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WORKING TOWARDS A FUTURE WITHOUT LANDFILLS Celebrating Twenty Years of Dedication and Commitment to our Communities 2016-17 Annual Report Table of Contents Facility Locations......................................................... 3 Board of Directors........................................... 4 Letter from General Manager........................ 5 SVR Milestones................................................ 6 Staff................................................................. 8 Board Highlights............................................. 9 Strategic Planning........................................... 10 Promoting Education & More........................ 12 Success by the Numbers................................. 14 Recycling Programs & Cleanup Events ......................................................................... 15 Statistics.......................................................... 16 Operational Excellence................................... 18 Operations Budget.......................................... 19 Improvements & New Projects...................... 20 Earth Sustainable Partnerships..................... 22 Marketing Efforts............................................ 23 Grants.............................................................. 24 Community Involvement................................ 25 HHW ............................................................... 26 Looking Ahead ............................................... 27 Text REDUCE REUSE RECYCLE ROT Sites Information Text Text Salinas Valley Recycles Service Area & Facility Locations Administrative Office Sun Street Transfer Station Household Hazardous Waste Facility Johnson Canyon Landfill 128 Sun Street, Suite 101 Salinas, CA 93901 Mon - Fri 8am - 5pm (831) 775-3000 139 Sun Street Salinas, CA 93901 Mon - Fri 7am - 5pm Sat 8am - 4pm (831) 424-5535 139 Sun Street Salinas, CA 93901 Mon - Fri 8am - 5pm Sat 8am - 4pm (831) 424-5520 31400 Johnson Canyon Rd. Gonzales, CA 93926 Mon - Fri 7am - 4pm Sat/Sun 8am - 4pm (831) 675-2165 Jolon Road Transfer Station 52654 Jolon Rd. King City, CA 93930 Mon - Fri 8am - 4pm Sat 8am - 12pm (831) 385-6213 SVR maintains the lowest per capita cost for delivery of recycling and solid waste services in the region, even with over 21% of our budget going towards maintaining 3 closed landfills (“legacy liabilities”). FOLLOW US Text The Board of Directors meet every 3rd Thursday of every month at 6:00 p.m. at the City of Gonzales Council Chambers The Executive Committee, (Board Executive Officers), meet monthly on the Thursday two weeks before each Board of Directors meeting as necessary at 4:00 p.m. at SVR’s Administration Office For more information on meeting schedules or agendas, contact Clerk of the Board, Erika Trujillo, 831-775-3012 or erikat@svswa.org visit our website www.SalinasValleyRecycles.org Innovation Integrity Public Education Efficiency Fiscal Prudence Resourcefulness Customer Service Community Partnerships Tony R. Barrera Christopher Bourke Kimbley Craig John M. Phillips Liz Silva Avelina Torres Simon Salinas Robert Cullen Gloria De La Rosa President Vice President Alternate Vice President County of Monterey City of King City of Salinas To reduce the amount of waste by promoting individual and corporate responsibility. To recover waste for its highest and best use while balancing rates and services. To transform our business from burying waste to utilizing waste as a resource. To eliminate the need for landfills. "To manage Salinas Valley solid waste as a resource, promoting sustainable, environmentally sound and cost effective practices through an integrated system of waste reduction, reuse, recycling, innovative technology, customer service, and education.” Luis Alejo Joseph D. Gunter Scott Funk Carla Stewart County of Monterey City of Salinas City of Gonzales City of Soledad Yanely Martinez Darlene Acosta City of Greenfield City of King Mission Statement Values Vision Statement Alternate Directors Board of Directors City of Salinas City of Soledad City of Salinas County of Monterey City of Salinas City of Soledad City of Salinas County of Monterey City of Gonzales City of Greenfield Fiscal year 2016-17 started Salinas Valley Recycles (SVR) in a stronger financial position than we have seen in recent years. Increases in materials, both recycled and landfilled, has resulted in year-end revenues beyond our budgetary projections for the third straight year. Increased revenues have allowed SVR to fund all of our reserves to levels above prior years and set aside funds for major capital projects coming in the future such as the next waste disposal module at Johnson Canyon Landfill and potential proposed Salinas Area Facility improvements. Self-funding our operations with only local revenues and no waste importation to our landfill has turned out to be one of the most significant and forward-thinking decisions for our Board. We now operate within our means and no longer rely on a limited and declining revenue source from selling our landfill space. This decision has required rate adjustments over the years to address the true cost of service. However, the public can be assured through the Board’s leadership, that we are fully utilizing our community revenues to operate our public utility services in a cost-effective manner, improving services and environmental stewardship, while limiting our long-term landfill liabilities. Staff and I want to thank the Board of Directors for their leadership in moving forward the final decision to complete SVR’s long-range planning for our future public facility needs. As SVR’s member agencies embark on implementing their local plans to create more vibrant, healthy and sustainable communities, the contributions of SVR to these goals are critical and significant. Garbage and recycling like water, sewer, gas and electricity are essential public utility services that are important to community health and well-being. Yet, the importance of our services are often overlooked. Ask the 90,000+ visitors per year to our Sun Street Recycling and Transfer Station and they will agree that this facility