![]() The city’s list of food waste recycling participants reads like a list of “Who’s Who” in Plano. Robert Smouse, Environmental Waste Services Operations Manager said, “The use and benefits of collecting the food waste in biodegradable bags were clearly identified through the grant-funded study/project.” Accounts ranging from grocery stores to restaurants were surveyed regarding their views on how much they would pay for biodegradable bags as well as how they felt the bags impacted their participation in the program. In 2006, the City received a grant again from the North Texas Council of Governments, a portion of which was used to evaluate the differences in food waste collection from accounts using biodegradable plastic bags. This year, collectively, the schools contributed approximately 441 tons to the City’s program. The Plano Independent School District (PISD) currently has 26 schools participating in the food waste recycling program. Instead of having two 8-yard trash dumpsters serviced six days per week, the restaurant now has a single 8-yard trash dumpster serviced six days per week and recycles an average of 15 tons of organic residuals per month! Plano’s Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, which earned the City’s 2006 Environmental Star of Excellence for Outstanding Recycling Newcomer, experienced annual trash disposal savings of $7,476. ![]() Although Plano offers a comprehensive and convenient program for organics, recycling several hundred tons of organic waste per year required Whole Foods to seek a more efficient system.”īusinesses continue to be amazed at the quantity of food waste they have thrown away and the resulting cost savings available to them when they divert that material from the landfill. Christopher Day, one of the City’s five commercial recycling coordinators indicates, “Whole Foods switching to an organics compactor could signal a trend for high volume grocers. Whole Foods, which has participated in the City’s food diversion program since its inception, is the single largest contributor to the organics recycling program. Whole Foods very recently went from collecting their organic waste in 95-gallon carts to having a dedicated 30-yard compactor with an interior chute. Customers can order products on line as well, allowing residents to either charge the cost to their credit cards or have it charged to their utility bill. Preferred resident pricing as well as non-resident pricing are available for the Texas Pure products. Texas Pure products are produced for local soils and have earned a solid reputation for both commercial and residential landscape applications.Įach year, an increasing number of customers take advantage of the Texas Pure products available bagged or in bulk directly from the City’s two retail locations and multiple retail outlets in the five-city area. Plano certifies its products by participating in the United States Composting Council (USCC) Seal of Testing Assurance Program, which means the product is both weed and pathogen free. Initially, consisting of only compost and topdressing, the product line was diversified to include soil blend, mulch and colored mulch. In 2006, due to the expanded list of cities generating the feedstock, the products formerly known as Plano Pure were renamed Texas Pure. Yard trimmings and clean wood dropped off at the Custer Transfer Station is diverted to the composting facility in Melissa, Texas. Wood from Green Builder programs operating in both Plano and Frisco contribute to compost production as well. Plano accepts material gathered through residential collections from neighboring cities of Allen, Frisco, McKinney and Richardson. In 2004, Plano became the contractor for the North Texas Municipal Water District regional composting program. Table 1 summarizes growth in the program. Today, the vision for a comprehensive organics program in Plano continues to prosper. Initial participants were the Plano Independent School District, several retail grocery chains (including Albertson’s) and a handful of corporate cafeterias. A grant from the North Texas Council of Governments (NTCOG) provided funds for 95-gallon wheeled carts, biodegradable bags, and educational materials to begin this unique program. LAUNCHED in 2000 under the leadership of Nancy Nevil, Director of Sustainability and Environmental Services, the recycling program in the City of Plano, Texas has steadily grown. 39Ĭart-based food waste collection program brings savings, environmental benefits to program participants.
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