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Extracted from Consolidated Report
This investigation was originally published as part of a larger consolidated report containing multiple investigations. View the consolidated PDF for the complete document.
⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings 4 findings
F1
Page 29
The MRF, with its updated equipment and use of technology, is a very well managed and efficient recycling facility. Its recyclable recovery program is improved marginally, if at all, by the Blue Bag Programs.
F2
Page 29
Making residents aware of the value of recycling is beneficial. However, Jurors found no evidence the time, effort or money spent on the Blue Bag Programs by residents contributed anything significant toward achieving the recycling goals of the jurisdictions.
F3
Page 29
Since the MRF is classified as “dirty”, any handling of separated recyclables, such as filled blue bags, adds to processing costs. Jurors found the blue bags added to the total cost of recycling programs in at least three ways. a) The bags cost the residents money either directly by purchase or indirectly through town or city purchase. b) Extra time and labor are required to retrieve bags placed alongside full containers. c) Extra time and labor are required to process saved bag contents at a later time. Final Report 2008–2009 Grand Jury Blue Bag Recycling Program Assessment
F4
Page 30
One negative aspect to eliminating the Blue Bag Program is that in some jurisdictions residents will lose the benefit of placing blue bags next to the full container. The extra space can save residents money by allowing more trash to be disposed of without paying for an additional container.
Recommendations 2
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R1Page 24Due to the recyclable recovery efficiency at the MRF, all Blue Bag Programs within Western Placer County should be eliminated.
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R2Page 24All Western Placer County jurisdictions with Blue Bag Programs should notify their residents that their time, effort and expense marginally increase, if at all, the amount of materials recycled. The notice should educate the public on the effectiveness of the recycling process and the collection of comingled materials at the MRF. The notification could be a direct mailing or inclusion in the billing.