HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 2606-6460CITY OF PALO ALTO
CITY COUNCIL
Special Meeting
Monday, September 28, 2026
Council Chambers & Hybrid
5:30 PM
Agenda Item
9.Approval of Professional Services Contract No. C27197334 with Cascadia Consulting
Group, Inc. for a Waste Characterization Study of the City’s Municipal Solid Waste Stream
in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $270,233; CEQA Status – Exempt under CEQA Guidelines
Sections 15061, 15262
City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: CONSENT CALENDAR
Lead Department: Public Works
Meeting Date: September 28, 2026
Report #:2606-6460
TITLE
Approval of Professional Services Contract No. C27197334 with Cascadia Consulting Group, Inc.
for a Waste Characterization Study of the City’s Municipal Solid Waste Stream in an Amount
Not-to-Exceed $270,233; CEQA Status – Exempt under CEQA Guidelines Sections 15061, 15262
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council approve and authorize the City Manager or their
designee to execute Contract No. C27197334 with Cascadia Consulting Group, Inc., to perform
a Waste Characterization Study (WCS) and associated analysis of the City’s municipal solid
waste stream, including recyclable, compostable, landfill and construction and demolition
materials for a total not-to-exceed amount of $270,233.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City’s 2018 Zero Waste Plan1 established a goal of 95% waste diversion from landfills by
2030. To support this goal, a waste characterization study is needed to analyze the current
composition of the City’s municipal solid waste generated by residents and businesses and
collected as recyclable, compostable, landfill, and construction and demolition materials. The
contract with Cascadia Consulting Group, Inc. (Cascadia) will provide the City with detailed data
on the breakdown of the materials and include recommendations on materials and strategies
that could further reduce landfill disposal and support progress toward the City’s diversion goal.
BACKGROUND
Waste characterization studies (WCS) are an essential tool used by the City and the solid waste
industry to understand how residents and businesses sort their waste into various containers,
including the types and amounts of waste generated. The City’s most recent WCS was
completed in 20172 and provided foundational data to support the development of the 2018
Zero Waste Plan (ZW Plan)3. For example, the 2017 WCS found that two-thirds of the waste
1 City of Palo Alto Zero Waste Plan. August 2018. https://www.paloalto.gov/files/assets/public/v/1/zero-
waste/zero-waste-website-files/2018-zero-waste-plan.pdf
2 City of Palo Alto, California 2017 Waste Characterization Study. January 2018. paloalto2017wcs_finalreport.pdf
3 City of Palo Alto Zero Waste Plan. August 2018. https://www.paloalto.gov/files/assets/public/v/1/zero-
waste/zero-waste-website-files/2018-zero-waste-plan.pdf
placed in Palo Alto landfill containers was recyclable or compostable. The WCS also found that
most compostable waste in the landfill container was food waste. In response to these findings,
initiatives were developed and implemented to expand education and encourage edible food
recovery in Palo Alto. Many of the initiatives developed in the 2018 ZW Plan have since been
implemented, and new data is needed to evaluate and compare the changes made and to
continue moving toward the City’s diversion goal.
Residential single-family garbage, recyclables, and compost
Residential multifamily garbage, recyclables, and compost
Commercial garbage, recyclables, and compostables
Hospital garbage
Loose roll-off garbage
Mixed construction and demolition materials
Residuals that are landfilled
Characterize waste composition
Sort and quantify collected materials by weight
Identify recovery and diversion opportunities
Evaluate variability across the community
Support program evaluation
Inform future program development
ANALYSIS
and recommending strategies to improve material recovery and increase landfill diversion. Due
to the nature and quantity of the work, outside resources are required. The recommended
consultant to carry out the WCS and meet the project's objectives is Cascadia.
Table 1: Summary of Solicitation Process
Proposal Description Waste Characterization Study/RFP197334
Proposed length of project 4 months
Total days to respond to proposal 44 days
Number of vendors notified 3977
Number of proposal packages downloaded 40
Pre-proposal meeting and date None, N/A
Number of proposals received 4
Proposal price range $120,032 - $291,135
Public link to solicitation https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/palo-alto-
ca/projects/251994
Table 2: Proposals Received
Company Name Location (City, State)Proposal Amount
Cascadia Consulting Group, Inc. Oakland, CA $291,135
SCS Engineers Pleasanton, CA $240,320
Green Group Consulting, LLC Saint Paul, MN $210,500
Nothing Wasted Consulting San Jose, CA $120,032
Time criticality. As outlined further below, the 2026 WCS will provide essential data to develop
the City’s updated Zero Waste Plan, help shape the service requirements, performance
standards for diversion, and establish policy priorities for the future solid waste collection and
processing agreement. Selecting a consultant that can complete the work on schedule is a key
piece in maintaining progress on the City’s broader waste reduction, contracting, and long-
range planning objectives. See Table 3 for an estimated timeline of these projects.
Depth of professional expertise: The City is working toward an ambitious 95% diversion goal. As
diversion rates increase, identifying and capturing the remaining recoverable material becomes
more complex and challenging. For that reason, it is important to retain a consultant with deep
technical expertise, strong analytical capability, and demonstrated success in this specialized
field. Cascadia demonstrated this need through their technical expertise and extensive
experience performing similar WCSs for local agencies.
onsistently compare with prior reporting to demonstrate trends, changes, and progress
towards the City’s 95% diversion goal. The City intends to compare the results of the 2026 WCS
with the 2017 WCS to evaluate changes in waste composition and identify progress and
remaining opportunities in diversion efforts. Consistency in methodology is key to improve
comparability of results, and strengthens the value of the findings for future planning and
decision-making. Cascadia’s prior completion of the City’s 2017 WCS provides this additional
benefit.
Table 3: Future Major Refuse Fund Projects and Estimated Timeline
Projects Estimated Dates
WCS completed December 2026
Target RFP issuance for consultant services to assist with solicitation process to obtain a
new consolidated contract for refuse services October 2026
Target RFP issuance to solicit new consolidated contract for collection, processing, and
disposal services for recyclable, compostable, landfill, deconstruction, and construction
and demolition materials.
June 2027
Target date for finalizing new agreement June 2028
Current contract with GreenWaste for garbage processing and disposal ends June 30, 2030
Current contract with GreenWaste of Palo Alto ends June 30, 2030
New consolidated solid waste contract begins July 1, 2030
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
Table 4: Summary of Contract Costs with Cascadia Consulting Group, Inc.
Tasks Amount
Project coordination and administration $9,018
Waste characterization – targeted waste audits $167,987
Prepare reports $32,470
Reimbursable expenses (if any)$51,953
Additional services (if needed for additional sampling or more analysis comparisons)$8,805
Total contract not-to-exceed amount $270,233
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
ATTACHMENTS
APPROVED BY:
Professional Services
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CITY OF PALO ALTO CONTRACT NO. C27197334
AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
BETWEEN THE CITY OF PALO ALTO AND CASCADIA CONSULTING GROUP, INC.
This Agreement for Professional Services (this “Agreement”) is entered into as of the 14th day of
September, 2026 (the “Effective Date”), by and between the CITY OF PALO ALTO, a California
chartered municipal corporation (“CITY”), and CASCADIA CONSULTING GROUP, INC., a
corporation, located at 1109 1st Ave, Suite 400, Seattle, WA 98101 (“CONSULTANT”).
The following recitals are a substantive portion of this Agreement and are fully incorporated herein
by this reference:
RECITALS
A.CITY intends to complete a waste characterization study (the “Project”) and desires to
engage a consultant to carry out a waste characterization study on the City’s solid waste stream
and report on the findings of the study in connection with the Project (the “Services”, as detailed
more fully in Exhibit A).
B.CONSULTANT represents that it, its employees and subconsultants, if any, possess the
necessary professional expertise, qualifications, and capability, and all required licenses and/or
certifications to provide the Services.
