps that would be convenient to the entire DMASW A service area.
Approximately 200 families participated in three mercury-for-digital thermometer
exchange events held during Earth Week 2006. More drop off events are
scheduled for Fall, 2006 and continued exchange program for digital
thermometers is available by appointment at the Regional Collection Center
located at the Dubuque Landfill. The efforts of this group will result in greater
awareness of these concerns by the public, as well as increased practices in proper
disposal.
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7.11.3 Electronics Recycling
Over the last two years, the Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste
Agency has sponsored three electronics recycling events. At those events, one
hundred and fifty volunteers from area service groups assisted Agency staff in
receiving materials from over 600 households. The materials received included
computer monitors, CPUs, stereos, VCRs, TVs and other miscellaneous electronic
equipment. All electronics received at the events were taken to the Scott County
Waste Commission Electronics Demanufacturing Facility and dismantled, with all
components subsequently recycled. Future plans are to set up a permanent drop
off facility at the Dubuque Landfill.
7.11.4 Special Event Recycling Units
The DMASW A offers special event X-frame recycling units for loan free
of charge to community groups interested in adding recycling options to their
event.
7.11.5 City of Dubuque Food Scrap Recycling Program
The DMASW A is assisting the City of Dubuque with implementing its
two year food scrap recycling pilot program for up to 300 residents and
businesses. Starting April 2, 2006, food scraps are collected at the curb from
subscription customers and mixed with yard waste delivered to the landfill
compost facility. Currently, 100 residents and businesses are participating in the
program, with the goal to expand throughout the summer and next year.
7.11.6 Backyard Composting
The DMASW A purchased 250 backyard compost bins through the Iowa
Recycling Association and subsequently sponsored six workshops and sales
events during the fall of2005 and spring of2006. Almost all of the bins have
been sold and 76 people participated in the education workshops.
7.11.7 Construction and Demolition
The DMASW A started tracking diverted landfill C&D waste and
construction recycling in 2003 as part of the Dubuque Historical Society's River
Museum Project. 183 tons of construction and demolition waste were
subsequently recycled and diverted from the landfill. Later, the City of Dubuque
began two stormwater control projects involving removal of houses. The Agency
assisted financially with the coordination of the deconstruction and removal of the
houses. Commercial project developers also were counseled about C&D recycling
and reuse of materials. In FY05, over 11,316 tons of C&D wastes were diverted
from the landfill. In the spring of2006, a C&D workshop for area contractors and
developers was held to receive input and share information on C&D recycling.
Turnout and participation were better than anticipated and future workshops are
planned.
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7.11.8 Rubble Recycling
A rubble recycling program was developed and permitted in the spring of
2006. It is focused on bricks, concrete and cement block. These materials are
stockpiled until sufficient quantities are on hand so that a crusher can be
economically hired to crush the materials into a usable road base material.
7.11.9 Grants Disbursed:
The DMASW A has a planning area waste minimization grant program.
Up to $25,000 dollars is available per successful application. At least 50% ofthe
available funds must be spent on education. There is a grant application that must
be completed and any grant over $500 must be reviewed and approved by a
committee of volunteer stakeholders. The Agency's Board of Directors then has
final approval. The total grants given out in FY03: $138,314, FY04: $200,792,
and FY05: $203,907. In FY03, grant recipients included C&D recycling,
Delaware County, City of Cascade, ISU Extension, Educator, Dubuque Park
Division, and the City of Dubuque. In FY04, grants went to Delaware County,
C&D recycling, Dubuque Arboretum, City of Epworth, Educator, and ISU
Extension. In FY05, grants went to Delaware County, C&D recycling, E- Waste
events, Educator, ISU Extension, City of Epworth, City of Worthington, and the
Dubuque Community School District.
VIII. Evaluation of Progress toward Goals
A strategic planning process for DMASW A board members, stakeholders, and staff
began on 10/4/05 with an evening session designed to maximize the inputs of agency
staff and stakeholders. An open discussion revealed numerous issues. The following
morning, 10/5/05, the Agency Board of Directors met in a special session to review the
issues and begin the planning process. The three board members met again on 10/25/05
to complete the planning process. The DMASWA administrative staff was present
throughout all sessions, and staff members were often called upon by the Board of
Directors to provide insight and expertise.
A decision-making matrix was provided by facilitator David Williamson. Issues selected
for action by board members were prioritized and then identified as Tactical (0-3
months), Tactical (3-15 months), or Strategic (beyond 15 months). A summary of the
identified priorities is included in Attachment K.
IX. Analysis of Solid Waste Alternatives
To continue meeting the requirements of the State inherent in Chapters 455B and 455D
including tracking compliance with the waste volume reduction goals, it is recommended
that Agency members review their existing solid waste ordinance on a periodic basis and
update them as necessary. Therefore, an ordinance review and potential update is
included in the Implementation Timeline. The Agency can assist with this process by
reviewing ordinances and providing draft language as necessary.
- 11 -
Corrugated Cardboard - Banning specific materials from the landfill is a methodology
oflandfill diversion that is within the control ofDMASWA and potentially could be
accomplished in the future. The Cedar Rapids/Linn County Solid Waste Agency and
Marshall County Solid Waste Management Commission have banned corrugated
cardboard from disposal in their local landfills. Discussions have begun exploring the
logistics and feasibility of a cardboard ban.
