Recycling Cart Program: 2019 Expansion City of Reading Public - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Recycling Cart Program: 2019 Expansion City of Reading Public Works Department Sustainability/Solid Waste Division

Presentation Roadmap Why Recycle? Fundamental Need 1. Pilot Program Overview 2. Resident Feedback? Positive 3. Expansion Plan: City-Wide 4. Q&A 5.

Recycling: Fundamental Need Continues The Bad: Media Critical, Market Weak The Good: Investments Occurring

Environment Economy Community

Environmental Impact

Pilot Program Upgrade ~3,700 households from old containers to new recycling carts 18 th Ward Glenside Northmont Stadium & other neighborhoods with Monday collection 32 gal 35gal 65gal

Primary Goals • Improve recycling • Reduce litter Secondary Goals • Improve quality of containers - 10 year warranty • Improve asset tracking to reduce maintenance and replacement costs Small containers and no lids contribute to litter in the community, especially with wet, windy weather • Education

Program Cost: Myth Vs. Reality • Myth: $1 million • Media and officials incorrectly reported the program cost $1 million based on estimated cost for almost 27,000 eligible units city-wide to get a new cart and provide a robust education program over 3-5 years • Reality: $190,000 • The total cost of the pilot project was about $190,000, which includes the carts, delivery to homes, education materials, and staff time • Over 90% grant funded • Moving Forward: More Grant Opportunities • The City received a total of $350,000 for this project from a state grant program • Additional grant sources available if more carts needed

Quality Customer Service • Every request elevated by customer service received a call • Educational opportunities • 400 work orders completed • Most common need: size swap

Resident Surveys • Mailed survey to all homes in the pilot region 3 months after receiving carts (~3,700 surveys) • 20% response rate (730)* • Bilingual & available online • Asked 8 questions including: Better/Same/Worse about the recycling cart’s • characteristics Size too big, small, or just right • Where cart is stored • Satisfaction level • Desire to keep cart • Household size & age • *Responses as of July 26, 2019. Data based on 704 surveys received by February 1.

Overall Satisfaction Surveyed Residents Want to.... 100% 8% 10% 90% 7% 22% 8% 80% 9% 7% 70% 11% 15% 22% 67% 60% 50% 40% Keep their Cart Return their Cart Swap Sizes 30% 61% 53% Satisfaction 20% 10% Despite initial vocal criticism, 75% 0% were satisfied. Needs of those wanting a swap and providing contact info 35 65 were also addressed – likely boosting Very Satisfied Somewhat Satisfied Neutral Somewhat Unsatisfied Very Unsatisfied satisfaction rate.

Carts Impact on Litter 100% 1% 4% 90% 80% 44% 49% 70% 60% 50% Impact on 40% 30% Litter 55% 47% 20% 10% 49% of respondents perceive an 0% improvement, while 43% see no 35 65 change. Better Same Worse

Moving the Cart Storing the Cart 100% 100% 16% 90% 90% 20% 22% 25% 80% 80% 8% 8% 70% 70% 60% 60% 39% 42% 50% 50% Cart 40% 40% 76% Movement 72% 30% 30% & Storage 20% 20% 39% 33% 10% 10% Over two thirds of respondents feel 0% 0% the cart is easier to move, while one 35 65 35 65 third think it is easier to store. Better Same Worse Better Same Worse

Expansion: A City-Wide Approach • Available city-wide, expected Fall 2019 • Opt-in program • Varying needs for different types of homes • Household size is important • People can chose which works best for them • Education • Community meetings • Community events • Community groups to spread the information • Facebook & website • Logistics • Complete request online OR call Customer Service Info & enrollment form on our website

Recycling Container Options Fill out your request online at Large Cart w/ wheels & attached lid https://www.readingpa.gov/CleanCity H: 41.3” | W: 26.7” | D: 28.1” or by calling 65 gallons 877-727-3234 Small Cart w/ wheels & attached lid W H : 37.5” | W: 18.5” | D: 24.1” 35 gallons Round Can with unattached Lid H H: 37.5 ” | W:18.5 ” | D : 24.1” 32 gallons D

Questions? Citizen’s Service Center: 877 -727-3234 ReadingRecycles@ReadingPA.gov @ReadingPublicWorks www.ReadingPA.gov/CleanCity