is an important part of our community’s utility infrastructure. When we use trash or recycling containers at home or work, we expect the by-products of our lifestyle to just go “Away”. SVR and our partners, marketers, and collectors are the “Away”, and as a community utility service provider, we must work in an ever-increasing atmosphere of expanding environmental regulation, financially and politically complicated markets for recycled materials, climate change adaptation mandates, and local concerns over solid waste facilities and transportation. Community partnerships, technological innovation and climate action plan opportunities continue to drive the sustainable future vision of SVR and our partner agencies. Our vision is for a future which uses waste as a resource, instead of burying it and creating unnecessary long-term environmental obligations for the community’s future. These changes are often hard to achieve within the complexity of new laws and regulations, existing financial obligations, and community concerns. However, as communities, each of us has made this commitment to change through our General Plans, Strategic Plans, Climate Action Plans and Economic Development goals that guide the whole region towards more sustainable living and the creation of new job opportunities. Salinas Valley Recycles is part of this healthy change. Our Future This annual report is a summary of the Authority’s accomplishments, waste reductions activities, cost saving measures, and its dedicated professional staff for the 2016-2017 fiscal year. We hope it provides the reader with a clear overview of the sustainable direction of Salinas Valley Recycles! I want to again thank the Salinas Valley Recycles Board of Directors, staff, community partners, our Citizens Advisory Group, and all those who have supported our efforts to improve our environment and help make sustainable living in the Salinas Valley a reality. R. Patrick Mathews General Manager/Chief Administrative Officer Message from the General Manager 2004 2007 SVR holds its first tire amnesty collection in the City of Salinas. Agency is formed. Lewis Road ceases waste acceptance after opening in 1947. 1997 2002 Board approved the formation of a Conversion Technologies Committee to study alternative methods to landfilling including gasification and autoclave technologies. 2003 2001 2005 SVR receives SWANA's Silver Excellence Award for Solid Waste System. SVR opens Household Hazardous Waste Facility to serve residents of Salinas Valley. SVR becomes a stand alone Agency. 1999 Sun Street Transfer Station Opens. Salinas Valley Recycles Milestones SVR assumes operations of the Jolon Road Transfer Station. Johnson Canyon Lanfill turns 40 years old. 2008 Landfill gas to Energy project begins at Johnson Canyon Landfill. 2017 2013 Board approved Long Term Facilities Needs and the Global Organic Engery Clean Fiber Organics Recovery System Design & Environmental Study. Crazy Horse Landfill final closure certificate received. 2014 Crazy Horse ceases waste acceptance after opening in 1934. 2016 2009 SVR assumes the operations of its Johnson Canyon Landfill. SVR assumes the Operation of Sun Street Transfer Station. First facility to be operated by SVR Staff. 2015 Welcome to the Team! Promotions EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR! Susan Warner-Retired on October 31, 2016 after 18 years of service! Thank you for many years of service! Tommy Diaz-Thank you for all your hard work and dedication! Name Date Position Site Khaleena Meza 8/19/16 Diversion Worker I/II JCLF Louis Martinez 9/1/16 Diversion Worker I/II SSTS Mayra Martinez 1/18/17 Marketing Coordinator Intern Admin Jesus Amador 1/27/17 Equipment Operator/Driver JRTS Cindy Iglesias 2/6/17 Administrative Support Assist II Admin Paul Olivas 2/23/17 Diversion Worker I/II JRTS Freddy Diaz 2/23/17 Diversion Worker I/II JCLF Name Date Position Fernando Caballero 9/1/16 Lead-Equipment Operator Mandy Brooks 11/1/16 Resource Recovery Manager Jenny Mitchell 11/1/16 Recycling Coordinator Elia Zavala 11/1/16 Contracts & Grants Analyst Cesar Zuñiga 11/4/16 Asst. General Manager Erika Trujillo 11/14/16 Clerk of the Board James Martinez 2/3/17 Diversion Worker II Employee Engagement- At Salinas Valley Recycles, we believe communication is vital to the overall organization success. This year, SVR re-launched Lunch with the General Manager program. This effort continues to keep all employees informed and provides an opportunity for concerns to be expressed. We value what our employees have to say! Employee of the Year, New Hires, Promotions & Goodbye's Board Highlights 2016 Jul. Developed the 2016-2019 Three-year Strategic Plan Goals and six months objectives to help achieve each goal. Aug. Approved an agreement with CH2M Engineers, Inc. for an Economic Benefits Analysis Study for all selected project scenarios of the Long-Term Facility Needs Project. Jay Pandya, student at Sacred Heart Elementary School, was recognized as an Environmental Steward for his outstanding contributions to his school’s waste reduction programs. The Wally-Waste-Not Awards of $1,500 were presented to nine schools and organizations. Sept. Internal staff promotions were appointed. SVR assumed operation of Jolon Road Transfer Station. Oct. Recognized Assistant General Manager/Diversion Manager Susan Warner for her years of services with the Authority. The Sun Street Facility Customer Service survey showed a 5% increase in new customers and 100% customer service satisfaction. Nov. Employee Longevity Program approved to begin Jan 1, 2017. Nominating Committee for Election of Officers for 2017 selected. Dec. Exiting Directors Perez, Lutes, and Armenta were recognized for their years of service on SVR Board of Directors. The financial audit report was presented and again reflected no internal weakness or material deficiencies. Director Craig joined the Board representing the City of Salinas. 2017 Office Nominations where approved; Simón Salinas, President; Robert Cullen, Vice President; Gloria De La Rosa, Alternate Vice President. 