REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Modify an Existing Contract for Services Related to the Food Scrap Collection Program (F16-04)
Report
REPORT IN BRIEF
Approval is requested to modify an existing contract with Browning Ferris Industries of CA Inc., dba Newby Island Recyclery, to extend the contract period through December 31, 2015. Approval is also requested to increase the contract amount by $79,000, from $80,000 to $159,000.
EXISTING POLICY
Council approval is required to amend existing contracts that will exceed $100,000 absent delegated authority to the City Manager to make such modification.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
N/A
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
In December 2008 City Council approved a Zero Waste Policy (RTC No. 08-358, Policy 3.2.4) which, among other things, adopted goals to reach a 75 percent waste diversion rate by 2020 and 90 percent by 2030. In an effort to better understand the contents of the City's waste stream, staff conducted a waste characterization study in 2010. The Study identified that the City's waste stream still contains a significant amount of recoverable materials, confirming that there are opportunities to pursue zero waste through additional recycling, education and, most significantly, organics recovery. The term "organics" in this context refers to compostable materials, especially food and food-soiled paper products. The same material is referred to in this document as "compost."
Because organics make up such a significant portion of the commercial waste stream (35 percent, according to the waste characterization study), staff implemented a pilot organic collection program for large commercial accounts in May 2011. The program has grown steadily since its inception with significant interest amongst the business community to implement programs. Currently nine of Sunnyvale's top 20 employers participate in the program, and demand for organics service continues to be robust. Additionally, new regulations (AB 1826) w...
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