Atherton staff discuss 'Hefty Renew' bags pilot to divert hard‑to‑recycle plastics
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Summary
The EPC heard a staff update on an optional GreenWaste pilot that would collect heavy, nonrecyclable plastics in orange bags; the town may distribute sample bags at Earth Day and provide residents with guidance on acceptable items.
Staff and committee members discussed a potential pilot program with GreenWaste to collect hard‑to‑recycle plastics using a special orange bag (often marketed under "Hefty Renew" programs). The program would be optional; if the town secures supplies, residents could receive a free sample bag at Earth Day.
Cristobal said the idea is to provide an orange bag that GreenWaste crews would recognize and separate from the regular refuse stream. "If we can work all that out, [GreenWaste] would be at their table," Cristobal said, referring to outreach at Earth Day and the possibility of handing out sample bags.
Staff described the likely contents for the orange bag as heavy plastics that are not accepted in standard curbside recycling, such as certain rigid food packaging and multi‑material clamshells; a detailed list would be supplied by the contractor and communicated to residents.
Committee members requested a simple handout and a distribution plan. Staff said the bag packaging would cost residents about $8 per year if purchased in boxes, and the town is discussing whether to procure a supply for event distribution to seed the voluntary pilot.
Ending: Staff will continue to coordinate details with GreenWaste and aim to have program information and possibly sample bags available at the Earth Day event.