2017 Jan. Director Phillips representing the County of Monterey and Director Bourke representing the City of Soledad joined the Board. New Strategic Plan objectives were developed. The Sun Street facility customer service survey showed a 3% increase in new customers and 100% customer service satisfaction. Feb. FY 2017-18 Preliminary Budget was presented to the Board. A Sub-committee for the Long-Term Facility Needs Project public outreach material was formed. Mar. The Long-Term Facility Needs Project public outreach material and its distribution was approved. Board appointed six members to the Citizens Advisory Group. Apr. The Sun Street facility customer service survey showed a 7% increase in new customers and 100% customer service satisfaction. In honor of Earth Day, Rescate Verde and Local Urban Garden were recognized as Environmental Stewards for their work in establishing community gardens. An overview of Assembly Bill 1826, mandatory commercial organics recycling and Senate Bill 1383 short-lived climate pollutants and methane emissions reduction strategy mandates were presented. Approved the Initial Study and Negative Declaration for Modification to the Johnson Canyon Landfill Composting operations pursuant the California Environmental Quality Act. May. Received summary of public information meetings that were conducted related to the Long-Term Facility Needs Project. Appointment to the Citizens Advisory Group representing the City of Salinas. Jun. Employment Benefits Investment Program participation was approved. Community and Stakeholders survey results of the Long Term Facility Needs project options were received. 3 Year Goal: Select and Implement Facilities (e.g., Salinas-Area Materials Recovery Center) and Programs that Lead to Achievement of at least 75% Waste Diversion Select and Implement Facilities (e.g., Salinas-Area Materials Recovery Center) and Programs that Lead to Achievement of at least 75% Waste Diversion Ongoing Report on cost-benefit analysis for processing construction and demolition material by SVR or Monterey Regional Waste Management District. Ongoing Quarterly reports on the Long Term Facility Needs (LTFN) Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and other due diligence activities. Completed Develop a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program for South County. Completed Explore a Prescription Drug Collection Program and present to the Board. Completed Develop a Needs Assessment Report for Board review on alternative outlets for recyclable/reusable materials. Completed Provide an update on food-to-energy and composting opportunities. Completed Engage stakeholders and public in the LTFN Public Outreach Plan for the EIR. Completed Conduct public informational meetings to educate stakeholders and community on the LTFN project scenarios being studied under California Environmental Quality Act and report results to the board. Completed Report to the Board the results of stakeholder and public engagement in the Long Term Facility Needs Public Outreach Plan for the EIR. Completed Report to the Board the results of research of de-bagging equipment to assist with diversion of bagged food waste produced by agriculture companies and other food waste generators. Ongoing Second Phase of public engagement regarding the future SVR facility options and EIR. An updated Strategic Plan was developed at the July 13, 2016 Board Retreat and represents the start of a new three-year strategic planning period for 2016-2019. In order to help achieve each of the four goals, objectives are developed every six months. New Three-Year Strategic Period, 2016-19 3 Year Goal: Reduce Landfill Disposal Fee Dependence through Self-Funded Programs and New Revenue Sources Completed Report to the Board how each of the SVR programs and services are currently funded and provide a recommendation on how each may be self-funded. Completed Conduct a water supply study at SVR sites to help determine potential excess land uses and report to the Board. Ongoing Recommend a final decision on a Construction and Demolition Recycling Program for inclusion in the SVR 2017-18 budget. Ongoing Explore and make recommendation to the Board on alternative energy projects at SVR facilities. Ongoing Recommend to the Board a final decision on a Construction and Demolition recycling program. 3 Year Goal: Maintain a High-Performance and Flexible Workforce Completed Conduct quarterly staff meetings at each facility to share SVR information and obtain feedback from employees. Conduct quarterly staff meetings at each facility to share SVR information and obtain feedback from employees. Completed Conduct quarterly staff meetings at each facility to share SVR information and obtain feedback from employees. Develop an Employee Communication System (e.g., to use in an emergency). Completed Develop an Employee Communication System (e.g., to use in an emergency). Research and implement an Employment Longevity Package. Completed Research and implement an Employment Longevity Package. Completed Update the Employee Safety Training resources and collaborate on sharing with other agencies where and when appropriate. Completed Develop and implement an Employee Recognition Program. Completed Implement internal employee informational meetings, with potential attendance by Board members. Ongoing Complete 360 Feedback Process for Managers (all staff evaluate their managers). Completed Research performance management systems for employees and make a recommendation to the General Manager. Completed Expand the current emergency plan to include natural disaster preparedness for all staff and report. 