C.CITY, in reliance on these representations, desires to engage CONSULTANT to provide
the Services as more fully described in Exhibit A, entitled “SCOPE OF SERVICES”.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the recitals, covenants, terms, and conditions, in this
Agreement, the parties agree as follows:
SECTION 1. SCOPE OF SERVICES. CONSULTANT shall perform the Services described
in Exhibit A in accordance with the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement. The
performance of all Services shall be to the reasonable satisfaction of CITY.
Optional On-Call Provision (This provision only applies if checked and only applies to
on-call agreements.)
CITY may elect to, but is not required to, authorize on-call Services up to the maximum
compensation amount set forth in Section 4 (Not to Exceed Compensation).
CONSULTANT shall provide on-call Services only by advanced, written authorization
from CITY as detailed in this Section. On-call Services, if any, shall be authorized by
CITY, as needed, with a Task Order assigned and approved by CITY’s Project Manager,
as identified in Section 13 (Project Management). Each Task Order shall be in substantially
the same form as Exhibit A-1 entitled “PROFESSIONAL SERVICES TASK ORDER”.
Each Task Order shall contain a specific scope of services, schedule of performance and
maximum compensation amount, in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.
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Compensation for on-call Services shall be specified by CITY in the Task Order, based on
whichever is lowest: the compensation structure set forth in Exhibit C, the hourly rates set
forth in Exhibit C-1, or a negotiated lump sum.
To accept a Task Order, CONSULTANT shall sign the Task Order and return it to CITY’s
Project Manager within the time specified by the Project Manager, and upon authorization
by CITY (defined as counter-signature by the CITY Project Manager), the fully executed
Task Order shall become part of this Agreement. The cumulative total compensation due
to CONSULTANT for all Task Orders issued under this Agreement shall not exceed the
amount of compensation set forth in Section 4. CONSULTANT shall only be compensated
for on-call Services performed under an authorized Task Order and only up to the
maximum compensation amount set forth in Section 4. Performance of and payment for
any on-call Services are subject to all requirements and restrictions in this Agreement.
SECTION 2. TERM. The term of this Agreement shall be from September 14, 2026 through
August 15, 2027 unless terminated earlier pursuant to Section 19 (Termination) of this Agreement.
SECTION 3. SCHEDULE OF PERFORMANCE. Time is of the essence in the performance
of Services under this Agreement. CONSULTANT shall complete the Services within the term of
this Agreement and in accordance with the schedule set forth in Exhibit B, entitled “SCHEDULE
OF PERFORMANCE”. Any Services for which times for performance are not specified in this
Agreement shall be commenced and completed by CONSULTANT in a reasonably prompt and
timely manner based upon the circumstances and direction communicated to the CONSULTANT.
CITY’s agreement to extend the term or the schedule for performance shall not preclude recovery
of damages for delay if the extension is required due to the fault of CONSULTANT.
SECTION 4. NOT TO EXCEED COMPENSATION. The compensation to be paid to
CONSULTANT for performance of the Services shall be based on the compensation structure
detailed in Exhibit C, entitled “COMPENSATION,” including any reimbursable expenses
specified therein, and the maximum total compensation shall not exceed Two Hundred Sixty-
One Thousand Four Hundred Twenty-Eighty Dollars ($261,428). The hourly schedule of
rates, if applicable, is set out in Exhibit C-1, entitled “SCHEDULE OF RATES.” Any work
performed or expenses incurred for which payment would result in a total exceeding the maximum
compensation set forth in this Section 4 shall be at no cost to the CITY.
Optional Additional Services Provision (This provision applies only if checked and a
not-to-exceed compensation amount for Additional Services is allocated below under this
Section 4.)
In addition to the not-to-exceed compensation specified above, CITY has set aside the not-
to-exceed compensation amount of Eight Thousand Eight Hundred Five Dollars
($8,805) for the performance of Additional Services (as defined below). The total
compensation for performance of the Services, Additional Services and any reimbursable
expenses specified in Exhibit C, shall not exceed Two Hundred Seventy Thousand Two
Hundred Thirty-Three Dollars ($270,233), as detailed in Exhibit C.
“Additional Services” means any work that is determined by CITY to be necessary for the
proper completion of the Project, but which is not included within the Scope of Services
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described at Exhibit A. CITY may elect to, but is not required to, authorize Additional
Services up to the maximum amount of compensation set forth for Additional Services in
this Section 4. CONSULTANT shall provide Additional Services only by advanced,
written authorization from CITY as detailed in this Section. Additional Services, if any,
shall be authorized by CITY with a Task Order assigned and authorized by CITY’s Project
Manager, as identified in Section 13 (Project Management). Each Task Order shall be in
substantially the same form as Exhibit A-1, entitled “PROFESSIONAL SERVICES TASK
ORDER”. Each Task Order shall contain a specific scope of services, schedule of
performance and maximum compensation amount, in accordance with the provisions of
this Agreement. Compensation for Additional Services shall be specified by CITY in the
Task Order, based on whichever is lowest: the compensation structure set forth in Exhibit
C, the hourly rates set forth in Exhibit C-1, or a negotiated lump sum.
To accept a Task Order, CONSULTANT shall sign the Task Order and return it to CITY’s
Project Manager within the time specified by the Project Manager, and upon authorization
by CITY (defined as counter-signature by the CITY Project Manager), the fully executed
Task Order shall become part of this Agreement. The cumulative total compensation to
CONSULTANT for all Task Orders authorized under this Agreement shall not exceed the
amount of compensation set forth for Additional Services in this Section 4.
CONSULTANT shall only be compensated for Additional Services performed under an
authorized Task Order and only up to the maximum amount of compensation set forth for
Additional Services in this Section 4. Performance of and payment for any Additional
Services are subject to all requirements and restrictions in this Agreement.
SECTION 5. INVOICES. In order to request payment, CONSULTANT shall submit monthly
invoices to the CITY describing the Services performed and the applicable charges (including, if
applicable, an identification of personnel who performed the Services, hours worked, hourly rates,
and reimbursable expenses), based upon Exhibit C or, as applicable, CONSULTANT’s schedule
of rates set forth in Exhibit C-1. If applicable, the invoice shall also describe the percentage of
completion of each task. The information in CONSULTANT’s invoices shall be subject to
verification by CITY. CONSULTANT shall send all invoices to CITY’s Project Manager at the
address specified in Section 13 (Project Management) below. CITY will generally process and
pay invoices within thirty (30) days of receipt of an acceptable invoice.
SECTION 6. QUALIFICATIONS/STANDARD OF CARE. All Services shall be performed
by CONSULTANT or under CONSULTANT’s supervision. CONSULTANT represents that it,
its employees and subcontractors, if any, possess the professional and technical personnel
necessary to perform the Services required by this Agreement and that the personnel have
sufficient skill and experience to perform the Services assigned to them. CONSULTANT
represents that it, its employees and subcontractors, if any, have and shall maintain during the term
of this Agreement all licenses, permits, qualifications, insurance and approvals of whatever nature
that are legally required to perform the Services. All Services to be furnished by CONSULTANT
under this Agreement shall meet the professional standard and quality that prevail among
professionals in the same discipline and of similar knowledge and skill engaged in related work
throughout California under the same or similar circumstances.
SECTION 7. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. CONSULTANT shall keep itself informed of
and in compliance with all federal, state and local laws, ordinances, regulations, and orders that
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may affect in any manner the Project or the performance of the Services or those engaged to
perform Services under this Agreement, as amended from time to time. CONSULTANT shall
procure all permits and licenses, pay all charges and fees, and give all notices required by law in
the performance of the Services.
