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Home My Public Portal About2023.07.26 G Frizzell City of McCall - Waste Mgmt Letter 2023 1800 University Lane, PO Box 1025, McCall, ID 83638 mccall@uidaho.edu | uidaho.edu/cnr/mccall-field-campus | 208.885.1080 Getting people outdoors to learn about science, place and community. July 18, 2023 Subject: Recommendation for Improved Waste Management Services Dear City Council Members, Thank you for the opportunity to provide input as you are considering enhancing our city's waste management practices. As the Director of Operations at the University of Idaho McCall Field Campus, I believe these recommendations will contribute to more efficient operations at MFC, a cleaner environment, reduce waste generation, and promote sustainability within our community. • Curbside Single Stream Recycling Service: I would like to propose the introduction of curbside single stream recycling service to McCall. Single stream recycling simplifies the recycling process for residents by allowing them to place all recyclable materials, such as paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, and metal, into a single recycling bin. This system eliminates the need for sorting at the source and encourages higher recycling rates among residents. With the convenience of curbside collection, more individuals are likely to participate in recycling efforts, resulting in a significant reduction in waste sent to landfills. With 20 full-time residents, thousands of Idaho K12 students visiting annually, and 12 staff members, recycling at MFC is a big, time-consuming job. Having curbside single stream recycling service will not only greatly improve the efficiency of our operations, but also will help us do a better job at capturing recycling on campus before it ends up in the trash because users find the current system inconvenient. Moscow, Idaho has a superb curbside single stream recycling system that you could look to as a successful model. • City-Wide Composting Service: In addition to curbside recycling, I strongly recommend the implementation of a city-wide composting service. Organic waste constitutes a significant portion of our municipal solid waste stream. By providing residents with accessible composting options, we can divert this organic waste from landfills and transform it into valuable compost. Composting not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also enriches the soil, benefiting local farmers and community gardens. Educating residents about the benefits of composting and providing them with the necessary infrastructure and resources will foster a more sustainable and environmentally conscious community. MOSS would have the opportunity to educate thousands of Idaho youth annually about these composting efforts. At an average meal served at MFC, we dispose of 2-3 50-gallon trash bags of primarily organic waste. Multiply this by thousands of meals served annually, you can see how quickly this adds up. Again, I offer Moscow, Idaho as an example of a municipality who runs an excellent composting program. • Improved Containers at the Transfer Station: I would like to draw attention to the need for better containers at our city's transfer station. Currently, the containers' openings are often small and difficult to use, making the disposal of waste challenging for residents. By installing containers with larger openings and user-friendly designs, we can enhance the efficiency of waste disposal, minimize littering, and ensure a smoother waste management process overall. Additionally, proper signage and clear instructions can help residents navigate the transfer station more effectively, reducing confusion and streamlining the waste disposal experience. Implementing these recommendations will contribute significantly to McCall's efforts in achieving a greener and more sustainable future. The benefits include reduced landfill waste, increased recycling rates, decreased environmental impact, and enhanced community pride. Many cities across the country have successfully adopted similar initiatives, yielding positive results both environmentally and economically. I kindly request that you consider these recommendations and take the necessary steps to study their feasibility and potential implementation. Engaging with community members, waste management experts, and relevant stakeholders will help shape and refine these proposals to suit our city's unique requirements. By prioritizing sustainable waste management practices, we can create a cleaner, healthier, and more environmentally responsible community for generations to come. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I remain available to discuss these recommendations further or provide any additional information that may be required. I appreciate your dedication to serving our city and fostering a sustainable future. Best Regards, Greg Fizzell Director, Facilities and Operations College of Natural Resources McCall Field Campus Taylor Wilderness Research Station gfizzell@uidaho.edu 208-885-8717 | 208-596-2124 (Mobile)