3 Year Goal: Promote the Value of Salinas Valley Recycles Services and Programs to the Community Completed Determine the Citizens Advisory Group terms, future appointments, and responsibilities. Determine the Citizen Advisory Group terms, future appointments and responsibilities. Completed Publish a press release announcing SVR’s new Three-Year Strategic Plan. Publish a press release announcing SVR’s new Three-Year Strategic Plan. Ongoing Conduct quarterly live radio talks about SVR services and programs. Conduct quarterly live radio talks about SVR services and programs. Completed Update entrance signs at all sites to promote SVR services. Completed Explore and report on the concept of recruiting an intern with communications as major for social media projects such as creating videos and developing social media promotions to increase followers. Completed Analyze and present to the Board the results of a social media survey on how to increase public engagement on transfer station and landfill service options. Completed Explore and make a recommendation(s) to the Management Team regarding additional advertising opportunities, e.g., billboards, transit advertisements. Completed Develop a new television or radio commercial promoting facilities’ services. Completed Board members to attend at least one community event to promote SVR services and programs. Completed Present to the Board a plan for the engagement and survey of the community and stakeholders regarding the future SVR facility options and Environmental Impact Report. Completed Report to the Board progress on social media projects (e.g., videos and social media promotions) to increase followers. Completed Present to the Board a Community and Stakeholders Survey for feedback regarding future SVR facility options and the Environmental Impact Report. Completed Research and make a recommendation to the Management Team regarding a Green Leader Recognition Award Program for business, multifamily housing and community leaders (e.g., selection criteria, award process, and a community event mixer). Resource Recovery staff completed 20 waste assessments throughout the year. Overall, Salinas Valley Recycles has assisted more than 60 schools in our service area to implement comprehensive school-wide recycling programs. As part of an assessment, staff assists participants by identifying their recycling needs, recognizing areas where waste can be reduced and save money. Assessments help participants create a school-wide or district-wide recycling plan. Also, each classroom, office, workstation, and common areas are supplied with recycling bins, recycling materials for teachers, and staff conduct presentations to students. The Recycling Wizard school assembly show is performed to educate faculty and students about how the recycling program works and what items are recyclable. A few of this year's participants included: Alisal High School, Christ the King Church, Cesar Chavez School, King City Arts Magnet School, North Salinas High School, and Lincoln Elementary School. Going above and beyond our Resource Recovery Team works to educate, guide and lead by example. By teaching the four R's (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rot), the team empowers others to take steps to make waste a resource and create a better environment for future generations. Through various community events, presentations and workshops, the Resource Recovery Team takes pride in promoting and encouraging environmental stewardship to our future leaders through out all of our Salinas Valley Communities. Taught by our very own Master Composters, Resource Recovery staff conducted over 80 hands-on presentations on composting to both children and adults. Our staff demonstrated how to utilize worms, yard trimmings, and kitchen scraps to create rich nutrient fertilizer. Composting not only can reduce your garbage bill, but helps to keep the high volume of organic material out of our landfills. As our students learn, composting is great for gardens and landscaping. School Recycling Implementations Register for our next free Composting Workshop: call us at (831)775-3000 or visit us on-line at www.salinasvalleyrecycles.org Composting Workshops Promoting Education & Much More Taking the Recycling Pledge AB 341- Mandatory Commercial Recycling Educational Tours Acknowledging that education is key, Resource Recovery staff visited more than 50 Multi-Family Complexes and individual residences to educate and assist with compliance of Assembly Bill 341 which requires public entities and multi-family units of five (5) units or more that generate four (4) cubic yards or more of waste per week to recycle. Staff educates tenants and businesses on how to correctly separate recyclable items from the trash and reviews common materials that can or cannot be recycled. This year, a spectacular total of 384 units implemented recycling. SVR constantly promotes efforts to provide resources and free training as we work towards reaching the goal of 75% diversion. Salinas Valley Recycles is here to help! Encouraging both Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability Leadership. An estimated 65 presentations, trainings, and workshops on waste reduction recycling were conducted by SVR Staff to various businesses and organizations. Included were Jackson Farm Winery, Progressive Packaging, PG&E, Rancho Cielo, and JM Electric. Schedule one for your organization today and find out how this can save you money! Call us at (831) 775-3000 or visit us on-line. To reinforce what students learn in class about the importance of recycling, SVR staff offers multiple facility tours for schools and community groups. SVR realizes that offering the opportunity to expand learning environments helps raise awareness that environmental sustainability is both a team and individual effort. For over 9 years now, we have continued to collaborate with CalRecycle to promote proper disposal of used tires. This year we recycled 344,180 lbs. of tires. Recycled tires can be turned into many useful items such as playground turf, rubberized asphalt, and many other items. Free collection events are scheduled in Spring and Fall. Residents: Free drop-off of 5 or fewer Mattresses or Box Springs. Commercial/Businesses: $5 for each Mattress or Box Spring. Salinas Valley Recycles is committed to excellence. Over the years, we continue to work hard to achieve our diversion goals and seek new innovative ways to reach new limits. This year, we witnessed new success rates with various recycling programs. At SVR, we believe every offered program is a step towards a future with no landfills. Free Battery Recycling Program The new program has made it easier to recycle old mattresses and reduces illegal dumping! Since joining the Mattress Recycling Council program last year, SVR