2022 – 2042 RegionalDRAFTALAMO AREA COUNCIL Solid OF GOVERNMENTS 2022 – 2042 RegionalManagement Solid Waste Plan ManagementPUBLIC MEETING Plan

PUBLIC MEETING DRAFT DRAFT PUBLIC COMMENTS ON THE RSWMP CAN BE SUBMITTED TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION PROGRAM AT AACOG

Elizabeth Cook [email protected] 210-313-5480

Research and planning for the 20-year Regional Solid Plan was funded by the Texas Commission for Environmental Quality. Regional Solid Waste Management Plans are required by Texas Health and Safety Code (THSC), §363.062, relating to Regional Solid Waste Management Plan (RSWMP). Contents of the RSWMP are described in THSC §363.064 and in 30 Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Chapter 330, Subchapter O. Purpose DRAFT • Provide regional solid waste management context • Share the AACOG draft 2022 – 2042 Regional Solid Waste Management Plan • Provide an opportunity for comments and feedback Preview DRAFT • Background • Demographics • Solid waste management • Areas of concern • Regional action plan • Looking ahead DRAFT

Background TCEQ, Volume IDRAFT Form TCEQ, Volume IIDRAFT Form Our Approach DRAFT • Surveys • Subject matter expert interviews • Regular engagement with committee • Geospatial and statistical analysis • Best practices research DRAFT

Demographics AACOG DRAFT • 13 counties • 55 member cities • Total Population (2019): 2,663,491 Estimated WasteDRAFT Generation 6,000,000 4,500,000 4,000,000 5,000,000 3,500,000 4,000,000 3,000,000 2,500,000 3,000,000 2,000,000

2,000,000 1,500,000 Population 1,000,000 Waste Generation (Tons) Generation Waste 1,000,000 500,000 0 0 Current 2022 2027 2032 2037 2042 Year Estimated Waste Generation Current Population/Population Projection

Sources: disposal (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Annual Report FY2019), (Study on the Economic Impacts of Recycling (2017) prepared by Burns & McDonnell), Population (Texas Demographic Center), Estimated WasteDRAFT Generation 6,000,000 4,500,000 4,000,000 5,000,000 3,500,000 4,000,000 3,000,000 2,500,000 3,000,000 2,000,000

2,000,000 1,500,000 Population 1,000,000 Waste Generation (Tons) Generation Waste 1,000,000 500,000 0 0 Current 2022 2027 2032 2037 2042 Year Landfill Disposal (Tons) Recycling (Tons) Current Population/Population Projection

Sources: Landfill disposal (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Annual Report FY2019), Recycling (Study on the Economic Impacts of Recycling (2017) prepared by Burns & McDonnell), Population (Texas Demographic Center), DRAFT

Solid Waste Management Waste ManagementDRAFT Hierarchy Most Source Reduction and Reuse preferred

Recycling/Composting

Energy Recovery

Treatment and Least Disposal preferred Source: EPA Solid Waste ActivitiesDRAFT

Collection Transport

Source Generation Disposal Separation Handling Treatment

Resource Storage Recovery DRAFT

Collection Transport

Source Generation Disposal Separation Handling Treatment

Resource Storage Generation Recovery Residential WasteDRAFT Generation 1% 1% 3%2% Food 3% Paper Other Organic 5% 21% Inerts and Other 5% Plastic Brush 7% Mixed Residue 18% Yard Waste 10% Special Waste Metal 12% Glass 13% Electronics Household (HHW)

