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were the time to start curbside recycling or a split can container for recycling, knowing that the present system does not generate the desired level of recycling. There was also concern about the transfer station picking process. We can continue to review this for future changes, but if we were to do it today, it would be necessary to acquire a substantial amount of additional equipment and would significantly increase the cost for refuse service. He did not think the residents are ready to have that happen. The most significant thing we can do right now to reduce the landfill is to cut out the greenwaste. This program will give every single family residence the option to have a yard waste container picked up every two weeks at no additional cost. The committee made the decision to provide greenwaste pickup at no increased cost, because the people need an incentive to use the yardwaste program. It is the most effective means to meet the 50% reduction in landfill required by the year 2000. If we don't meet the 50% reduction goal, the City will incur substantial penalties. He continued, this was the first major step that can make the biggest difference. The can size issue is very complex. Most people with the 90 gallon container want to keep them. In reviewing the economics of this, if there is too large a difference between the 90 gallon rate and the 35 gallon rate and a significant number of people change to the 35 gallon can, there will not be a major reduction in the tonnage of refuse, but a major drop in revenue, which would then require a large increase to those people with 90 gallon cans. In reviewing the costs of PGS, the bulk of the expense is in picking up the cans and transporting it to the transfer station. A per gallon basis for rates is not a fair way to set fees. At first, he thought it would be good to switch everyone to 64 gallon cans and use the 90 gallon cans for yardwaste. The problem with that is the greenwaste cans are specially constructed with vents and the 90 cans are not, which creates problems with holding yard waste for a week or more in a non-vented can. This is not a simple process. We are trying to establish a greenwaste program without increasing costs. We can review it in a year and see if the revenue streams have changed. In the meantime, more specific studies can be done regarding volume and weight. The pickup charge will be the same whether it is a 35 or 90 gallon can. When you get to the transfer station, one can will have more material than another. There may be more waste to the landfill, but we don't know the true differences between landfill and picking station costs. Staff does not anticipate that differential will be significant. We do not want to increase rates dramatically. This program makes sense and still gives options to the residents. It was moved by Ms. Mohr, seconded by Ms. Dennis, to authorize the expansion of the existing pilot greenwaste program by providing vented 64-gallon greenwaste containers to all residential customers within the City. The r0ll call vote was as follows: AYES: Councilmembers- Dennis, Michelotti, Mohr, Pico, and Mayor Tarver NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None 09/03/96 -6-