received a total of 10,139 mattresses & box-springs. Recycled mattresses have the potential to be recycled into items such as oil filters, garden mulch, carpet padding, and other such materials. Free Sharps Collection Program Free Tire Recycling- Offered multiple times throughout the year, Residents can bring up to 9 tires (without the rim) free of charge. Call us to find out more details. Success by the Numbers Free Mattress Recycling Program Our sharps disposal program is simple to use and free of charge. Salinas Valley residents can drop off sharps containers for free at one of our various locations. A total of 2,331 sharps were collected in the past two years. Needles, syringes, and lancets are only accepted in approved containers. Batteries are a common household hazardous waste item that contain metals and/or other toxic or corrosive materials that can be harmful to our environment and our health. In FY 16-17, total of 20,187 lbs. were collected and recycled. Free Tire Recycling Program Sun Street HHW Facility, 139 Sun St. (831) 424-5520 Gonzales Pharmacy, 18 4th Street St. (831) 675-3643 Soledad Pharmacy, 547 Front Street St. (831) 678-2678 King City, Rite Aid Pharmacy 540 Canal St. (831) 385-0886 Bring your used batteries to our Household Hazardous Waste Facility at our Sun Street Transfer Station. 139 Sun Street Salinas *Salinas, CA 93901* Monday - Friday 8:00am-5:00pm* Saturday 8:00am-4:00pm Call (831) 424-5520 for more information At SVR, we believe Everyday is Earth Day. Whether it's by volunteering or providing free resources and supplies, SVR assisted multiple community cleanup events this year. For its 8th annual year, SVR staff along with the help of 51 volunteers collected 3,240 lbs. of trash that was removed from Salinas' Natividad Creek. Wally Waste-Not Awards Our first Wally Waste-Not Award Program was launched in January 2014. Since then, SVR has awarded local schools with $51,000 in grant money. The new and improved 2017 Wally Waste-Not Award Program rewarded 10 schools in the Salinas Valley for improving and implementing diversion programs (reducing, reusing, recycling and composting also referred to as Rot). Recycling Programs & Cleanup Events In July 2016, SVR collaborated with Rock Steady Juggling to bring “The Amazing Adventures of the Recycling Wizard” to the School Assembly Program. A total of 103 shows performed earlier this year, which reached 15,804 students, Rocky Steady has performed at local schools, libraries, and community centers throughout the Salinas Valley. This innovative and high-quality educational entertainment show is approximately 45-minutes in length and is highly interactive, featuring juggling, magic, music, comedy, games, engaging the audience’s participation. This is at no cost to the schools. Congratulations to this years winners: Alisal High School, Cesar Chavez School, Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo Preschool – La Paz Center & Primavera Center, Jesse Sanchez School, John Steinbeck, King City Arts Magnet, Monterey County Office of Education- La Joya Head Start Center, North Salinas High School, The Parent Center at Salinas Adult School. Great Work! Community Cleanup Events School Assembly Program Statistics Tons of Waste Processed *Data includes inbound tons. Facilities not operated by SVSWA are allocated based on tonnage received at Johnson Canyon Landfill. Tons of Waste Landfilled 199,457 Annual Diversion Rate Equivalents 2014 2015 2016 SVR 69% 69% 69% Unincorporated Monterey County 59% 54% 55% In 2013, SVR became a Regional Agency on behalf of our five member cities, to unify AB 939 Annual Reporting to CalRecycle. The County of Monterey reports on behalf of the unicorporated areas of SVR's jurisdiction. The annual diversion rate equivalent is an estimated calculation based on each jurisdiction’s per capita disposal rate, which is now reported as pounds/person/day. The estimated 2016 per capita disposal rate is 3.9 pounds/person/day. The statewide average is 4.9 pounds/person/day. Historical Landfilled Tonnage Ton's Diverted Tonnage by Commodity 49,202 tons Accepted Staff working diligently to install a part of the liner system that helps ensure environmental protection at the Crazy Horse Landfill. Operational Excellence Eric Amaral, Heavy Equipment Operator, using the excavator to prepare clean wood before transporting to Johnson Canyon Landfill. This year we had 6,604 Transfer Truck trips from the Sun Street and Jolon Road Transfer Stations to Johnson Canyon Landfill. Transfer drivers had a total of 332,875 safe driving miles with no accidents or property damage caused while transferring materials from Sun Street & Jolon Road Transfer Stations to Johnson Canyon. Tommy Diaz loading a transfer truck with waste from the Sun Street Transfer Station for disposal at Johnson Canyon. Safety First. Salinas Valley Recycles recognizes that the solid waste industry is among the top five most hazardous industries to work in. SVR believes that our long-term success depends on the safety of our staff, customers, and the public. SVR has taken extensive measures to maintain safe work culture for all employees. SVR conducts monthly safety meetings, quarterly safety inspections, and has also established programs that allow staff members to report safety concerns, issues, or violations. The Safety Committee is tasked with reviewing all reported safety hazards, as well as updating and enhancing policies to prevent safety incidents. SVR is committed to delivering excellent customer service in all of our day-to-day operations while maintaining a safety conscious atmosphere for all our employees and customers. All together transfer operations had a total of 6,705 transfer trips and 338,933 safe driving miles in FY 2016-17. Drivers also delivered 101 loads of recycled materials from all three sites to Castroville recyclers for processing with no accidents and a total of 6,058 safe driving miles. Juan Vasquez placing waste at Johnson Canyon with a D8 dozer. Operations Budget Capital Improvement Project Budget To view SVR's latest financial information including budget documents and audited financial statements please visit www.svswa.opengov.com