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