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Austin’s Zero Waste Advisory Commission Reviews Financial Forecast

Modern waste management facility in Austin promoting sustainability.

News Summary

The Austin Zero Waste Advisory Commission met to discuss Austin Resource Recovery’s five-year financial forecast and upcoming initiatives, including a new service center construction. Adjustments to service fees are anticipated as the city gears up for its budget season, with a focus on sustainability and improved waste management strategies.

Austin – The Austin Zero Waste Advisory Commission (ZWAC) convened on May 14 to review a five-year financial forecast for Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) and receive updates on current initiatives. This meeting marks a pivotal moment ahead of the city’s budget season, as financial forecasts by city staff are typically presented to boards and commissions during this month.

ZWAC’s overall reaction to the financial forecast was neutral, with members likely awaiting in-depth discussions until the final budget proposal is unveiled in July. One primary focus of the meeting was the anticipated construction of a new Northeast Service Center for ARR, with plans for groundbreaking set to begin later this year.

The financing for the new service center will be supported through the issuance of general obligation bonds over several years, with full completion projected for Fiscal Year 2028. As a consequence of this construction project, future rate increases for customers are expected. ARR division manager Victoria Rieger indicated that these adjustments would be reflected in the overall ARR budget forecast, which estimates an expenditure of approximately $144.1 million for Fiscal Year 2026. This figure represents a significant 9.5% increase from the previous year.

Proposed rate increases will include an additional $4.10 base fee over the next five years and an increase of $0.60 to the Residential Clean Community Fee. These adjustments will apply to all trash cart sizes due to anticipated customer growth and the adding of 28 new employee positions from 2026 through 2030.

ARR conducts an annual cost-of-service analysis to assess and refine rate structures in response to customer growth, shifting costs, and potential revenue offsets. However, it is essential to note that these forecasts are preliminary and may undergo revisions during the upcoming budget process. ZWAC members will receive more comprehensive information following the City Manager’s proposed budget presentation in July, with an anticipated budget adoption date set for August 13-15.

In addition to the financial forecast, Director Richard McHale from ARR presented on litter abatement strategies initiated in response to city council directives, detailing a shift to a more proactive approach to waste management and cleanup. McHale acknowledged challenges associated with litter removal in greenbelt areas, where cleanups continue in various parks and natural settings.

The city is also collaborating with the Recycling Partnership to study recycling capture rates, with results expected to be shared in December. ARR is currently leveraging a $4 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for a re-use warehouse; however, identifying a suitable property has posed challenges prior to the grant’s deadline.

In an effort to enhance environmental sustainability, ARR participated in Austin Energy’s lawn equipment exchange program, successfully recycling 66 gas-powered devices and planning further events aimed at promoting recycling and sustainability in the community.

Recent proposed amendments to cart collection rules aim to improve clarity and ensure alignment with existing operational practices. These amendments focus on modifying the timing for cart placement and enforcing proper distances between carts to optimize the collection process. The proposed changes will be forwarded to the City Council for adoption, with ZWAC’s approval anticipated soon.

This meeting represents a crucial step in ensuring that the city of Austin remains committed to its Zero Waste goals while effectively managing the financial implications of its waste management services.