HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-11-14 PACKET 08.D.City of
Cotta Grove
J Minnesota
To: Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission
From: Zac Dockter, Parks and Recreation Director
CC: Molly Pietruszewski, Recreation Coordinator
Jennifer Levitt, City Engineer
Date: August 24, 2011
Subject: Recycling in Parks Program
Introduction
The city of Cottage Grove has proudly promoted recycling in the community for over 15 years. The
city's recycling mission is to maintain an active presence in the community to inform residents, of
alternatives for disposing of waste that could be recycled, reused, or reduced. As such, program staff
continues to research new ways to increase the message. One such endeavor being proposed for
2012 is to increase recycling opportunities throughout the community park system.
Background
The Parks and Recreation Department currently promotes recycling within the park buildings. This is
done by use of a recycling container provided and serviced by Tennis Sanitation. Facility staff put the
recycling containers out weekly for service similar to the way a resident does for household service.
Although this program is very successful it is likely just scratching the surface in regards to the recycling
potential of the entire park system. However, the Parks and Recreation Department does not have the
facilities or capabilities to its existing trash hauling service which is completed with in -house labor and
equipment. To be able to expand recycling the city has approached Tennis Sanitation to graciously aid
in the effort. As such, the city will provide appropriate recycling containers in each community park.
Periodically, staff will remove the recycling contents and place them into a Tennis Sanitation receptacle
near each building for weekly service by Tennis. Staff believes this will be the most efficient and
effective method of collection in that the containers will be placed in areas of high traffic and ease of
use while still taking advantage of Tennis Sanitation's convenient curbside service.
At this time, Tennis Sanitation is not able to accurately weigh individual site recycling quantities so
determining the effectiveness of the program will not be scientific. However, staff will be tasked with
monitoring recycling levels by periodically taking visual note of use in containers throughout each park.
Those usage reports will be documented in a manner that offers easy comparison between sites and
over time. This estimated data will help to understand program effectiveness and make changes in the
future. In order to best manage the program, staff will begin by recycling in the seven community
parks.
Recommendation
Recommend staff proceed with recycling in parks program.