The following information is from Patricia Garbarino, President of Marin Sanitary Service.
[break]
[break]
For the past two years, MSS has been working with jurisdictions we serve and their independent third party, R3 Consulting, to make improvements to the way rates are set. We are pleased to announce that this was accomplished this year. Two things came out of the review: the new rates for 2019, and a new procedure that will streamline and simplify the annual rate setting process for future years.
[break]
After conducting a thorough review and analysis of our rate application, R3 reported their findings at public hearing before the City and Town Councils and Boards in December 2018, January, February, March and April 2019. Rate increases varied for each jurisdiction depending on programs, services and government fees.
[break]
Most of this increase has been due to several unforeseen and uncontrollable events that have occurred over the past two years and have greatly affected the recycling world.
[break]
-
Chinese National Sword
You may have read in the papers or heard broadcasts about China’s decision to severely cut back or stop buying recyclables from the U.S (also known as the Chinese National Sword). China is the largest buyer of our recycled materials in California. The result was to significantly decrease the value of the products we recycle. Markets have been on the decline for the past three years, getting much worse in 2018 and economists are predicting that this is the new normal.
-
Contamination
In addition, we are also seeing more contamination (items that do not belong) in our recycling. Some of this is from “wishful” recycling (placing items in your recycling cart in hopes they are recyclable when they are really just garbage). Another factor is that people continue to consume more and more, and most packaging is really not recyclable. The result of all of this is increased processing costs with little to no revenue from the sale of the recyclables to help offset these costs.
-
Operational Expenses
In addition to the financial effects described above, further contributors to the rate increase include increasing labor costs, rising fuel prices, and increasing landfill disposal and organics processing costs. Around the Bay Area, other customers have experienced rate increases of 10% to 60% for the same reasons.
[break]
MSS strives to provide good jobs in the community so we can hire local people and they can afford to live here. Marin Sanitary Service remains committed to recycling excellence. Our early adoption of dual stream recycling gives MSS an advantage in adapting to these recycling challenges; however, there are likely more changes ahead. While the industry is changing, we do not want to discourage you from continuing the good practice of recycling. We will continue to investigate and implement new technologies and to educate our customers on proper recycling.
[break]
If you have questions or concerns, please contact Kimberly Scheibly, Director of Customer Relations, at 415-458-5514.
[break]
[break]
It is our goal to always provide excellent service and programs to our customers. Below are answers to some common questions we receive.
[break]
[break]
RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS
Is it worth it to recycle?
Definitely! While recycling is no longer a net-revenue generator, it is still important in that it conserves natural resources and helps decrease greenhouse gas emissions.
So, what does my quarterly “Resource Hauling” bill pay for?
- Weekly curbside collection of one (1) garbage cart (landfill), one (1) split cart for recycling and one (1) green cart for compostable materials.
- Processing of recyclable materials at Marin Recycling and landfill disposal of garbage and organics processing fees at Redwood Landfill.
- Twice annual scheduled clean-up collections of up to 14 bags total of yard waste, recycling and/or garbage. Please remember to use paper bags for extra yard waste and recycling to ensure it is easy for the driver to see it is not garbage.
- Twice per year on-call collection of up to two (2) bulky items such as mattresses, appliances, and TVs.
- In addition, customers can rent additional yard waste and split recycling carts for a monthly nominal fee.
- Visit our residential, commercial or multifamily pages for up-to-date information on services and programs.
How can I save money?
- The number one way to save is to produce less waste
- Shop smart—buy in bulk and try and avoid packaging in general but non-recyclable packaging specifically.
- Make sure to sort your recycling and compostables properly.Learn what can and cannot go in your carts.
- If you are low-income and part of the PG&E CARE program, you can qualify for a discounted rate.
How can I tell if a material is recyclable or not?
Unfortunately, there is no manual for this but we are developing an online and mobile app tool called “Where Does it Go, Joe?” that will help you sort properly.
[break]
[break]
MULTIFAMILY CUSTOMERS
Is it worth it to recycle?
While recycling is no longer a net-revenue generator, it is still important in that it conserves natural resources and helps decrease greenhouse gas emissions.
Do I have to recycle?
California State law requires businesses and organizations to recycle. Click here to learn more.
So, what does my monthly “Resource Hauling” bill pay for?
- Collection of garbage (landfill) containers (carts or bins) 1-6 days per week.
- Collection of recycling from 1-6 times per week including cardboard, all papers, and bottles & cans.
- Up to four (4), 64-gallon carts for the collection of yard waste, food waste and accepted food soiled papers (Commercial Composting). Additional carts may be rented for a nominal monthly fee. Bin service may be available for a fee upon request.
- Visit our multifamily pages for up-to-date information on services and programs.
How can I save money?
- The number one way to save is to produce less waste
- Subscribe to ALL recycling & organics services that meet the needs of your business.
- Train your staff and tenants how to sort all recycling and compostables properly. Learn what can and cannot go in your containers.
- Call and speak with one of our Commercial Recycling Coordinators to help you figure it out! (415) 456-2601.
How can I tell if a material is recyclable or not?
Unfortunately, there is no manual for this but we are developing an online and mobile app tool called “Where Does it Go, Joe?” that will help you sort properly.
[break]
[break]
COMMERCIAL BUSINESS CUSTOMERS
Is it worth it to recycle?
While recycling is no longer a net-revenue generator, it is still important in that it conserves natural resources and helps decrease greenhouse gas emissions.
Do I have to recycle?
California State law requires businesses and organizations to recycle. Click here to learn more.
So, what does my monthly “Resource Hauling” bill pay for?
- Collection of garbage (landfill) containers (carts or bins) 1-6 days per week.
- Collection of recycling from 1-6 times per week including cardboard, all papers, and bottles & cans.
- There are two programs for organics:
- Food waste only (Food 2 Energy)
- Yard waste, food waste and accepted food soiled papers (Commercial Composting).
- Both of these programs
- Visit our commercial pages for up-to-date information on services and programs.
How can I save money?
- The number one way to save is to produce less waste
- Subscribe to ALL recycling & organics services that meet the needs of your business.
- Train your staff and tenants how to sort all recycling and compostables properly. Learn what can and cannot go in your containers.
- Call and speak with one of our Commercial Recycling Coordinators to help you figure it out! (415) 456-2601.
How can I tell if a material is recyclable or not?
Unfortunately, there is no manual for this but we are developing an online and mobile app tool called “Where Does it Go, Joe?” that will help you sort properly.