SECTION 8. ERRORS/OMISSIONS. CONSULTANT is solely responsible for costs,
including, but not limited to, increases in the cost of Services, arising from or caused by
CONSULTANT’s errors and omissions, including, but not limited to, the costs of corrections such
errors and omissions, any change order markup costs, or costs arising from delay caused by the
errors and omissions or unreasonable delay in correcting the errors and omissions.
SECTION 9. COST ESTIMATES. If this Agreement pertains to the design of a public works
project, CONSULTANT shall submit estimates of probable construction costs at each phase of
design submittal. If the total estimated construction cost at any submittal exceeds the CITY’s
stated construction budget by ten percent (10%) or more, CONSULTANT shall make
recommendations to CITY for aligning the Project design with the budget, incorporate CITY
approved recommendations, and revise the design to meet the Project budget, at no additional cost
to CITY.
SECTION 10. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. CONSULTANT acknowledges and agrees
that CONSULTANT and any agent or employee of CONSULTANT will act as and shall be
deemed at all times to be an independent contractor and shall be wholly responsible for the manner
in which CONSULTANT performs the Services requested by CITY under this Agreement.
CONSULTANT and any agent or employee of CONSULTANT will not have employee status
with CITY, nor be entitled to participate in any plans, arrangements, or distributions by CITY
pertaining to or in connection with any retirement, health or other benefits that CITY may offer its
employees. CONSULTANT will be responsible for all obligations and payments, whether
imposed by federal, state or local law, including, but not limited to, FICA, income tax
withholdings, workers’ compensation, unemployment compensation, insurance, and other similar
responsibilities related to CONSULTANT’s performance of the Services, or any agent or
employee of CONSULTANT providing same. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as
creating an employment or agency relationship between CITY and CONSULTANT or any agent
or employee of CONSULTANT. Any terms in this Agreement referring to direction from CITY
shall be construed as providing for direction as to policy and the result of CONSULTANT’s
provision of the Services only, and not as to the means by which such a result is obtained.
SECTION 11. ASSIGNMENT. The parties agree that the expertise and experience of
CONSULTANT are material considerations for this Agreement. CONSULTANT shall not assign
or transfer any interest in this Agreement nor the performance of any of CONSULTANT’s
obligations hereunder without the prior written approval of the City Manager. Any purported
assignment made without the prior written approval of the City Manager will be void and without
effect. Subject to the foregoing, the covenants, terms, conditions and provisions of this Agreement
will apply to, and will bind, the heirs, successors, executors, administrators and assignees of the
parties.
SECTION 12. SUBCONTRACTING.
Option A: No Subcontractor: CONSULTANT shall not subcontract any portion of the
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Services to be performed under this Agreement without the prior written authorization of the City
Manager or designee. In the event CONSULTANT does subcontract any portion of the work to
be performed under this Agreement, CONSULTANT shall be fully responsible for all acts and
omissions of subcontractors.
Option B: Subcontracts Authorized: Notwithstanding Section 11 (Assignment) above, CITY
agrees that subcontractors may be used to complete the Services. The subcontractors authorized
by CITY to perform work on this Project are:
• Waste Busters, Inc – 321 S. Main Street, PMB #42, Sebastopol, CA 95472
• Nothing Wasted Consulting LLC – 1512 S. De Anza Blvd., #126, San Jose, CA 95129
CONSULTANT shall be responsible for directing the work of any subcontractors and for any
compensation due to subcontractors. CITY assumes no responsibility whatsoever concerning
compensation of subcontractors. CONSULTANT shall be fully responsible to CITY for all acts
and omissions of subcontractors. CONSULTANT shall change or add subcontractors only with
the prior written approval of the City Manager or designee.
SECTION 13. PROJECT MANAGEMENT. CONSULTANT will assign Heather Levy as the
CONSULTANT’s Project Manager to have supervisory responsibility for the performance,
progress, and execution of the Services and represent CONSULTANT during the day -to-day
performance of the Services. If circumstances cause the substitution of the CONSULTANT’s
Project Manager or any other of CONSULTANT’s key personnel for any reason, the appointment
of a substitute Project Manager and the assignment of any key new or replacement personnel will
be subject to the prior written approval of the CITY’s Project Manager. CONSULTANT, at
CITY’s request, shall promptly remove CONSULTANT personnel who CITY finds do not
perform the Services in an acceptable manner, are uncooperative, or present a threat to the adequate
or timely completion of the Services or a threat to the safety of persons or property.
CITY’s Project Manager is Chuck Muir, Public Works Department, Environmental Services
Division, 3201 E Bayshore Rd, Palo Alto, CA, 94303, Telephone: (650) 496-6979. CITY’s Project
Manager will be CONSULTANT’s point of contact with respect to performance, progress and
execution of the Services. CITY may designate an alternate Project Manager from time to time.
SECTION 14. OWNERSHIP OF MATERIALS. All work product, including without
limitation, all writings, drawings, studies, sketches, photographs, plans, reports, specifications,
computations, models, recordings, data, documents, and other materials and copyright interests
developed under this Agreement, in any form or media, shall be and remain the exclusive property
of CITY without restriction or limitation upon their use. CONSULTANT agrees that all copyrights
which arise from creation of the work product pursuant to this Agreement are vested in CITY, and
CONSULTANT hereby waives and relinquishes all claims to copyright or other intellectual
property rights in favor of CITY. Neither CONSULTANT nor its subcontractors, if any, shall
make any of such work product available to any individual or organization without the prior written
approval of the City Manager or designee. CONSULTANT makes no representation of the
suitability of the work product for use in or application to circumstances not contemplated by the
Scope of Services.
SECTION 15. AUDITS. CONSULTANT agrees to permit CITY and its authorized
representatives to audit, at any reasonable time during the term of this Agreement and for four (4)
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years from the date of final payment, CONSULTANT’s records pertaining to matters covered by
this Agreement, including without limitation records demonstrating compliance with the
requirements of Section 10 (Independent Contractor). CONSULTANT further agrees to maintain
and retain accurate books and records in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
for at least four (4) years after the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement or the
completion of any audit hereunder, whichever is later.
SECTION 16. INDEMNITY.
[Option A applies to the following design professionals pursuant to Civil Code Section
2782.8: architects; landscape architects; registered professional engineers and licensed
professional land surveyors.] 16.1. To the fullest extent permitted by law, CONSULTANT shall
indemnify, defend and hold harmless CITY, its Council members, officers, employees and agents
(each an “Indemnified Party”) from and against any and all third party demands, claims, or liability
of any nature, including death or injury to any person, property damage or any other loss, including
all costs and expenses of whatever nature including attorney’s fees, experts fees, court costs and
disbursements (“Claims”) to the extent that such Claims arise out of, pertain to, or relate to the
negligence, recklessness, or willful misconduct of CONSULTANT, its officers, employees, agents
or contractors under this Agreement, regardless of whether or not it is caused in part by an
Indemnified Party. CITY will reimburse CONSULTANT for the proportionate percentage of
defense costs exceeding CONSULTANT’s proportionate percentage of fault as determined by the
final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction.
[Option B applies to any consultant who does not qualify as a design professional as
defined in Civil Code Section 2782.8.] 16.1. To the fullest extent permitted by law,
CONSULTANT shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless CITY, its Council members, officers,
employees and agents (each an “Indemnified Party”) from and against any and all demands, claims,
or liability of any nature, including death or injury to any person, property damage or any other
loss, including all costs and expenses of whatever nature including attorney’s fees, experts fees,
court costs and disbursements (“Claims”) resulting from, arising out of or in any manner related
to performance or nonperformance by CONSULTANT, its officers, employees, agents or
contractors under this Agreement, regardless of whether or not it is caused in part by an
Indemnified Party.