Source: CalRecycle (2014) CommercialDRAFT and Generation 2018 (Commercial by weight) 2018 (Industrial by weight) 1% 1%1%1% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% C&D 1% 1% 0% 0% 0% Hazardous 2% 2% 1% Paper Organics 3% 3% Organics 4% Paper 7% Plastics Metals 10% 29% Metals Brush 9% Brush C&D 11% Glass Plastics Hazardous 10% Glass Other Textiles 71% Textiles Other 22% Electronics 16% Bulk Bulk Electronics HHW HHW Sources: Texas Workforce Commission (Labor Market Information), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages), and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. Environmentally-Extended Input-Output model) CommercialDRAFT Waste Generation 2018 (by weight) 2018 (by volume) 1% 1%0% 0% 1% 1%0%0%0% 0% 0% C&D 2% 1% 0%0% C&D 2% 1% 3% 3% Paper Paper Organics Plastics 9% 10% Plastics Organics Metals 39% Metals Brush Brush 11% 11% Glass Textiles Hazardous Bulk Other Electronics 71% Textiles Glass Electronics 33% Other Bulk HHW HHW Hazardous* Sources: Texas Workforce Commission (Labor Market Information), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. Environmentally-Extended Input-Output model), and California's Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) DRAFT

Collection Transport

Source Generation Disposal Separation Handling Treatment

Resource Storage Source Separation Recovery Example: SourceDRAFT Separation in San Antonio Waste Stream Example materials Landfill waste Trash Recycling Glass, metal cans, paper, plastics Collected Organics Compostable paper, food, leaves and grass, trimmings and prunings Curbside Brush Branches and stumps Bulk Appliances, carpet, furniture, tires Problematic waste Automotive fluids, electronics, household hazardous waste, used oil filters Clothing Clothing

Handled via Plastic bags and film Grocery store bags Drop Off Medical waste Unused prescriptions Other Manures, clean and untreated lumber metals Other metals, scrap metals DRAFT

Collection Transport

Source Generation Disposal Separation Handling Treatment

Resource Storage Logistics Recovery Collection, Handling, and Storage Municipally-ProvidedDRAFT Curbside Collection 100 90 80 77 74 73 72 70 68 60 58 50 40 30 Percent of Population Percent 20 10 0 Trash Brush Bulk Recycling Yard Waste Organics Handling and StorageDRAFT Drop-off Locations Count Landfill 7 HHW 3 Recycling 15 Citizen Collection Station 10 TOTAL 35 DRAFT

Collection Transport

Source Generation Disposal Separation Handling Treatment

Resource Storage Processing Recovery Transport, Treatment, and Resource Recovery Processors DRAFT Processor Type Count Resource Recovery 35 Citizen Collection Station 10 Landfill 7 Compost 7 Transfer Station 3 Household Hazardous Waste 3 Medical Waste 2 Liquid Waste 2 Scrap Tires 1 TOTAL 70 DRAFT

Collection Transport

Source Generation Disposal Separation Handling Treatment

Resource Storage Disposal Recovery Disposal DRAFT

Landfill Type Count I 5 I-AE 1 IV 1 Total Permitted 7

Source: TCEQ (2019) Landfill RemainingDRAFT Years Site Name County Type 2019 Tons Remaining Tons Remaining Years

BFI Waste Tessman Road Landfill Bexar I 898,499 59,147,531 39

Covel Gardens Landfill Bexar I 998,760 91,060,540 68

Mesquite Creek Landfill Comal and Guadalupe I 437,599 8,681,335 15

City of Fredericksburg Landfill Gillespie I 35,339 834,764 20

Beck Landfill Guadalupe IV 374,862 2,072,959 12

City of Kerrville Landfill Kerr I 8,604 993,764 12

McMullen County Landfill McMullen IAE 500 1,751 4

TCEQ ESTIMATED TOTAL REMAINING LANDFILL YEARS 59

Source: TCEQ (2019) Disposal at Regional Landfills

DRAFT 1% 1% 0% 2% 0%0%0%0% Construction and Demolition NHIW Class 2 and 3 3% Contaminated Soil 10% Sludge Brush Class 1 NHIW Medical Waste Total Disposal Non-RACM 2.8 million tons Septage Tires Dead Animals - Slaughter House 26% 57% Grease Trap Incinerator Ash Other RACM Pesticides - Containers Used Oil Filters Source: TCEQ (2019) CESQG DRAFT

