Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zero Waste topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council accepts Zero Waste element tied to Climate Smart San José, plans pilot programs and outreach
Summary
City staff presented an update to the Zero Waste element of Climate Smart San José, outlining a goal of 90% landfill diversion and short- and long-term actions; council accepted the element and urged more school partnerships, textile diversion pilots and expanded outreach.
The City Council voted to accept the Zero Waste element as an update to the Climate Smart San José plan, endorsing staff recommendations to pursue pilot projects, strengthen outreach and integrate waste-reduction actions into future contracts.
Environmental Services Director Jeff Provenzano said the city's 2023 greenhouse-gas inventory shows waste-related emissions at about 8% of the community total. Staff described programs that already divert organic materials for composting and anaerobic digestion, noted that landfill contracts expire in 2032 (commercial) and 2036 (residential), and described pilot programs including a free community composting center trial funded with a state grant.
Council members emphasized opportunities to work with schools, expand textile reuse programs and explore partnerships with existing private recyclers for hard-to-recycle materials. Councilmember Campos asked whether staff had explored collaborations with school districts to use school sites for community recycling events; staff confirmed some outreach has occurred and offered to expand school-based activities. "There are many good ideas the staff and public have contributed to this plan," a councilmember said, urging prompt implementation of pilot programs.
Outcome: Council accepted the element and directed staff to incorporate the element into Climate Smart San José and to return with grant and pilot details as they are developed.