16.2. Notwithstanding the above, nothing in this Section 16 shall be construed to
require CONSULTANT to indemnify an Indemnified Party from a Claim arising from the active
negligence or willful misconduct of an Indemnified Party that is not contributed to by any act of,
or by any omission to perform a duty imposed by law or agreement by, CONSULTANT, its
officers, employees, agents or contractors under this Agreement.
16.3. The acceptance of CONSULTANT’s Services and duties by CITY shall not
operate as a waiver of the right of indemnification. The provisions of this Section 16 shall survive
the expiration or early termination of this Agreement.
SECTION 17. WAIVERS. No waiver of a condition or nonperformance of an obligation under
this Agreement is effective unless it is in writing in accordance with Section 29.4 of this
Agreement. No delay or failure to require performance of any provision of this Agreement shall
constitute a waiver of that provision as to that or any other instance. Any waiver granted shall
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apply solely to the specific instance expressly stated. No single or partial exercise of any right or
remedy will preclude any other or further exercise of any right or remedy.
SECTION 18. INSURANCE.
18.1. CONSULTANT, at its sole cost and expense, shall obtain and maintain, in
full force and effect during the term of this Agreement, the insurance coverage described in Exhibit
D, entitled “INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS”. CONSULTANT and its contractors, if any, shall
obtain a policy endorsement naming CITY as an additional insured under any general liability or
automobile policy or policies.
18.2. All insurance coverage required hereunder shall be provided through
carriers with AM Best’s Key Rating Guide ratings of A-:VII or higher which are licensed or
authorized to transact insurance business in the State of California. Any and all contractors of
CONSULTANT retained to perform Services under this Agreement will obtain and maintain, in
full force and effect during the term of this Agreement, identical insurance coverage, naming CITY
as an additional insured under such policies as required above.
18.3. Certificates evidencing such insurance shall be filed with CITY
concurrently with the execution of this Agreement. The certificates will be subject to the approval
of CITY’s Risk Manager and will contain an endorsement stating that the insurance is primary
coverage and will not be canceled, or materially reduced in coverage or limits, by the insurer except
after filing with the Purchasing Manager thirty (30) days’ prior written notice of the cancellation
or modification. If the insurer cancels or modifies the insurance and provides less than thirty (30)
days’ notice to CONSULTANT, CONSULTANT shall provide the Purchasing Manager written
notice of the cancellation or modification within two (2) business days of the CONSULTANT’s
receipt of such notice. CONSULTANT shall be responsible for ensuring that current certificates
evidencing the insurance are provided to CITY’s Chief Procurement Officer during the entire term
of this Agreement.
18.4. The procuring of such required policy or policies of insurance will not be
construed to limit CONSULTANT’s liability hereunder nor to fulfill the indemnification
provisions of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the policy or policies of insurance,
CONSULTANT will be obligated for the full and total amount of any damage, injury, or loss
caused by or directly arising as a result of the Services performed under this Agreement, including
such damage, injury, or loss arising after the Agreement is terminated or the term has expired.
SECTION 19. TERMINATION OR SUSPENSION OF AGREEMENT OR SERVICES.
19.1. The City Manager may suspend the performance of the Services, in whole
or in part, or terminate this Agreement, with or without cause, by giving ten (10) days prior written
notice thereof to CONSULTANT. If CONSULTANT fails to perform any of its material
obligations under this Agreement, in addition to all other remedies provided under this Agreement
or at law, the City Manager may terminate this Agreement sooner upon written notice of
termination. Upon receipt of any notice of suspension or termination, CONSULTANT will
discontinue its performance of the Services on the effective date in the notice of suspension or
termination.
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19.2. In event of suspension or termination, CONSULTANT will deliver to the
City Manager on or before the effective date in the notice of suspension or termination, any and
all work product, as detailed in Section 14 (Ownership of Materials), whether or not completed,
prepared by CONSULTANT or its contractors, if any, in the performance of this Agreement. Such
work product is the property of CITY, as detailed in Section 14 (Ownership of Materials).
19.3. In event of suspension or termination, CONSULTANT will be paid for the
Services rendered and work products delivered to CITY in accordance with the Scope of Services
up to the effective date in the notice of suspension or termination; provided, however, if this
Agreement is suspended or terminated on account of a default by CONSULTANT, CITY will be
obligated to compensate CONSULTANT only for that portion of CONSULTANT’s Services
provided in material conformity with this Agreement as such determination is made by the City
Manager acting in the reasonable exercise of his/her discretion. The following Sections will
survive any expiration or termination of this Agreement: 14, 15, 16, 17, 19.2, 19.3, 19.4, 20, 25,
27, 28, 29 and 30.
19.4. No payment, partial payment, acceptance, or partial acceptance by CITY
will operate as a waiver on the part of CITY of any of its rights under this Agreement, unless made
in accordance with Section 17 (Waivers).
SECTION 20. NOTICES.
All notices hereunder will be given in writing and mailed, postage prepaid, by
certified mail, addressed as follows:
To CITY: Office of the City Clerk
City of Palo Alto
Post Office Box 10250
Palo Alto, CA 94303
With a copy to the Purchasing Manager
To CONSULTANT: Attention of the Project Manager at the address of
CONSULTANT recited on the first page of this Agreement.
CONSULTANT shall provide written notice to CITY of any change of address.
SECTION 21. CONFLICT OF INTEREST.
21.1. In executing this Agreement, CONSULTANT covenants that it presently
has no interest, and will not acquire any interest, direct or indirect, financial or otherwise, which
would conflict in any manner or degree with the performance of the Services.
21.2. CONSULTANT further covenants that, in the performance of this
Agreement, it will not employ subcontractors or other persons or parties having such an interest.
CONSULTANT certifies that no person who has or will have any financial interest under this
Agreement is an officer or employee of CITY; this provision will be interpreted in accordance
with the applicable provisions of the Palo Alto Municipal Code and the Government Code of the
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State of California, as amended from time to time. CONSULTANT agrees to notify CITY if any
conflict arises.
21.3. If the CONSULTANT meets the definition of a “Consultant” as defined by
the Regulations of the Fair Political Practices Commission, CONSULTANT will file the
appropriate financial disclosure documents required by the Palo Alto Municipal Code and the
Political Reform Act of 1974, as amended from time to time.
SECTION 22. NONDISCRIMINATION; COMPLIANCE WITH ADA.
22.1. As set forth in Palo Alto Municipal Code Section 2.30.510, as amended
from time to time, CONSULTANT certifies that in the performance of this Agreement, it shall not
discriminate in the employment of any person due to that person’s race, skin color, gender, gender
identity, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, pregnancy, genetic
information or condition, housing status, marital status, familial status, weight or height of such
person. CONSULTANT acknowledges that it has read and understands the provisions of Section
2.30.510 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code relating to Nondiscrimination Requirements and the
penalties for violation thereof, and agrees to meet all requirements of Section 2.30.510 pertaining
to nondiscrimination in employment.
22.2. CONSULTANT understands and agrees that pursuant to the Americans
Disabilities Act (“ADA”), programs, services and other activities provided by a public entity to
the public, whether directly or through a contractor or subcontractor, are required to be accessible
to the disabled public. CONSULTANT will provide the Services specified in this Agreement in a
manner that complies with the ADA and any other applicable federal, state and local disability
rights laws and regulations, as amended from time to time. CONSULTANT will not discriminate
against persons with disabilities in the provision of services, benefits or activities provided under
this Agreement.