Areas of Concern Areas of ConcernDRAFT • Solid waste literacy • Problematic (including HHW) • Local solid waste plans • Source reduction and recycling • Areas of ConcernDRAFT • Solid waste literacy • Problematic wastes (including HHW) • Local solid waste plans • Source reduction and recycling • Illegal dumping Areas of ConcernDRAFT • Solid waste literacy • Problematic wastes (including HHW) • Local solid waste plans • Source reduction and recycling • Illegal dumping Areas of ConcernDRAFT • Solid waste literacy • Problematic wastes (including HHW) • Local solid waste plans • Source reduction and recycling • Illegal dumping Areas of ConcernDRAFT • Solid waste literacy • Problematic wastes (including HHW) • Local solid waste plans • Source reduction and recycling • Illegal dumping Areas of ConcernDRAFT • Solid waste literacy • Problematic wastes (including HHW) • Local solid waste plans • Source reduction and recycling • Illegal dumping DRAFT

04 Goals 2022 - 2042 19 Objectives Plan Overview 49 Action steps Goals DRAFT Goal 1 Maximize beneficial resource use

Goal 2 Responsibly manage problematic waste

Goal 3 Maximize proper disposal

Goal 4 Lead regional planning Goals DRAFT

Maximize Responsibly Beneficial Manage Resource Problematic Use Waste

Maximize Proper Disposal

Lead Regional Planning Roadmap: ConcernsDRAFT to Goals Household Source Local Solid Illegal Literacy Hazardous Reduction Waste Plans Dumping Waste and Recycling

Goal 1: Maximize beneficial resource use X X X

Goal 2: Responsibly manage problematic X X X waste

Goal 3: Maximize proper disposal X X X X

Goal 4: Lead regional planning X X X X X DRAFT

OBJECTIVES

Improve access to diversion 1.A. opportunities

Maximize Beneficial 1.B. Improve community participation

Resource Use 1.C. Provide education Goal 1 Goal 1: Maximize BeneficialDRAFT Resource Use ACTION PLAN Objective Action steps Action period

1.A. Improve 1.A.1 Identify and share comprehensive list of locations to divert materials from access to the landfill (e.g., recycling, reuse, and composting drop-off locations, diversion schools, private businesses) opportunities 1.A.2 Encourage government agencies to lead by example in waste diversion and environmentally-friendly procurement practices (e.g., establish Short-term recycling programs and buy recycled products, per TAC Chapter 328, Subchapter K, Rule 328.202)

1.A.3 Explore innovative and processing methods (e.g., Recyclops collection services, and black soldier fly larvae for food waste)

1.A.4 Continue and expand the composting of and organic wastes, Mid-term following local successful models (e.g., San Antonio Water System) Goal 1: Maximize BeneficialDRAFT Resource Use ACTION PLAN Objective Action steps Action period

1.A. Improve 1.A.5 Encourage cities and counties to offer free cardboard recycling to access to businesses and explore free recycling for additional high-value diversion commodities at other large-volume generators (e.g., City of McAllen free opportunities workplace recycling program)

1.A.6 Encourage expansion of ReWorksSA Certification Program throughout the region, including encouraging waste reduction Mid-term 1.A.7 Explore innovative ways to increase the volume of materials diverted (e.g., creation of a Solid Waste Disposal Authority, implementation of a Universal Recycling Ordinance, recycling cooperatives)

1.A.8 Encourage exploration of opportunities to divert construction and demolition materials from landfills (e.g., City of San Antonio Deconstruction & Salvage Initiative) Goal 1: Maximize BeneficialDRAFT Resource Use ACTION PLAN Objective Action steps Action period

1.B. Improve 1.B.1 Outreach to large-volume generators with existing programs to consider community accepting community-generated materials participation Mid-term 1.B.2 Explore the potential for an online network to foster business-to- business connections to match by-products or surplus materials with opportunities for reuse or recycling (e.g., Austin Materials Marketplace)

1.B.3 Outreach to community, civic, and school/university groups to provide Short-term, mid- volunteers for collection event activities term and long- term Goal 1: Maximize BeneficialDRAFT Resource Use ACTION PLAN Objective Action steps Action period