SVR’s Finance Department received its third Government Finance Officers Association award for our Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR), providing more transparent and detailed financial reporting for the public. In addition to routine daily duties, SVR operations staff has worked on special projects required for facility maintenance or environmental compliance. Here are a few of the special projects that SVR staff managed this year: The tipping pad at Jolon Road Transfer Station was seriously deteriorated after over 20 years of use. SVR contracted with Monterey Peninsula Engineering to remove the damaged portion of the pad and replace it with new concrete. The Crazy Horse Landfill was covered with a synthetic “Closure Turf” about 5 years ago. While this turf is designed to last for decades, it requires periodic maintenance to ensure long term viability. Last summer, SVR staff along with the turf manufacturer, Watershed Geo, embarked on a project where the condition of the turf was closely analyzed, and areas that needed attention such as additional sand and stabilizer were treated. Tipping Pad - Jolon Road Landfill Closure Turf - Crazy Horse Landfill Like most landfills, the Johnson Canyon Landfill generates landfill gas. Landfill gas is comprised of multiple gases, the primary of which is methane. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas and very flammable and must be managed in order to prevent fires and other health problems. The gas is collected through a series of landfill gas wells that extract and transfer the gas to an energy station where it is managed. While the Landfill has a generator that uses this gas to produce power, there is more gas than the generator can use. This excess gas is burned off in a “flare” that destroys the harmful gas while making sure the landfill uses the wells to control the gas. As the amount of garbage in the landfill increases, the amount of methane produced also increases. The old flare could no longer keep up with the increase in gas. A larger flare was installed with more capacity and newer controls. This project included concrete pad upgrades, tie into existing gas conveyance systems, power connections, and the placement and installation of the new flare and controls. Improvements & New Projects New Flare - Johnson Canyon Landfill The operation of the Jolon Road Transfer Station was taken over by SVR on September 1, 2016. The change in operations resulted in over $290,000 in annual cost savings, along with a new revenue source from the corporation yard lease. Staff successfully transitioned the operations and implemented new diversion programs, which includes construction and demolition, concrete and asphalt, rigid plastics, and a small Material Recycling Center (MRC) for public drop off. In the first ten months of operations, SVR successfully diverted a total of 3,310 tons compared to 1,371 by the previous operator. The implementation of new recycling programs at the Jolon Transfer Station is one major reason for the increase in diversion seen at the facility. Jolon Road Transfer Station Dust Control at Johnson Canyon Johnson Canyon Landfill is in one of the windiest spots in the Salinas Valley. Due to the strong wind, smaller and lighter items such as plastic bags easily become airborne and have a tendency to move off site towards adjacent properties. To minimize the litter problem, SVR staff installed several hundred feet of litter fence this year to catch the windborne trash so it can be more easily collected and bagged for disposal. Earlier this year, SVR completed its very own organic garden! Located within the Sun Street Transfer Station, Jardin el Sol has proven to be a success by demonstrating organic gardening and providing opportunities to host free composting workshops. Workshops participants get hands-on experience and learn different composting methods including worm composting. Come and join us! Learn from our very own SVR staff how food waste can be transformed into gardening products by attending one of our free composting workshops. Jardin el Sol - Sun Street Transfer Station This year, a partnership was established with Constellation Winery to use recycled water from their winery in an effort to reduce impacts associated with the drought and conserve clean water. In 2016-17 we reduced the use of clean well water by using 592,820 gallons (148 truckloads) of reclaimed water as dust control at Johnson Canyon. Johnson Canyon Litter Fence Partners since 2014, Rescate Verde and SVR promote waste reduction activities through the wonderful world of composting! Through composting workshops, together we keep an environmental sustainable community. Agriculture and Land Based Training Association (ALBA) - For more than 4 years SVR staff continues its partnership with ALBA through their successfully established Environmental Educational Program. This program focuse's on organic agriculture, water quality, beneficial insects, soil health, habitat, and healthful foods. SVR staff assists the program by educating local elementary students visiting the farm about recycling and composting. Collaborations such as this allow SVR to empower future generations through education. Earth Sustainable Partnerships At Salinas Valley Recycles, we maintain a strong commitment to our communities. We value our community partnerships and strongly believe our communities' strength is our success. Since 2011, SVR has partnered with Vision Recycling for organics recycling and processing. Sharing similar "visions" in educating the public about separating trash and recyclables, Vision uses green waste materials, yard trimmings, and tree debris and transforms them into compost, wood chips, mulch and soil. Local Urban Gardeners (LUG) - Made up by individuals that simply enjoy gardening. LUG's mission is to create a garden-based community center that can serve as a place of learning, a place to grow nutritious food, promote sustainable gardening and inspire community improvement. Since joining forces to host composting workshops, SVR and LUG have continuously benefited by sharing provided resources to promote education, voluntarism, and community