Policy Order O-1
Councillor Toomey, Councillor Cheung, Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Simmons, Councillor vanBeuzekom
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has made great strides in increasing the amount of recyclable materials collected through curbside pick up with the introduction of single stream recycling; and
WHEREAS: An increase in recyclable materials results in an increase in sellable materials; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge currently does not pick up recycling or trash from businesses even if they are along an active curbside pick up route; and
WHEREAS: Small businesses in Cambridge pay a higher commercial tax rate yet they do not receive the same services as residents paying a lower rate; and
WHEREAS: Small businesses are required to have recycling and trash removal contracts with private haulers that can meet the specific pickup needs of the business; and
WHEREAS: This results in various trucks picking up at different times and different businesses creating congestion and contributing to air pollution on the streets in our business districts; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has made a commitment to actively pursue ways to reduce vehicle trips within the city; and
WHEREAS: If small businesses operating along existing curbside pick up routes were included in curbside collection on regularly scheduled days it could potentially reduce truck traffic and vehicle trips within the City of Cambridge, reduce congestion, help save small businesses money by reducing one recycle pickup per week, increase the amounts of recyclables collected by the city with minimum impact on the program since the trucks are already operating in the area, and could help to encourage businesses to use the recycle center for further cost savings resulting in cost saving for Cambridge; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Public Works with the intention of devising a plan for implementing separate trash or recycling curbside pick up for small businesses along existing curbside pick up routes and to report back to the City Council.
ORDERED: That any analysis of the separate programs should include extended benefits such as reduced truck traffic and improved air quality as well as cost or additonal revenue to the city.