SECTION 23. ENVIRONMENTALLY PREFERRED PURCHASING AND ZERO
WASTE REQUIREMENTS. CONSULTANT shall comply with the CITY’s Environmentally
Preferred Purchasing policies which are available at CITY’s Purchasing Department, hereby
incorporated by reference and as amended from time to time. CONSULTANT shall comply with
waste reduction, reuse, recycling and disposal requirements of CITY’s Zero Waste Program. Zero
Waste best practices include, first, minimizing and reducing waste; second, reusing waste; and,
third, recycling or composting waste. In particular, CONSULTANT shall comply with the
following Zero Waste requirements:
(a) All printed materials provided by CONSULTANT to CITY generated from a
personal computer and printer including but not limited to, proposals, quotes, invoices, reports,
and public education materials, shall be double-sided and printed on a minimum of 30% or greater
post-consumer content paper, unless otherwise approved by CITY’s Project Manager. Any
submitted materials printed by a professional printing company shall be a minimum of 30% or
greater post-consumer material and printed with vegetable-based inks.
(b) Goods purchased by CONSULTANT on behalf of CITY shall be purchased in
accordance with CITY’s Environmental Purchasing Policy including but not limited to Extended
Producer Responsibility requirements for products and packaging. A copy of this policy is on file
at the Purchasing Department’s office.
(c) Reusable/returnable pallets shall be taken back by CONSULTANT, at no
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additional cost to CITY, for reuse or recycling. CONSULTANT shall provide documentation from
the facility accepting the pallets to verify that pallets are not being disposed.
SECTION 24. COMPLIANCE WITH PALO ALTO MINIMUM WAGE ORDINANCE.
CONSULTANT shall comply with all requirements of the Palo Alto Municipal Code Chapter 4.62
(Citywide Minimum Wage), as amended from time to time. In particular, for any employee
otherwise entitled to the State minimum wage, who performs at least two (2) hours of work in a
calendar week within the geographic boundaries of the City, CONSULTANT shall pay such
employees no less than the minimum wage set forth in Palo Alto Municipal Code Section 4.62.030
for each hour worked within the geographic boundaries of the City of Palo Alto. In addition,
CONSULTANT shall post notices regarding the Palo Alto Minimum Wage Ordinance in
accordance with Palo Alto Municipal Code Section 4.62.060.
SECTION 25. NON-APPROPRIATION. This Agreement is subject to the fiscal provisions of
the Charter of the City of Palo Alto and the Palo Alto Municipal Code, as amended from time to
time. This Agreement will terminate without any penalty (a) at the end of any fiscal year in the
event that funds are not appropriated for the following fiscal year, or (b) at any time within a fiscal
year in the event that funds are only appropriated for a portion of the fiscal year and funds for this
Agreement are no longer available. This Section shall take precedence in the event of a conflict
with any other covenant, term, condition, or provision of this Agreement.
SECTION 26. PREVAILING WAGES AND DIR REGISTRATION FOR PUBLIC
WORKS CONTRACTS.
26.1. This Project is not subject to prevailing wages and related
requirements. CONSULTANT is not required to pay prevailing wages and meet related
requirements under the California Labor Code and California Code of Regulations in the
performance and implementation of the Project if the contract:
(1) is not a public works contract;
(2) is for a public works construction project of $25,000 or less, per California
Labor Code Sections 1782(d)(1), 1725.5(f) and 1773.3(j); or
(3) is for a public works alteration, demolition, repair, or maintenance project of
$15,000 or less, per California Labor Code Sections 1782(d)(1), 1725.5(f) and
1773.3(j).
OR
26.1. This Project is subject to prevailing wages and related requirements as
a “public works” under California Labor Code Sections 1720 et seq. and related regulations.
CONSULTANT is required to pay general prevailing wages as defined in California Labor
Code Section 1773.1 and Subchapter 3, Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations Section
16000 et seq., as amended from time to time. Pursuant to Labor Code Section 1773, the CITY has
obtained the general prevailing rate of per diem wages and the general rate for holiday and
overtime work in this locality for each craft, classification, or type of worker needed to execute
the contract for this Project from the State of California Department of Industrial Relations
(“DIR”). Copies of these rates may be obtained at the CITY’s Purchasing Department office. The
general prevailing wage rates are also available at the DIR, Division of Labor Statistics and
Research, web site (see e.g. http://www.dir.ca.gov/DLSR/PWD/index.htm) as amended from time
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to time. CONSULTANT shall post a copy of the general prevailing wage rates at all Project job
sites and shall pay the adopted prevailing wage rates as a minimum. CONSULTANT shall
comply with all applicable provisions of Division 2, Part 7, Chapter 1 of the California Labor Code
(Labor Code Section 1720 et seq.), including but not limited to Sections 1725.5, 1771, 1771.1,
1771.4, 1773.2, 1774, 1775, 1776, 1777.5, 1782, 1810, 1813 and 1815, and all applicable
implementing regulations, including but not limited to Subchapter 3, Title 8 of the California Code
of Regulations Section 16000 et seq. (8 CCR Section 16000 et seq.), as amended from time to
time. CONSULTANT shall comply with the requirements of Exhibit E, entitled “DIR
REGISTRATION FOR PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACTS”, for any contract for public works
construction, alteration, demolition, repair or maintenance, including but not limited to the
obligations to register with, and furnish certified payroll records directly to, DIR.
SECTION 27. CLAIMS PROCEDURE FOR “9204 PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS”. For
purposes of this Section 27, a “9204 Public Works Project” means the erection, construction,
alteration, repair, or improvement of any public structure, building, road, or other public
improvement of any kind. (Cal. Pub. Cont. Code § 9204.) Per California Public Contract Code
Section 9204, for Public Works Projects, certain claims procedures shall apply, as set forth in
Exhibit F, entitled “Claims for Public Contract Code Section 9204 Public Works Projects”.
This Project is a 9204 Public Works Project and is required to comply with the
claims procedures set forth in Exhibit F, entitled “Claims for Public Contract Code Section 9204
Public Works Projects”.
OR
This Project is not a 9204 Public Works Project.
SECTION 28. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION.
28.1. In the performance of this Agreement, CONSULTANT may have access to
CITY’s Confidential Information (defined below). CONSULTANT will hold Confidential
Information in strict confidence, not disclose it to any third party, and will use it only for the
performance of its obligations to CITY under this Agreement and for no other purpose.
CONSULTANT will maintain reasonable and appropriate administrative, technical and physical
safeguards to ensure the security, confidentiality and integrity of the Confidential Information.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, CONSULTANT may disclose Confidential Information to its
employees, agents and subcontractors, if any, to the extent they have a need to know in order to
perform CONSULTANT’s obligations to CITY under this Agreement and for no other purpose,
provided that the CONSULTANT informs them of, and requires them to follow, the confidentiality
and security obligations of this Agreement.
28.2. “Confidential Information” means all data, information (including without
limitation “Personal Information” about a California resident as defined in Civil Code Section
1798 et seq., as amended from time to time) and materials, in any form or media, tangible or
intangible, provided or otherwise made available to CONSULTANT by CITY, directly or
indirectly, pursuant to this Agreement. Confidential Information excludes information that
CONSULTANT can show by appropriate documentation: (i) was publicly known at the time it
was provided or has subsequently become publicly known other than by a breach of this
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Agreement; (ii) was rightfully in CONSULTANT’s possession free of any obligation of
confidence prior to receipt of Confidential Information; (iii) is rightfully obtained by
CONSULTANT from a third party without breach of any confidentiality obligation; (iv) is
independently developed by employees of CONSULTANT without any use of or access to the
Confidential Information; or (v) CONSULTANT has written consent to disclose signed by an
authorized representative of CITY.
28.3. Notwithstanding the foregoing, CONSULTANT may disclose Confidential
Information to the extent required by order of a court of competent jurisdiction or governmental
body, provided that CONSULTANT will notify CITY in writing of such order immediately upon
receipt and prior to any such disclosure (unless CONSULTANT is prohibited by law from doing
so), to give CITY an opportunity to oppose or otherwise respond to such order.
