Explanation
This ordinance amends the Columbus City Codes with the creation of new chapter 181 which requires recycling within most city facilities.
In 2024, Councilmember Wyche announced an initiative to expand the scope of city recycling over time, with the intention to ultimately have a significantly broader positive impact beyond the current weekly residential recycling program offered by the city. Diverting recyclable waste from the landfill is one of the most critical factors in long-term cost containment and sustainability, and there is tremendous opportunity to greatly increase the amount of diverted waste.
As part of this initiative, it is critical to ensure that the city government does what it can to ensure that its own operations are conducted sustainably, and to that end, this new chapter of code will ensure the following:
That all city-owned and operated facilities open to the public will utilize proper recycling services;
That all third-party custodial contractors will be required to accommodate the city’s recycling needs;
That all city employees receive annual training and education on recycling.
In order to allow sufficient time for the implementation of these new requirements, chapter 181 will not take effect until January 1, 2027.
Title
To enact Chapter 181-Recycling Service Regulation-City Facilities.
Body
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to expand the scope of city recycling over time, with the intention to ultimately have a significantly broader positive impact beyond the current weekly residential recycling program offered by the city; and
WHEREAS, diverting recyclable waste from the landfill is one of the most critical factors in long-term cost containment and sustainability, and there is tremendous opportunity to greatly increase the amount of diverted waste; and
WHEREAS, the Director of the Department of Finance and Management, the department that manages city facilities, is in the best position to determine the feasibility of collecting and recycling certain materials disposed of within city facilities; and
WHEREAS, it is desirable that city employees receive annual education and training on acceptable recyclable materials and proper disposal and storage of recyclable materials within city buildings; and
WHEREAS, appropriate signage will be needed to educate and communicate recycling procedures for both city employees and members of the public; and
WHEREAS, recycling services must be added at the beginning or renewal of custodial contracts between a city department and a third-party provider; and
WHEREAS, it is imperative that sufficient time be afforded to allow for the effective implementation of the provisions of this chapter; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1.
That the Columbus city codes are hereby amended with the addition of new Chapter 181 - Recycling Service Regulation-City Facilities as follows:
Chapter 181 - Recycling Service Regulation- City Facilities
181.01 Definitions
(A) “City Facilities” means buildings or spaces owned or operated by the City of Columbus and within or upon which the work of the city takes place. This includes, but is not limited to, city offices, parks, recreation centers, public health facilities, and police and fire stations.
(B) “Recyclable materials” has the same meaning as in section 1301 of the Columbus City Codes.
181.02 Required Provision of Recycling Services in City Facilities
(A) All City Facilities must have proper receptacles for the disposal of recyclable materials in all portions of the City Facility that are routinely accessed by both city employees and members of the public.
(B) All recyclable materials must be disposed of in a manner that generally diverts said materials from being deposited in a landfill. This requirement applies to both city employees working in a custodial capacity as well as any third-party provider working in a custodial capacity within a City Facility.
181.03 Delegation of Recycling Regulations
The Director of the Department of Finance and Management, or designee, is authorized to develop and promulgate rules and regulations for the effective implementation and execution of recycling services within City Facilities, which regulations shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
(A) A determination regarding the feasibility of collecting and recycling certain materials disposed of within City Facilities;
(B) A determination regarding the proper size and material standards for receptacles that will be used for the collection of recyclable materials;
(C) An education and training curriculum for city staff regarding recycling within City Facilities; and
(D) A determination regarding the appropriate signage needed to educate and communicate recycling procedures for both city employees and members of the public.
181.04 Requirement to Include Recycling Services in Contracts
(A) Any new or renewal contract between the City and a third-party provider engaged to perform custodial services at City Facilities shall include provisions within the contract for service that ensure compliance with this chapter.
(B) Any vendor found violating a contract term that the requires compliance with the provisions of this chapter shall be considered a material breach of a serious character, subject to debarment by the city pursuant to section 329.16.
(C) All new or renewal lease agreements between the city and a tenant must include provisions that ensure compliance with the provisions of this chapter
181.05 Required Training
All full-time employees of the city shall complete a training and education program within one year of the effective date of this chapter, as prescribed by the Department of Finance and Management, regarding recycling within City Facilities. All new full-time employees of the city following the effective date of this chapter shall complete a training and education program regarding recycling within City Facilities as a component of their on boarding or orientation program.
SECTION 2. That the provisions of SECTION 1 of this ordinance shall take effect at the earliest date allowable by law.
SECTION 3. That the enforcement of sections 181.02, 181.04 and 181.05 of chapter 181 shall take effect after December 31, 2026.