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Update on the Oakland CCIRF Study on Solid Waste Management
July 2009
This CCIRF project is a study of
options on how to best handle solid waste and recycling in
participating Oakland County communities. The primary goals of the
study are to identify and recommend answers to the following
questions:
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Can certain efficiencies be
achieved by these communities working together?
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What systems can be implemented
to increase recycling and waste diversion?
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Are there new technologies that
provide good, sound alternatives to disposal of waste in
landfills?
Participating Communities
Brandon, Groveland, Independence,
Springfield, Waterford, West Bloomfield, and White Lake Townships.
Summary of Meetings
Over the past few months, the
participating communities have met on regular basis to address
different components of the study.
Information prepared by the CCRlF
study consultant, Resource Recycling Systems (RRS), presented to the
participating communities included:
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Waste and recycling estimates
for the participating communities
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Projected growth in waste and
recycling over the next 20 years
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Identifying comprehensive solid
waste and recycling program components
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Case studies of programs in and
around Oakland County
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Review of benefits and
considerations of solid waste system models
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Projections by community of
potential waste diversion under different system model scenarios
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An overview of various
conversion technologies-alternatives to conventional solid waste
and recycling management practices
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A tour of a regional recycling
authority in Oakland County
Technology Review
In order to determine the
feasibility and compatibility of the alternative technologies with
the participating communities, RRS released a Request for
Information to vendors of these technology systems. Vendors that met
the identified criteria were invited to a vendor interview held in
April. The interviews allowed the participating communities to ask
further questions and interact with these types of vendors to
determine if their system is a good fit for the waste management
needs and goals of the participating northern Oakland County
communities.
Communications and Input
Throughout the course of the study,
the project communities were actively involved in communications
with their residents and Boards. Executive briefings suitable for
broad dissemination were produced as a way of reporting to a larger
group of stakeholders about each meeting. RRS provided several
information pieces about the project including a summary of system
models, benefits of recycling, and several project updates.
This information was shared at
township halls and on websites. Presentations were made to each
Township Board by RRS about the status of the project during the
months of April and May. To further solicit the community resident
input, each participating community hosted a customized online
survey about the study and solid waste issues.
Conclusions
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Are there efficiencies in these
communities working together? Experience in Oakland County, in
Michigan and across the country has shown that communities that
cooperate to develop services benefit from economies of scale,
market position, and shared administration and educational costs
that result in lower rates and a high degree of service, along
with the ability to adapt to changing practices and
requirements.
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What systems can increase
recycling and waste diversion in these communities? Community
wide collection systems combined with locally available
processing options and the contractual ability to provide
incentives, ensure service standards and to negotiate revenue
sharing are proven top performers in landfill diversion.
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Are conversion technologies
feasible? The answer here is a definitive maybe. Just as clear
as some of these emerging technologies reliability and
functionality is improving, landfill rates are extremely low and
space is plentiful. Aformal Request for Proposal process is
recommended. In any event, regulatory, siting, and financing and
due diligence considerations place the conversion technologies
on a longer development cycle than the clear advantages
accessible through cooperation in the immediate term.
Recommendations
The CCIRF communities should begin
work to finalize the details of a solid waste authority with: the
authorization to seek services on behalf of its founding
communities. The formation and operation of an authority in the near
term will also greatly benefit the ability to request and receive
legitimate pricing in any procurement process. Included in this
development should be outreach to adjacent communities which have
expressed an interest.
The CCIRF communities should begin
work on the specifics of a community wide hauling contract and
procurement specifications.
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Specifications will detail
important items such as service levels desired within each
community, the creation of service zones for specific services,
procurement preferences or requirements of the communities, any
use of automated collection or incentives, and service
procurement order and calendar.
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Develop an implementation
schedule based on existing agreements and procurement
requirements. A transitional service would be developed with an
eye toward moving to a conversion technology, when and if
feasible.
The CCIRF communities should request
proposals from conversion technologists.
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As part of the proposed
procurement process, evaluate for viability and desirability to
conduct due diligence activities.
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Narrowing the field to not more
than two.
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Begin specific negotiations
around location and siting timeframe, price point and materials
guarantees, and financing in a controlled and actionable
environment.
Independence Township Signature
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