28.4. CONSULTANT will notify City promptly upon learning of any breach in
the security of its systems or unauthorized disclosure of, or access to, Confidential Information in
its possession or control, and if such Confidential Information consists of Personal Information,
CONSULTANT will provide information to CITY sufficient to meet the notice requirements of
Civil Code Section 1798 et seq., as applicable, as amended from time to time.
28.5. Prior to or upon termination or expiration of this Agreement,
CONSULTANT will honor any request from the CITY to return or securely destroy all copies of
Confidential Information. All Confidential Information is and will remain the property of the CITY
and nothing contained in this Agreement grants or confers any rights to such Confidential
Information on CONSULTANT.
28.6. If selected in Section 30 (Exhibits), this Agreement is also subject to the
terms and conditions of the Information Privacy Policy and Cybersecurity Terms and Conditions.
SECTION 29. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS.
29.1. This Agreement will be governed by California law, without regard to its
conflict of law provisions.
29.2. In the event that an action is brought, the parties agree that trial of such
action will be vested exclusively in the state courts of California in the County of Santa Clara,
State of California.
29.3. The prevailing party in any action brought to enforce the provisions of this
Agreement may recover its reasonable costs and attorneys’ fees expended in connection with that
action. The prevailing party shall be entitled to recover an amount equal to the fair market value
of legal services provided by attorneys employed by it as well as any attorneys’ fees paid to third
parties.
29.4. This Agreement, including all exhibits, constitutes the entire and integrated
agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement, and supersedes
all prior agreements, negotiations, representations, statements and undertakings, either oral or
written. This Agreement may be amended only by a written instrument, which is signed by the
authorized representatives of the parties and approved as required under Palo Alto Municipal
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Code, as amended from time to time.
29.5. If a court of competent jurisdiction finds or rules that any provision of this
Agreement is void or unenforceable, the unaffected provisions of this Agreement will remain in
full force and effect.
29.6. In the event of a conflict between the terms of this Agreement and the
exhibits hereto (per Section 30) or CONSULTANT’s proposal (if any), the Agreement shall
control. In the event of a conflict between the exhibits hereto and CONSULTANT’s proposal (if
any), the exhibits shall control.
29.7. The provisions of all checked boxes in this Agreement shall apply to this
Agreement; the provisions of any unchecked boxes shall not apply to this Agreement.
29.8. All section headings contained in this Agreement are for convenience and
reference only and are not intended to define or limit the scope of any provision of this Agreement.
29.9. This Agreement may be signed in multiple counterparts, which, when
executed by the authorized representatives of the parties, shall together constitute a single binding
agreement.
SECTION 30. EXHIBITS. Each of the following exhibits, if the check box for such exhibit is
selected below, is hereby attached and incorporated into this Agreement by reference as though
fully set forth herein:
EXHIBIT A: SCOPE OF SERVICES
EXHIBIT A-1 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES TASK ORDER
EXHIBIT B: SCHEDULE OF PERFORMANCE
EXHIBIT C: COMPENSATION
EXHIBIT C-1: SCHEDULE OF RATES
EXHIBIT D: INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
EXHIBIT E: MATERIALS TYPES LIST
THIS AGREEMENT IS NOT COMPLETE UNLESS ALL SELECTED EXHIBITS
ARE ATTACHED.
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CONTRACT No. C27197334
SIGNATURE PAGE
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have by their duly authorized representatives
executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.
CITY OF PALO ALTO
____________________________
City Manager
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
__________________________
City Attorney or designee
CASCADIA CONSULTING GROUP, INC.
By: ________________________________
Name: ______________________________
Title: _______________________________
By: ________________________________
Name: ______________________________
Title: _______________________________
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Amity Lumper
Co-President & Co-owner
Co-President and Co-Owner
Stephanie Thomas
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EXHIBIT A
SCOPE OF SERVICES
CONSULTANT shall provide the Services detailed in this Exhibit A, entitled “SCOPE OF
SERVICES”. Notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, CONSULTANT’s duties and
services described in this Scope of Services shall not include preparing or assisting CITY with any
portion of CITY’s preparation of a request for proposals, request for qualifications, or any other
solicitation regarding a subsequent or additional contract with CITY. CITY shall at all times retain
responsibility for public contracting, including with respect to any subsequent phase of this project.
CONSULTANT’s participation in the planning, discussions, or drawing of project plans or
specifications shall be limited to conceptual, preliminary, or initial plans or specifications.
CONSULTANT shall cooperate with CITY to ensure that all bidders for a subsequent contract on
any subsequent phase of this project have access to the same information, including all conceptual,
preliminary, or initial plans or specifications prepared by CONSULTANT pursuant to this Scope
of Services.
Introduction
CONSULTANT shall conduct a waste characterization study (WCS) of the City’s municipal solid
waste stream. All materials are collected by the City’s exclusive contractor, GreenWaste of Palo
Alto (GWPA).
The current Zero Waste Plan (ZW Plan), last updated in 2018, establishes strategies and initiatives
to help the City achieve its objective of diverting 95 percent of waste from landfill disposal by
2030. The city completed a comprehensive WCS in 2017 to support the ZW Plan. A new WCS is
needed to support a future update of the ZW Plan, which will be conducted under a separate
Agreement.
Under this Agreement, the consultant shall conduct a 2026 WCS, analyze the collected data, and
develop clear visual representations of the findings suitable for use in reports, presentations, and
public communications and to help guide an update to the future ZW Plan. The consultant shall
also perform a comparative analysis between the 2026 results and the 2017 WCS to assess changes
and trends. Based on the findings, the consultant shall provide recommendations on materials and
strategies that could further reduce landfill disposal and support progress toward the City’s
diversion goal.
The WCS shall include the following waste sectors:
•Residential single-family garbage, recyclables, and compost are materials GWPA
collects from single-family residences (single-family homes and townhouses or buildings
with up to four residential units). These materials typically arrive at the GreenWaste
Recovery Materials Recovery Facility located in San Jose (GWR MRF) in packer trucks
(e.g., side loaders). Compost is taken to the GreenWaste Renewable Energy Digestion
Facility. During this study, CONSULTANT shall collect samples of these materials
directly from carts at the curb in front of single-family homes on collection day and bring
collected samples to the GWR MRF for sorting by CONSULTANT field team stationed
there.
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•Residential multifamily garbage, recyclables, and compost are collected by GWPA
from multifamily residences (apartments or condominiums with more than four residential
units). It typically arrives at GWR MRF in packer trucks (e.g., front loaders). GWPA
collects multifamily materials in the same truck as commercial garbage, recyclables and
compostable materials therefore some coordination with GWPA shall be necessary to
ensure a select amount (or volume) of material is collected from multifamily locations for
the WCS.
•Commercial garbage is garbage collected from the commercial sector in a front-load, or
side-load compacting vehicle. The materials are delivered to the GWR MRF for
processing.
•Commercial recyclables are recyclable materials collected from the commercial sector in
a front-load, or side-load compacting vehicle. The materials are delivered to the GWR
MRF for processing.
•Commercial compost is compostable material collected from the commercial sector in a
front-load, or side-load self-contained compacting vehicle. It is typically delivered to
GreenWaste Renewable Energy Digestion Facility. Selected loads shall be rerouted to the
GWR MRF for sampling during this study.
•Hospital garbage is collected in compactors from the three local hospitals located in Palo
Alto in a roll-off vehicle. The materials are delivered to the GWR MRF for
processing. Hospitals in Palo Alto consist of the Stanford Hospital, the Veteran’s Affair
Hospital, and the Palo Alto Medical Foundation.
•Loose roll-off garbage is garbage collected from the commercial sector in a non-
compacted open-top roll-off container, commonly referred to as a “debris box” or “drop-
box.”
