To: Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Transportation and Public Works
Staff Name and Phone Number: Johannes J. Hoevertsz, 707-565-2231
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Title:
Title
Regional Solid Waste Planning - Annual Update to Board
End
Recommended Action:
Recommended action
Accept the annual update report for the period April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021 from Republic Services of Sonoma County, Inc.
end
Executive Summary:
The Department of Transportation and Public Works is recommending that the Board accept the annual update report from Republic Services of Sonoma County, Inc. (“Republic”). Under the terms of the Master Operations Agreement (MOA), Republic is required to present an annual update report on the progress made toward achieving the goals established in the agreement, including diversion, greenhouse gas reductions, commercial food waste program diversion, and any new activities and programs in the MOA.
Discussion:
The Master Operations Agreement (MOA) is the product of the three-year County City Solid Waste Advisory Group collaborative process between the Cities, the County and a diverse group of public stakeholders. The Board of Supervisors launched the public process in December 2009 to build consensus regarding Sonoma County’s long-term solid waste and recycling strategy. The provisions of the MOA were carefully crafted to accomplish fundamental goals to create a system that provides:
1. Increased diversion; decreased landfill disposal.
2. Public ownership for “local control;” private operations for “economic efficiencies.”
3. No pre-set volume (put-or-pay) disposal commitments, which supports increased diversion and local flexibility.
4. Long term liability relief for closure, post-closure, and unforeseen environmental liabilities at the Central Disposal site.
5. A sustainable rate model that works with high levels of waste diversion.
6. In-county landfill to end reliance on outhaul export of Sonoma County trash.
7. Quantifiable greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions.
8. Ongoing funding for education, household hazardous waste, and other programs.
9. Ongoing funding source for closed county urban landfill sites.
On April 1, 2015, the MOA became effective, and Republic began operating the County solid waste facilities. Section 11.9 of the MOA requires Republic to submit an annual report to the County and present a report to the Board of Supervisors on the progress made toward achieving the goals established in the MOA.
Annual Report of Progress of Goals:
Diversion
The annual diversion goal of 67,000 tons became effective April 1, 2018, once the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) had been operational for one year. The MRF is a plant that receives, separates, and prepares recyclable materials for marketing to end-user manufacturers.
Total diversion tonnage was 96,639 this year compared to 66,434 tons during the prior year.
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reductions
A greenhouse gas (GHG) baseline study was completed in December 2015 in order to demonstrate where we are today as it relates to greenhouse gas emissions generated by the disposal of Sonoma County Waste as well as to better understand how to improve on future reduction efforts.
Total GHG emissions in 2020 were 73,856 metric tons of Carbon Dioxide equivalent, which represent a decrease of 3,421 tons, or 4.4% from 2019. The primary contributor to the GHG emissions reduction at the landfill was waste diversion. The construction of the MRF and other recycling efforts helped divert and reduce the amount of waste disposed at the landfill, thus minimizing the amount of methane gas generated at the landfill.
Commercial Food Waste Program
The Commercial Food Waste Program offers businesses an option to divert food waste pursuant to AB 1826. 6,510 tons were diverted through the program during April 1, 2020 - March 31, 2021. This is down from 7,148 tons during the prior year due to the effects Covid-19 lockdowns had on the local restaurant industry. The program is promoted by a 9-member “Waste Zero Team” via newsletters, social media, brochures, and other targeted outreach efforts.
Prior Board Actions:
08/04/20 Board received annual report for the period April 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020 from Republic Services of Sonoma County, Inc., required under the terms of the Master Operations Agreement.
09/24/19 Board received annual report for the period April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2019 from Republic Services of Sonoma County, Inc., required under the terms of the Master Operations Agreement.
05/02/17 Board received annual report for the period January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016 from Republic Services of Sonoma County, Inc., required under the terms of the Master Operations Agreement.
07/19/16: Board received annual report for the period April 1, 2015 to March 31, 2016 from Republic Services.
03/01/16: Board approved the Second Amendment to the Master Operations Agreement (MOA) to allow full access to the reuse area at the Sonoma Transfer Station and for reimbursement of up to $500,000 to Republic for purchasing and installing storm water equipment.
03/03/15: Board approved the First Amendment to the MOA, the Landfill Settlement Agreement between the County and the Cities, the Limited Term Indemnity Agreement with Republic Services Related to Composting Operations, and the Joint Defense and Indemnity Agreement with Sonoma County Waste Management Agency.
10/26/10: Board approved developing a regional long-term solid waste option.
12/8/09: Board approved and authorized relate of the Request for Proposals (RFP) for Short-Term Transfer Station Operations, Transportation and Disposal Services.
Fiscal Summary
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
None.
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
None.
Attachments:
Presentation Summary
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
Master Operations Agreement