Report to: General Committee - Report Date: April 23, 2007

Community Services and Environment

SUBJECT: Community Reuse Donation Centre Program Expansion

PREPARED BY: Claudia Marsales, Manager, Waste Management, Ext. 3560

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT THE report titled, “Community Reuse Donation Centre Program Expansion” be received,

AND FURTHER THAT staff be authorized to locate a Goodwill Community Reuse Donation Centre trailer adjacent to the Markham Village Recycling Depot, similar to that which is located in Thornhill.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

Not applicable

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS:

The Goodwill Community Reuse Donation Centre pilot started in March 2006. This program provides a significant operating cost avoidance opportunity to the Town with no operating or capital cost impacts. From March 2006 to February 2007, the Donation Centre accepted 947 tonnes of reusable goods. This represents avoided curbside collection costs of $75,915. Table #1 outlines these avoided operating costs.

Table #1.Community Donation Centre Avoided Operating Costs

Year	Tonnes	Collection Rate	Avoided Operating Costs
Mar – Dec 2006	805	$80.09 per tonne	$64,472
Jan – Feb 2007	142	$80.59 per tonne	$11,443
TOTAL	947		$75,915

1. Purpose 2. Background 3. Discussion 4. Financial

5. Others (Environmental, Accessibility, Engage 21st, Affected Units) 6. Attachment(s)

PURPOSE:

To recommend that staff be authorized to locate a Goodwill Community Reuse Donation Centre trailer in east Markham, similar to that which is located in Thornhill.

BACKGROUND:

At its meeting of January 17, 2006 Council authorized staff to conduct a twelve month pilot project with Goodwill Industries to determine public acceptance of a Community Reuse Donation program in Markham. The pilot included the installation of a Donation Centre at the Town’s Thornhill Recycling Depot and updating and refurbishing of the Hy & Zel’s Donation Centre at the plaza on Yonge Street north of Steeles.

Donation centres are stationary 40 ft. custom trailers containing large bins. A photograph of the donation centre by the Thornhill recycling depot is attached. Goodwill staffs the donation centres from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days per week. The attendants are responsible for assisting and educating donors and keeping the area safe and clean at all times. A Goodwill collection truck empties the trailers daily.

Pilot Project Exceeded Expectations

Goodwill projected collecting 780 tonnes during the pilot project. From March 2006 to February 2007, the Goodwill Donation Centre’s received 947 tonnes of reusable goods, exceeding expectations by 22%.

Reuse Program Benefits Markham

The Community Reuse Centre’s provided operational and financial benefits to the Town. It greatly reduced the amount staff time required for collecting and disposing of materials illegally dumped at the Thornhill Recycling Depot and Community Centre parking lot. It also allowed the Town to divert approximately 947 tonnes of material from landfill and avoiding collection costs.

The Town has relationships with other charities to collect clothing and small household goods from municipal locations. The Salvation Army collects clothing at the Town fire halls through its drop-off boxes and the Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy collects clothing through its drop boxes at several of the Town’s community centres. Neither of these charities collects durable used goods through their drop-off boxes.

OPTIONS/ DISCUSSION:

Almost One Third of Landfill Waste Could Be Reused

The waste audit that followed the implementation of 3-Stream collection determined that even though Markham is diverting 69% of waste from landfill, about 27% of the residue going to landfill is made up of items that could be re-used. This is significant as it represents a potential 6,500 tonnes of additional material that could be recycled and an increase in Markham’s diversion rate of about 7%.

A Community Reuse Centre Should be Located in East Markham

The success of the Goodwill Community Reuse Centre at the Thornhill Recycling Depot and the overwhelming public acceptance of it warrant the installation of an additional Goodwill Community Reuse Centre in east Markham.

Staff are recommending a Community Reuse Centre be located adjacent to the Markham Village Recycling Depot. Locating the proposed Community Reuse Centre in a central location already frequented by residents provides convenience and ensures that the reuse centre is used to its fullest potential.

The Town’s Mission Green program has established a target to recycle 70% of residential curbside materials. The expansion of the Community Reuse Donation Centres program into east Markham will further increase the opportunity for Markham residents to divert recyclables from landfill.

FINANCIAL TEMPLATE: (external link)

Not Applicable

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS:

Providing a reuse program for durable goods is consistent with Markham’s Mission Green program and its goal of 70% diversion from landfill. It is also consistent with the Town’s corporate goals of Environmental Focus, Infrastructure Management, Quality Community, Managed Growth and Fiscal Stewardship.

ACCESSIBILITY CONSIDERATIONS:

None.

ENGAGE 21^ST CONSIDERATIONS:

Not applicable

BUSINESS UNITS CONSULTED AND AFFECTED:

The Recreation Department will be consulted regarding the siting of a Community Donation Centre in east Markham.

RECOMMENDED

BY:

_________________________________ _____________________________________

Peter Loukes, P.Eng Jim Sales

Director, Operations Commissioner, Community and Fire Services

ATTACHMENTS:

Photograph of Goodwill Donation Centre at Thornhill Recycling Depot

Q:\Commission Share\Operations and Asset Management\Reports\2007\Waste Management\Donation Centre Expansion.doc

Goodwill Community Donation Centre at Thornhill Recycling Depot