1.C. Provide 1.C.1 Ensure broad public awareness using cost-effective communication education tools including social media; COG, city, and county websites; and print materials, where appropriate, to provide consistent, reliable communication (e.g., where to take common reusable materials and Short-term, recyclable materials) mid-term and long-term 1.C.2 Support sharing audience-specific information to educate target audiences on source reduction, recycling, reuse, or composting opportunities DRAFT

OBJECTIVES

Improve access to problematic waste 2.A. collection

Responsibly Manage 2.B. Provide education Problematic Waste 2.C. Collect data Goal 2 Goal 2: Responsibly DRAFTManage Problematic Waste ACTION PLAN Objective Action steps Action period

2.A. Improve 2.A.1 Encourage cities and counties to request information about on-demand access to curbside special waste collection (e.g., Waste Management At Your Door) Short-term problematic waste 2.A.2 Explore creating reuse opportunities (e.g., paint reuse program) collection 2.A.3 Support local problematic waste collections events and explore developing Short-term, region-wide collection events (e.g., one centralized rotating event, individual mid-term and community events held on the same day) long-term Goal 2: Responsibly DRAFTManage Problematic Waste ACTION PLAN Objective Action steps Action period

2.B. Provide 2.B.1 Identify businesses where problematic wastes can be dropped off throughout education the region (e.g., Walgreens, Best Buy, Automotive Shops) and post online on all Short-term websites

2.B.2 Ensure broad public awareness using cost-effective communication tools including social media; COG, city, and county websites; and print materials, where appropriate, to provide consistent, reliable communication Short-term, 2.B.3 Leverage collection events to increase understanding of problematic waste by mid-term and providing information to the media and local champions, and providing long-term information to event participants—including print materials where appropriate (e.g., collection events, environmental impacts, and where to take problematic materials)

2.C. Collect 2.C.1 Collect, analyze, and share data to improve future events (e.g., participant ZIP Mid-term data Code, materials collected, and cost to dispose of materials) DRAFT OBJECTIVES Improve access to solid waste drop- 3.A. off opportunities

3.B. Increase community participation Maximize Proper 3.C. Provide education 3.D. Collect data

Disposal Increase illegal dumping prevention 3.E. efforts Goal 3 3.F. Increase illegal dumping enforcement Goal 3: Maximize ProperDRAFT Disposal ACTION PLAN Objective Action steps Action period

3.A. Improve 3.A.1 Continue to support and expand reduced-cost options for waste access to solid disposal (e.g., free drop-off days, income-based vouchers, and pay-per- Short-term waste drop-off bag programs at collection centers and/or landfills) opportunities 3.A.2 Promote establishment of additional municipal and county collection centers (e.g., Karnes County Collection Station) 3.A.3 Explore ways to expand curbside trash collection in currently Mid-term underserved areas (e.g., Bexar County legislation SB 1229 (85R), Solid Waste Disposal Authorities) 3.B. Increase 3.B.1 Support programs that encourage and enable community reporting Short-term community (e.g., illegal dumping reporting app, phone line) participation 3.B.2 Support local community clean up events and encourage organizers to Short-term, mid- seek funding from business and civic partners, share best practices with term and long- other local organizers and recruit volunteers from schools and other term community organizations Goal 3: Maximize ProperDRAFT Disposal ACTION PLAN Objective Action steps Action period

3.C. Provide 3.C.1 Ensure broad public awareness using cost-effective communication tools education including social media and the websites of each relevant city and county to provide consistent, reliable communication 3.C.2 Leverage cleanup events to increase understanding of illegal dumping by providing information to the media and local champions, and providing Short-term, information to cleanup participants—including print materials where mid-term and appropriate (e.g., event dates, penalties and impact, and where to take long-term commonly dumped materials) 3.C.3 Educate and engage targeted segments of the community (e.g., students, residents, construction companies, property owners, and businesses) on proper disposal methods and the impact of illegal dumping Goal 3: Maximize Proper Disposal ACTION PLAN

