Title
Authorizing the Public Works Department to apply for a Recycling Partnership Grant to improve access to residential recycling systems.
Body
WHEREAS, the City of Saint Paul (the City) is committed to protecting the environment and public health, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and conserving energy and natural resources; and
WHEREAS, the City is committed to opportunities to make Saint Paul one of the most sustainable cities in the United States; and
WHEREAS, A Wilder Research study: Recycle it Forward, A comprehensive assessment of recycling and waste management, August 2013, informed City staff and leadership about residents habits and barriers to participation, as well as, educational needs related to recycling and managing waste; and
WHEREAS, Wilder Research recommended changes to the current residential recycling programs and other waste management; and
WHEREAS, the 2013 City of Saint Paul Recycle it Forward study found that 63% of surveyed Saint Paul residents cited a lack of recycling bins or problems with current recycling bins as a barrier to recycling; and
WHEREAS, the same study found that the current bins are least likely to meet the needs of households with incomes under $25,000, residents between the ages of 25 and 45, two-parent families with children, Black/African American residents, Hispanic/Latino residents, and Asian residents; and
WHEREAS, the Recycling Partnership (Partnership) is a nonprofit designed to transform curbside recycling programs nationwide through public-private partnerships; and
WHEREAS, the Partnership provides financial and educational resources for communities switching from recycling bins to carts; and
WHEREAS, Ramsey County will fund up to 50% of the total cart purchase expenditures; and
WHEREAS, the estimated cost to switch from recycling bins to carts is $2.15 million; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Saint Paul authorize Kathy Lantry, Public Works Director...
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