Construction & Demolition - C & D waste continues to offer a large diversion potential
for DMASW A. Historical data shows C&D waste has increased at a greater rate than
commercial and residential waste streams. Recycling and deconstruction practices are
being seen more often in the Dubuque area and DMASW A will continue to work with
businesses to expand these efforts.
Curbside Recycling Expansion for Small Businesses - Discussions have begun to
utilize partnerships between public and private entities to expand curbside recycling in
the City of Dubuque to include small businesses. Requests from local businesses have
energized these discussions. There are several questions to address and further research
needs to be completed. Expanding curbside recycling to small businesses would have
several advantages. It would build on an existing program and the added materials
collected could increase the market revenues available.
Exploration of Collection Options - The DMASW A has had funds budgeted for a
collection study for several years. Single-stream recycling has been growing nationally
over the last few years. Some of this is due to the improved convenience offered to
residents and the ability to automate collection.
Electronics Recycling Drop Off Area - The DMASW A is part of the Bi-State group
that received a SWAP grant for expansion of electronics recycling. Efforts are being
finalized to set up a permanent site at the landfill for drop off of electronics on an
appointment basis.
Rural Recycling Drop Off Areas - The DMASW A has received a SWAP grant to fund
the establishment of 4 additional drop off recycling areas located around Dubuque
County. Efforts should be completed by late 2006 or early 2007.
x. Timeline
Proposed Responsible Implementation Public Anticipated
Activities Organization Milestones Education Impact
and Strategies
Locations
Expand RCC DMASWA Part of the site Increase Less toxics being
services development of a awareness of buried in the
Citizens Convenience removing toxics DMASWA
Center from the waste Landfill.
Estimated FY08 stream
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Proposed Responsible Implementation Public Anticipated
Activities Organization Milestones Education Impact
and Strategies
Locations
Electronics DMASWA Operational in early Increase Less toxics and
Recycling FY07, will also be part awareness of less materials
of site development of removing toxics being buried in
a Citizens from the waste the DMASWA
Convenience Center stream and Landfill.
Estimated FY08 recycling these
materials
Public DMASWA Ongoing Work with all Awareness of the
Education & ages to increase alternatives to
Outreach awareness of landfilling should
keeping toxics reduce materials
and all recycling going into the
materials out of landfill.
the landfill and
other waste
reduction
strategies
Commercial DMASWA FY07 review IDNR Publicize to the Awareness of the
Recycling Waste Composition commercial alternatives to
Study to set goals on businesses what landfilling should
what commercial help is available reduce toxics
materials should be from the state produced and
diverted from going and local less materials
into the landfill and resources and going into the
what appropriate rules offer workshops landfill.
are needed to reach to help educate
these goals. the businesses
Hauler Waste DMASWA FY07 -08 Hauler Waste Increase All Comp Plan
Contracts Delivery Contracts awareness of all waste materials
should be in place comp plan area are being
through the FY09 citizens that processed safely
comp plan update and waste materials and correctly.
maybe through the are being
FY12 comp plan disposed safely
update in their local
landfill.
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Proposed Responsible Implementation Public Anticipated
Activities Organization Milestones Education Impact
and Strategies
Locations
Long Term DMASWA FY07: the third Increase More convenient
Landfill Site generation of landfill awareness of and safe for
Use & cells should be the availability of citizens bringing
Development approved for these materials to the
development, components to landfill and off site
FY08: the increase the recycling drop off
development of the recycling of all locations.
Landfill Site Plan materials
including the Citizens
Convenience Center,
second scale,
office/education
center, entrance gate,
scale house and
various recycling drop
off locations,
FY09-12: construction
of components of the
site plan
Expanded DMASWA Ongoing development Develop With the
C&D of alternatives to C&D workshops for development of
Recycling materials being contractors and alternatives for
landfilled; priorities others disposal of C&D
include wood waste, materials, it
glass, drywall, and should reduce
education. materials going
into the landfill.
Tracking DMASWA and All Ordinances Ongoing All Comp Plan
compliance of Plan Members reviewed and any education for waste materials
State Waste necessary updates as plan members to are being
Volume needed met the processed safely
Reduction compliance and correctly,
Goals requirements of with less material
the State of being buried in
Iowa the DMASWA
Landfill.
Rural DMASWA Four sites operational Increase Less materials
Recycling in early FY07, with awareness of being buried in
Drop Off goal to increase four recycling the DMASWA
Program more sites by FY09 materials and landfill.
and another four sites keeping
by FY12 materials out of
the landfill
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Proposed Responsible Implementation Public Anticipated
Activities Organization Milestones Education Impact
and Strategies
Locations
Finished DMASWA Ongoing development Increase Less processed
Compost of all markets for awareness of waste materials
Materials finished compost finish compost stored on site.
Markets materials materials
availabilit .
Attachments
A) Signed electronic submission certification
B) Copies of required resolutions
C) Copies ofletters of required cooperation
D) Examples oflocal newspaper reports
E) Examples of publicized public meetings
F) List of individuals/groups who received plan copy
G) Public Meetings minutes or summaries
H) Waste Characterization Data Comparisons
I) Sample flyers and brochures
J) Green Vision Education evaluation form
K) Strategic Plan summary
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