Objective ActionDRAFT steps Action period 3.D. Collect data 3.D.1 Encourage collection and analysis of illegal dumping data (e.g., illegal dumping--dumping locations, cost to clean up and enforce laws, and Mid-term enforcement outcomes; reduced-cost disposal options--participation, volume, and ZIP Code) 3.E. Increase illegal 3.E.1 Support deterrents such as surveillance cameras, simple signage, dumping beautification, and fencing in high-incident areas as part of a Long-term prevention comprehensive illegal dumping strategy, which includes prevention, efforts abatement, education, and enforcement 3.F. Increase illegal 3.F.1 Outreach to prosecutors and judges to increase their support of illegal dumping dumping enforcement enforcement Short-term 3.F.2 Continue exploring establishment of a Regional Environmental Task Force to share emerging illegal dumping issues, lessons learned, and best practices (e.g., South Central Texas Regional Environmental Task Force) 3.F.3 Support training for enforcement officers and judges (e.g., Ark-Tex Short-term, COG training model) mid-term, and long-term DRAFT OBJECTIVES 4.A. Collaborate

4.B. Optimize funding decisions Lead Regional 4.C. Oversee facility planning Review and update solid waste 4.D. management plans Planning 4.E. Make continuous improvements 4.F. Collect data Goal 4 4.G. Plan for disaster waste Goal 4: Lead RegionalDRAFT Planning ACTION PLAN Objective Action steps Action period

4.A. Collaborate 4.A.1 Initiate annual Solid Waste Management Award program for cities, counties, businesses, and individuals within the region (e.g., BVCOG)

4.A.2 Compile a master list of all materials collected for recycling, composting, or reuse by cities and counties within the region and look for opportunities to harmonize collections to minimize confusion Short-term 4.A.3 Share the Regional Solid Waste Management Plan with relevant local decision makers to increase awareness, encourage participation, and maximize benefits (e.g., cities, counties, school districts, and other civic leaders)

4.A.4 Encourage the development of local solid waste management plans for cities and counties to implement the relevant goals 1-3 in this plan for their communities (e.g., San Antonio, New Braunfels)

4.A.5 Utilize and customize existing resources and tools where possible to create Short-term, consistency and save time and money (e.g., TCEQ- and other COG-developed mid-term and educational materials) long-term Goal 4: Lead Regional Planning ACTION PLAN

Objective ActionDRAFT steps Action period 4.B. Optimize 4.B.1 Establish COG pass-through grant funding criteria that encourages funding participation in committee activities and ensures alignment with Mid-term decisions regional waste management priorities (e.g., Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council criteria)

4.B.2 Apply for external grant funding to supplement available TCEQ funds to Short-term, enable broader implementation of the Regional Solid Waste mid-term and Management Plan long-term

4.C. Oversee 4.C.1 Evaluate Municipal Solid Waste facility permit applications facility Short-term, planning 4.C.2 Ensure adequate regional waste disposal capacity mid-term and long-term 4.C.3 Maintain closed landfill inventory

4.D. Review and 4.D.1 Update Regional Solid Waste Management Plan as necessary update solid Short-term, waste 4.D.2 Publish biennial status reports of regional solid waste management plan mid-term and management goal progress and accomplishments long-term plans Goal 4: Lead RegionalDRAFT Planning ACTION PLAN Objective Action steps Action period

4.E. Make 4.E.1 Stay informed about changing solid waste management best practices Short-term, continuous and technologies mid-term and improvements long-term 4.F.​ Collect Data​ 4.F.1 Explore developing a regional data sharing platform which could be used by cities and counties within the COG to help with solid waste Mid-term​ planning​ 4.G. Plan for 4.G.1 Encourage development of local disaster debris management plans Mid-term disaster waste 4.G.2 Create peer exchange opportunities to share best practices and Short-term, existing resources for local disaster debris managements plans mid-term and long-term Looking Ahead DRAFT • Incorporate your feedback • Provide the final Regional Solid Waste Management plan to COG • Receive COG Board Approval • Receive TCEQ Approval DRAFT

PUBLIC COMMENT DRAFT

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