gardening. Publications: In the Spotlight Assistant General Manager, Cesar Zuñiga, being interviewed for a documentary series about the production and consumption of food waste around the world. The U.K based TV production highlighted SVR methods of using waste as a resource. Homebound Salinas Valley seniors (65 years and older) and residents with disabilities now have a free and convenient way to properly dispose of batteries, paint, motor oil and more! Our new Mobile Collection Service provides door-to-door service to help homebound Salinas Valley residents dispose of special wastes. Give us a call, we come to you! We want everyone to know! SVR continues efforts to promote our services to the community. While our media campaigns vary from time to time, our branding approach remains the same: “Working towards a future without landfills." This year, we hired a Communications Intern to assist in promoting our services and programs to the community through social media. A few of this years' marketing achievements include: an increased presence in social media, two new television commercials, the creation of a monthly e-newsletter, a new media sign, and special media campaigns. Safe Disposal Mobile Collection Environmental Superheros of Salinas Valley Recycles TV Commercials Food Waste Filming SVR teamed up with California Product Stewardship Council, Alisal Pharmacy, and All Care Pharmacy in Salinas to install two drop-off bins to help Salinas Valley residents properly dispose of Schedule II-V controlled and all non-controlled medications, over-the-counter medications (pills and liquids), medicated ointments/lotions and pet medications. Since January 2017 the two bins have collected over 330 lbs. of unused medications. Special Waste Mobile Collection Program Marketing Efforts A New Partnership - Free Medication Take Back Program New Programs & Partnerships Tire Derived Aggregate (TDA5) With this CalRecycle grant, the Authority was able to purchase a 14-foot Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) box truck to provide safe disposal of certain household hazardous waste (HHW) materials. The truck is used at community cleanups and to serve residents that are homebound seniors or residents with disabilities in the Authority’s jurisdiction, thereby reducing potential public and environmental health hazards resulting from illegal dumping and/or improper storage of HHW materials. This year, the truck attended over 14 community cleanup events to assist with Anti-freeze, Batteries, Oil & Paint (ABOP) Collections. It also serves as a mobile billboard, promoting the safe disposal of hazardous materials. As a result, there has been an increase of requests for the mobile unit at community cleanup events as well as the request for the homebound program. As the information continues to be dispersed throughout our jurisdiction, demand for the homebound service is expected to increase. The Authority will continue the program beyond the term of the grant as an extension of the existing HHW program. The Authority funds all capital improvement projects that sustain landfill operations. In an effort to reduce operational costs while accomplishing waste diversion goals, the Authority solicited and was awarded grant funding from CalRecyle for the installation of nine horizontal landfill gas wells, which require approximately 1,013 tons of Tire Derived Aggregate (TDA) (shredded used tires) that will be used as backfill for the horizontal landfill gas collection system at the Johnson Canyon Landfill. The TDA grant program provides the Authority with greatly needed financial assistance and is also an educational opportunity to promote the reuse of waste tires and the “closed-loop” concept. With this grant project, the Authority can potentially reuse more than 100,000 waste tires. Thus, providing the opportunity to reuse materials that otherwise may be permanently buried in the landfill, never to be repurposed. SVR has a history of holding successful tire collection events with the assistance of waste tire amnesty grant funds from CalRecycle. These grant funds assist SVR in offering the public the opportunity to legally dispose of tires at no cost, thus reducing potential public and environmental health hazards resulting from illegal dumping and/or improper storage of waste tires. These events have significantly reduced the amount of waste tires that may have otherwise been illegally dumped, improperly stored, or buried in the landfill. Since 2000, the Authority has held 46 very successful tire amnesty events, as the result of previous waste tire amnesty grants from which an estimated 255,692 tires have been collected and recycled. The 2015-16 Tire Amnesty Grant awarded SVR $52,535 that assisted with the recycling of an estimated 38,610 tires. In June 2017, SVR was awarded $62,832 in grant funding to continue the program. Events will be held in Fall and Spring of the next two years. These events continue to be a very important resource and outlet for proper waste tire disposal in the Salinas Valley area. Household Hazardous Waste Grant (HD25) Tire Amnesty Grant (TA3) Grants Gardening Day-While doing some gardening at Jardin el Sol volunteer Jesse smiles at the camera. Oasis Charter School students visit our Sun Street Transfer Station for a tour. King City volunteers smile after a successful City Wide Cleanup on Earth Day. Community volunteers and SVR staff take time to clean Natividad Creek in the City of Salinas. Fix-it Clinic event participant learns how to complete repairs on a toaster instead of purchasing a new one. Master Composter, Javier, shares his composting knowledge with community members in the City of Gonzales. At SVR, we maintain a strong commitment to our communities. We value our partnerships and strongly believe our communities' strength is our success. Whether it is by a collaborative measure, or lending a helping hand, we take pride in serving our communities and making a positive impact. Community Involvement HHW COLLECTION FY 2016-17 Bring Your Household Hazardous Waste to the Sun Street Collection Facility for FREE! WE WILL ACCEPT: Used Motor Oil & Filters Weed Killers Household Cleaners