•Mixed construction and demolition materials (C&D) is recoverable material generated
from construction activities and bulky materials delivered to the GreenWaste Zanker
Resource Recovery Facility in loose roll-off boxes.
•Residuals are produced as byproducts from the two GreenWaste materials recovery
facilities. Residuals do not include fines screened from the trommels.
The primary objectives of the 2026 WCS are:
A.Characterize Waste Composition
CONSULTANT shall determine the composition of the City’s recycling, compost, and landfill
waste streams using a statistically representative sampling methodology and material categories
relevant to the Palo Alto waste stream. To allow for the comparison of the 2017 WCS data with
the new 2026 WCS data, CITY requests using the sampling methodology utilized in 2017 WCS
Appendix B, Study Design or an alternative methodology to be approved by the City.
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B.Quantify Materials by Weight
CONSULTANT shall quantify the weight and proportion of each material type within the
recycling, compost, and landfill waste streams.
C.Identify Recovery and Diversion Opportunities
CONSULTANT shall identify recyclable and compostable materials currently disposed of
incorrectly and evaluate opportunities to increase material recovery and diversion from landfill.
The information shall be made relevant to existing recycling and compost markets and to future
realistic market opportunities.
D.Evaluate Variability Across the Community
CONSULTANT shall assess differences in waste composition across sectors.
E.Support Program Evaluation
CONSULTANT shall compare results with the City’s 2017 waste characterization study and
identify materials, and products frequently disposed of incorrectly. CONSULTANT shall provide
capture rates of all waste material categories.
F.Inform Future Program Development
CONSULTANT shall provide actionable data to support the planning, development, and
evaluation of programs that advance the City’s Zero Waste goals.
Task 1. Project Coordination and Administration
CONSULTANT shall provide management of all task activities under this Agreement, including
project team assignments; meeting preparation and attendance; maintenance and monitoring of the
budget and schedule; quality assurance and quality control of all deliverables; and coordination of
any and all sub-CONSULTANT s.
CONSULTANT shall provide project coordination and administration for all tasks including
project start-up, team assignments, internal team coordination, meeting preparation and
attendance, maintenance and monitoring of the budget and schedule, quality assurance and quality
control of all deliverables, and coordination of all subcontractors. CONSULTANT shall provide
regular invoices and progress reports.
CONSULTANT shall attend a kick-off meeting with the City to confirm project objectives, scope,
roles, communication preferences, data needs, schedule milestones, and next steps.
CONSULTANT shall provide a meeting agenda, summarize meeting outcomes, and provide a
project work plan. CONSULTANT shall meet at least every two weeks or as needed to provide
to review of completed work, upcoming activities, schedule and budget status, key decisions, and
any study concerns. CONSULTANT shall provide agendas and supporting materials to document
action items and next steps with estimated completion dates.
CONSULTANT shall ensure all team members, including subcontractors, are accountable for their
work tasks being on time and within budget. CONSULTANT shall provide hands-on supervision
of all team members, including subcontractors, provide at least weekly check-ins or as needed,
discuss project status, and make any adjustments. Any major changes to the schedule or budget
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shall be shared with and approved by the City. CONSULTANT Project Manager shall provide
frequent updates and meeting notes to the City’s Project Manager via email, virtual check -in
meetings, or phone.
CONSULTANT shall use Deltek Vantagepoint to manage staff availability and schedule staff time
for each project and task in Cascadia’s book of work. CONSULTANT shall go over Deltek
Vantagepoint and book of work with the City prior to beginning any work. CONSULTANT project
managers and field work leads shall meet weekly to plan field work schedule, ensure experienced
staff are available for each field work task, ensure experienced staff are not over or double booked,
that project plans are up to date, and staff calendars are up to date and reflect field work dates to
prevent scheduling conflicts.
CONSULTANT shall provide manager(s) to ensure adequate qualified staff are available and that
the study stays on schedule. CONSULTANT shall track the progress of the study and provide
regular client check-ins and progress reports.
CONSULTANT shall use Vantagepoint to track labor and expenses at the various project levels,
provide activity reports with each invoice and report on the remaining budget amounts per task.
Task 2. Waste Characterization – targeted waste audits
SubTask 2a. Conduct Project Meetings and Prepare Work Plan
CONSULTANT shall work with City staff and internal team members to solidify the
methodology, protocols, and tools needed for the WCS including development of a detailed work
plan, sampling plan and schedule, preparation of field forms and databases, and methodology for
comparing data to the previous WCS. CONSULTANT shall collaborate with the City’s hauler
GWPA for the selection of routes, and timing of arrival at GWR MRF. Task 2 provides a
foundation for all fieldwork, data entry, analysis, and reporting that shall be conducted as part of
the study. The CONSULTANT shall identify common findings from waste characterization
studies conducted in up to two cities similar to Palo Alto and within key sectors such as multifamily
dwellings and shall meet with City staff to determine the specific audits, analyses and summary
report format needed.
CONSULTANT shall review waste sectors, material streams, sampling methodology, ideal
number of samples, sample type and size per material streams, sampling logistics, and material
categories.
CONSULTANT shall use two different methods to select a load for sampling:
• Loads from sectors with regularly scheduled waste collection routes shall be pre-selected
using a random selection method.
• Loads from sectors that do not have regularly scheduled waste collection routes shall be
systematically selected on each day of sampling.
CONSULTANT shall sample single-family residential material by systematically selecting
households and collection “paired samples” including garbage, recycling, and organics from
single-family dwellings. “Paired” samples refer to the simultaneous collection and sorting of
multiple carts from a single household, as part of the same set-out. Systematic selection involves
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creating a sampling frequency to ensure random selection.
CONSULTANT shall sample at least the preliminary list of waste sectors and streams that match
the 2017 WCS and shall include any additional waste streams not in the original the 2017 WCS.
Table 1: Waste Sectors, Materials Streams, and Characterization Methods
Sector and Waste Stream Characterization Method Sample Selection Method
Commercial front-load garbage Hand sort Pre-selected
Commercial Compactor garbage Hand sort Pre-selected
Commercial front-load recycling Hand sort Pre-selected
Commercial front-load compost Hand sort Pre-selected
Loose roll-off Visual Characterization Systematic selection
Loose roll-off: C & D Visual Characterization Systematic selection
Hospital Garbage Compactors Hand sort Pre-selected
Multifamily Garbage Hand sort Pre-selected; special study routing1
Multifamily recycling Hand sort Pre-selected; special study routing1
Multifamily compost Hand sort Pre-selected; special study routing1
Single family: garbage Hand sort Households will be systematically
selected; paired sampling
Single family: recycling Hand sort Households will be systematically
selected; paired sampling
Single family: compost Hand sort Households will be systematically
selected; paired sampling
Residuals - from the recycling
Material Recovery Facility Hand sort Systematic selection
Residuals - from the garbage
Material Recovery Facility Hand sort Systematic selection
1CONSULTANT shall work with the City’s waste hauler, GreenWaste of Palo Alto, to isolate
multifamily from commercial routes.
SubTask 2b. Sorting Area
Below is a list of the Palo Alto waste streams collected and processed by the various GreenWaste
of Palo Alto processing facilities. CONSULTANT shall work with GreenWaste of Palo Alto to
clarify the exact sampling locations within each listed facility for each specified waste stream. This
shall be done before the first official kick-off meeting. If sufficient sampling locations can’t be
confirmed, the CONSULTANT shall suggest alternative locations to sample the various waste
streams within the available facilities. If acceptable sorting locations cannot be identified within
the listed GreenWaste facilities, the City shall secure alternative viable facilities at no cost to the
CONSULTANT. CONSULTANT field crew will be receiving all samples in the sorting area.
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All field work for one day will occur concurrently or consecutively without long breaks between
field tasks.
