CITY OF SALEM:HOW WE REDUCED OUR WASTE 35%
Mayor Kimberley Driscoll
City of Salem
MassRecycle R3 conference
April 8, 2014
Goals
•Reduce solid waste tonnage for
environmental and financial objectives.
•Be open to innovative waste diversion
programs.
•Communicate with residents &
businesses to maximize participation.
Power of competitive marketplace
• In 2007 bid City’s trash and recycling
contracts for the first time.
• DEP Technical Assistance Grant
• Primarily Senior Staff Selection Committee
• Limit 3 barrels, 35 gallons, 50 lbs.
• Moved to weekly recycling
• Saved over $500,000 annually
.
• In 2012, re-bid City’s trash and recycling contracts• DEP technical assistance grant
• Separated disposal from collection and transportation
• Re-bid recycling processing to test waters on single stream
• Bid disposal separately and before collection bid was issued (so collection bidders would know disposal destination)
• Co-bid with Beverly
• Saved $250,000 annually
Power of competitive marketplace
SAVINGS
Competitive and transparent
procurements have saved the
City $3 million in the last 7 years.
2008: Created
SalemRecycles
Committee
All-volunteer
committee created
to develop and
implement plan for
recycling
education.
SalemRecycles
Communication & Outreach
More Outreach
And…more communication
2013: Mandatory Recycling
• DEP grant funds
coordinator for 18 months:• Provides public education
about recycling
• Monitors trash routes to
ensure recycling is set out
• July 1-December 31: diverted
300 tons of solid waste, for
savings of $20,000.
• Estimated savings through
March 2014 of $50,000.
2014: Curbside Composting Pilot
• ‘Soft’ sell beginning Summer 2013
• Used GoogleDoc to capture sign-ups
• Promoted by press release, social media, neighborhood
associations, mailings, and Park & Rec book.
• By April 2014: 550 households participating
• By December 2014: goal of 1,500 households
• Voluntary program
• Bid collection and transportation
• Paid for out of saving from 2012 solid waste re-bid
Cart Distribution
• First distribution at Book
Swap
• Opportunity to speak with residents
• Tremendous energy and
enthusiasm
• Great exposure to those who were
not aware of program
Results
• Since 2007 trash reduced by 35%.
• Since 2009 over 20,000 tons of solid waste diverted.
• Since 2007 taxpayer savings of $750,000 annually.
• Increased understanding and interest in trash reduction
and recycling initiatives.
• Community enthusiasm for recycling for both
environmental and financial benefit of the City.
• Great volunteer effort, with over 40 regular volunteers to
support SalemRecycles.
In conclusion…….
We recognize that recycling and
waste diversion is not just good for
the planet: it’s also good for our
bottom line.
Questions
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