In an effort to better prepare for changes in the waste and recycling landscape in the City of Flagstaff, as well as most effectively reduce the impact of the community’s waste and material consumption, City staff have created the Rethink Waste Plan (“Plan”) to guide future efforts. The Plan establishes a framework for institutionalizing a new approach to managing the City’s waste and materials, known as materials management. Additionally, the Plan establishes a vision and goals to evaluate future success, as well as a near term plan for setting a foundation to be built upon in future planning. Resolution 2017-30 adopts the Rethink Waste Plan and establishes an effective date. The goal of the presentation is to obtain feedback in hopes of bringing the Resolution back to City Council in October for approval.

As part of the FY 2017 budget, Council approved a Request for Service Level increase for recycling outreach in an effort to increase the recycling rate, currently at 13%. Many Flagstaff residents, businesses, and institutions lack the knowledge and access to services needed to reduce the impact of their waste and material consumption. The Plan outlines the barriers that prevent these actions and guides City staff over the next three (3) years in implementing the most cost-effective initiatives that will empower the community to be resourceful, reduce waste, and make recycling more efficient. Additionally, the Plan provides the public with a clear long-term vision and goals to understand how the City is working to reduce the impact of the community’s material consumption and waste.
 
COUNCIL GOALS:
CLIMATE CHANGE: Take meaningful climate change action. Actively manage and protect all environmental and natural resources.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURAL RESOURCES: Actively manage and protect all environmental and natural resources.

• Further develop sustainability and waste removal policies and programs.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: Grow and strengthen a more equitable and resilient economy.
 
REGIONAL PLAN:
Policy E&C.1.4. Maintain air quality through pursuit of non-polluting industry and commercial enterprises.
Policy E&C.2.1. Encourage the reduction of all energy consumption, especially fossil-fuel generated energy, in public, commercial, industrial, and residential sectors.
Policy E.1.3. Empower all community members to make smarter energy choices through education and incentives.
Goals CD.1. Improve the City and County financial systems to provide for needed infrastructure development and rehabilitation, including maintenance and enhancement of existing infrastructure.
Goal PF.2. Provide sustainable and equitable public facilities, services, and infrastructure systems in an efficient and effective manner to serve all population areas and demographics.