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November 28, 2018, Work Session – Item 2 <br />EUGENE CITY COUNCIL <br />AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY <br />Work Session: Eugene Recycling Program Meeting Date: November 28, 2018 Agenda Item Number: 2 Department: Planning and Development Staff Contact: Michael Wisth <br />www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 541-682-6835 <br />ISSUE STATEMENT The City made adjustments to what recyclables are allowed in local collection in response to changes in international policies related to importation of recyclable materials, primarily mixed paper and plastics. While the current international situation shows no sign of changing, the City continues to monitor the situation, work with partners, and develop educational programming to help residents manage the current recycling limitations and the changes it has necessitated. This work session was requested by Councilor Syrett and approved by the council this summer. <br />BACKGROUND In 2017, China launched an initiative known as The National Sword, which eliminated Chinese manufacturing facilities that generate excessive pollution and implemented strict cleanliness standards on recyclable material imports, significantly impacting the markets for these materials. These new standards have had a significant and long-lasting impact on recycling in Eugene, Oregon and throughout the Western United States and Canada. In April of 2018, in response to worsening recycling market conditions and in close collaboration with our licensed haulers, the City of Eugene restricted certain items from the recycling stream, primarily plastic tubs, and limited collectable plastic bottles to narrow-necked drinking bottles (soda, water, etc). In September of 2018, solid waste collection rates were raised, in part, to adjust for the increased cost of disposing and processing recyclable materials. Furthermore, the duration the National Sword continues to depress markets, slow processing and create significant backlogs of recyclable materials. While many long-term solutions are in discussion across the State, there is no expectation of short-term relief. While the depression of the markets and its ongoing effects remains a developing situation, the City of Eugene, Lane County, the Department of Environmental Quality, and our haulers continue to work closely, exchange information and coordinate efforts. At this work session, staff will discuss the impacts of the National Sword in further detail, the City’s changes to the recycling stream, outreach and educational efforts, developments in response to these recycling issues, and residential food waste.