Wood Preservatives Paint & Paint Thinners Auto & Furniture Polish Chemical & Drain Cleaners Pesticides & Fertilizers Pool & Hobby Supplies Household & Automotive Batteries Fluorescent Bulbs & Tubes Aerosols Electronic-waste; TVs, computers, cell phones, microwaves, etc. Thermometers, thermostats, & other items that contain mercury Needles & syringes (in approved sharps, containers only) Common items in your home such as batteries, paint, household cleaners and used oil contain toxic chemicals. Improper disposal of these items can pose a danger to our health as well as the environment. Our HHW staff diligently works to properly dispose of your hazardous waste. Material Collected Pounds Collected Flammable Solid & Liquids 4,750 Bulked Flammable Liquids 7,225 Oil Base Paint 3,982 Paint Related Material 72,700 Poisons 29,675 Acid 4,225 Base 22,250 Oxidizer 1,570 PCB 396 Antifreeze 11,673 Auto Batteries 42,104 Latex Paint 122,338 Motor Oil & Filter 110,088 Mercury Containing Items 75 Electronic Waste 852,135 Fluorescent Lamps 18,491 Household Batteries 20,187 Electronic Waste 852,135 Universal Waste 391,718 Aerosol Cans 10,850 Medical Waste 2,331 Gas Cylinders 4,450 Other Materials 4,200 Total Pounds Collected 1,737,413 Salinas Valley Recycles has recently expanded its services to South County and North County residents. In addition to annual community cleanups, our HHW staff began conducting quarterly ABOP (Anti-freeze, Batteries, Oil & Paint) collections events in Prunedale, Gonzales, Soledad, King City and Greenfield. Help keep our environment safe by taking advantage of these mobile collection services. Household Hazardous Waste HHW Location & Hours 139 Sun Street Salinas, CA 93901 M-F 8:00am - 5:00pm Sat 8:00am - 4:00pm Tel. (831) 424-5520 The Long-Term-Facility Needs Project is underway to evaluate several permanent facility options to meet the long-term waste disposal and resource recovery needs of the greater Salinas area and North County. These two areas make up 80% of SVR’s service population and are the County’s largest future growth areas. The current infrastructure in the Salinas area is severely overtaxed and undersized to meet the community’s long term growth and expanding regulatory environment to reduce dependence on landfills. The Board of Directors in conjunction with recommendations from SVR’s Citizens Advisory Group, has selected five potential projects and site locations to further evaluate the permanent solutions to the community’s long-term recycling and solid waste utility service needs. Several studies are underway to develop information regarding the impacts and benefits from each of these project options and sites. It is expected that these studies will be completed and available for public review and comment by early 2018. Environmental Impact Report (EIR): Compares the environmental and community impacts and benefits of each option. Long-Range Rate and Financial Impact Study: Analyzes the long-range costs and financial impacts of each option, and the effective local rates necessary to provide ongoing services. Economic Benefits and Impacts Study: Evaluates the job creation or loss potential for each project option and the over-all economic benefits/impacts each could bring to the local economy. Countywide Landfill Capacity Evaluation: evaluates the collective landfill life available in Monterey County and how it may be reduced or extended based on each project’s impact to regional waste, re-use and recycling. Salinas Valley Recycle’s Future Public Service Facilities Looking Ahead... SVR continues to evaluate potential shared service opportunities with the Monterey Regional Waste Management District and a public-private partnership with Global Organics Energy (GOE) to co-locate a green-business opportunity that could reform 70-80% of our remaining landfill-bound waste into renewable energy and market ready paper pulp for re-manufacturing, as well as recover other recyclable such as bottles and cans. Text THANKS FOR THE FEEDBACK! Text Text Hello Estela, I cannot thank you enough for ALL of your help..... Not only did you take the time to help me as well as others but you also educated our students. My class and peers enjoyed the presentations that you and your co-worker presented. Lots of valuable information was shared and taken. Keep up the awesome work that you do on a daily basis! With much respect, Rosario Text Thank you very much for being a part of our hugely successful Family Café event.. in the Alisal Union School District. We are very grateful for what you bring to our Salinas Community. We appreciate you taking the time out of your lives and busy schedules to come and speak with the families of our NASA students. We are very proud of how the event went and the positive feedback we received. Thank you once again. Edna - Alisal District Program Coordinator On behalf of California Product Stewardship Council... I thank Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority for your partnership on the medication collection bin program. The program has been tremendously successful... collecting 330 pounds of medication. Sincerely, Chris Lester Administrative Office Sun Street Transfer Station Household Hazardous Waste Facility Johnson Canyon Landfill 128 Sun Street, Ste. 101 Salinas, CA 93901 Mon - Fri 8am - 5pm (831) 775-3000 139 Sun Street Salinas, CA 93901 Mon - Fri 7am - 5pm Sat 8am - 4pm (831) 424-5535 139 Sun Street Salinas, CA 93901 Mon - Fri 8am - 5pm Sat 8am - 4pm (831) 424-5520 31400 Johnson Canyon Rd. Gonzales, CA 93926 Mon - Fri 7am - 4pm Sat/Sun 8am - 4pm (831) 675-2165 Jolon Road Transfer Station 52654 Jolon Rd. King City, CA 93930 Mon - Fri 8am - 4pm Sat 8am - 12pm (831) 385-6213 FOLLOW US Thanks so much for donating your materials and time to make a composting system for Washington Middle School. We are so excited! Mrs. Bell I really enjoyed working with you on my garden class and cannot thank you enough for all the help and support you provided with the Wally Waste Not Award. Thank you again for all your support and help. I hope we will cross paths again soon-you do such important and amazing work! You are inspiring! Best wishes, Michelle Johnson