Table 2: Sorting and sampling locations
Sector and Stream Processing Location Sampling
Location
Commercial front-load
garbage
GreenWaste San Jose Material Recovery
Facility, 625 Charles St., San Jose, CA 95112 GWSJMRF
Commercial Compactor
garbage
GreenWaste San Jose Material Recovery
Facility, 625 Charles St., San Jose, CA 95112
GWSJMRF
Commercial front-load
recycling
GreenWaste San Jose Material Recovery
Facility, 625 Charles St., San Jose, CA 95112
GWSJMRF
Commercial front-load
compost
GreenWaste Renewable Energy Digestion
Facility (GWREDF), 685 Los Esteros Rd.,
San Jose, CA 95134
GWREDF or
CONSULTANT
to specify
Loose roll-off GreenWaste San Jose Material Recovery
Facility, 625 Charles St., San Jose, CA 95112
GWSJMRF or
CONSULTANT
to specify
Loose roll-off: C & D
GreenWaste Zanker Resource Recovery
Facility (GWZRRF), 675 Los Esteros Rd.,
San Jose, CA 95134
GWZRRF or
CONSULTANT
to specify
Hospital Garbage
Compactors
GreenWaste San Jose Material Recovery
Facility, 625 Charles St., San Jose, CA 95112
GWSJMRF
Multifamily Garbage GreenWaste San Jose Material Recovery
Facility, 625 Charles St., San Jose, CA 95112
GWSJMRF
Multifamily recycling GreenWaste San Jose Material Recovery
Facility, 625 Charles St., San Jose, CA 95112
GWSJMRF
Multifamily compost
GreenWaste Renewable Energy Digestion
Facility (GWREDF), 685 Los Esteros Rd.,
San Jose, CA 95134
GWREDF or
CONSULTANT
to specify
Single family: garbage GreenWaste San Jose Material Recovery
Facility, 625 Charles St., San Jose, CA 95112
GWSJMRF or
CONSULTANT
to specify
Single family: recycling GreenWaste San Jose Material Recovery
Facility, 625 Charles St., San Jose, CA 95112
GWSJMRF or
CONSULTANT
to specify
Single family: compost
GreenWaste Renewable Energy Digestion
Facility (GWREDF), 685 Los Esteros Rd.,
San Jose, CA 95134
GWREDF or
CONSULTANT
to specify
Residuals - from the
recycling Material
Recovery Facility
GreenWaste San Jose Material Recovery
Facility, 625 Charles St., San Jose, CA 95112
GWSJMRF or
CONSULTANT
to specify
Residuals - from the
garbage Material
Recovery Facility
GreenWaste San Jose Material Recovery
Facility, 625 Charles St., San Jose, CA 95112
GWSJMRF or
CONSULTANT
to specify
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Garbage and Recyclables
The City has confirmed that the GreenWaste San Jose Materials Recovery Facility located at 625
Charles St., Charles Street, San Jose will act as the sorting area for garbage and recycling waste
streams for single family households, multifamily dwellings, and commercial customers including
loose roll-off, unless another location or methodology is proposed by CONSULTANT.
Compostables
CONSULTANT shall confirm with GreenWaste whether compostable waste sampling will be
performed at the Zero Waste Energy Development Company (ZWEDC) processing facility or
another location. Compostable waste processed at ZWEDC includes commercial customers,
multifamily dwellings, loose roll-offs (compostable), and single-family households.
CONSULTANT shall confirm with GreenWaste of Palo Alto where specific “green material only”
commercial compostables are processed and provide a location where samples shall be sampled.
This may include ZWEDC located in San Jose, CA; Z-Best located in Gilroy, CA; or GWR located
in San Jose, CA or as specified by CONSULTANT.
Roll-offs & Roll-offs C&D
CONSULTANT shall confirm with GreenWaste where loose roll-off, loose roll-off - C&D; as
well as residuals from the various processing facilities will be sampled. This may include GWR
located in San Jose, CA or Zanker Materials Processing Facility located in San Jose, CA or as
specified by CONSULTANT.
CONSULTANT Task 2c. Develop Detailed Study Design
The study design shall include protocols for a representative and unbiased approach to select
routes, residences, businesses, etc. for sampling, the number size, and allocation of samples, and
sample selection and characterization processes. The design shall also include field forms specific
to each study that are designed to maximize data collection efficiency and minimize data collection
errors.
Within the study design, CONSULTANT shall design a sampling schedule based on regular
collection and operating schedules to be provided by GWPA. CONSULTANT shall design the
schedule to ensure an even distribution of samples across days of the week. CONSULTANT shall
design and share with the City a sampling schedule the evenly distributes samples across the days
of the week.
CONSULTANT shall develop and present to the City a detailed study design consistent with the
2017 WCS that shall include protocols for selecting routes, residences, and businesses for
sampling. CONSULTANT shall pre-select random loads of materials for sampling based on
regular collection route information. CONSULTANT shall specify the number, size, and
allocation of samples, sample selection, and characterization process. CONSULTANT shall
provide detailed field forms. CONSULTANT shall provide details on data analysis and reporting
procedures and methodologies.
CONSULTANT shall propose a material category list that shall be approved by the City. The list
shall be based off City’s RFPs Attachments B and C to ensure consistency with 2017 WCS, adhere
to CalRecycle standards list of materials, and compliance with GWPA acceptable materials list.
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CONSULTANT shall classify materials according to recoverability (i.e. recyclable, compostable,
potentially recyclable, and problem materials). The classification shall be approved by the City.
CONSULTANT shall document all assumptions, deviations, and refinements to the sampling
design in the final work plan. CONSULTANT shall describe any variations such as different
processing facilities and technologies, etc. and their implications and how the differences are
addressed analytically.
Task 2d. Field Sampling and Waste Sorting
The CONSULTANT shall conduct fieldwork to collect and sort waste samples (garbage,
recyclables, and compostables) for the characterization study. The only exceptions include garbage
only compactors for hospitals, garbage only loose roll-off containers, and mixed construction and
demolition materials (C&D) roll-off boxes. During this period, the CONSULTANT shall propose
the number of samples to be collected and sorted per day. The final number of samples and daily
sampling schedule may be refined in coordination with the City during Task 2c (Study Design).
The CONSULTANT shall propose the most appropriate sampling methodologies for each waste
sector to ensure representative and statistically valid results. Sampling methods shall account for
differences in waste generation and collection practices among single family residential,
multifamily residential, commercial, roll-off containers, and compactors.
The CONSULTANT shall coordinate with the City during study design to finalize the sampling
approach, schedule, and logistics, including site access, collection coordination, and safety
procedures.
Single-family residential sampling
The CONSULTANT shall collect samples of single-family waste materials directly from carts at
the curb in front of single-family homes on collection day and bring collected samples to the GWR
MRF for sorting by the CONSULTANT field team. The number and types of samples shall be
provided in the study design and approved by the City. CONSULTANT may propose an
alternative method which shall be approved by the City.
Multi-family residential and commercial sampling
CONSULTANT shall characterize organic waste from the multi-family residential sector
separately from the commercial sector. GWPA collects multifamily organic waste in the same
truck as commercial organics therefore coordination with GWPA shall be done to ensure a select
amount (or volume) of material shall be collected from multifamily locations for the WCS. The
number and types of samples shall be provided in the study design and approved by the City. To
characterize commercial organic waste selected loads shall be rerouted to the GWR MRF for
sampling during this study. CONSULTANT may propose an alternative method which shall be
approved by the City.
The following table outlines Cascadia’s proposed sampling schedule and detail.
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Table 3: Sampling Schedule and Details
Study
week
Day of
week Proposed sort location Role Number of
samples
W1 Monday GreenWaste MRF Non-single family
garbage and recycle 21 hand, 2 visual
W1 Tuesday GreenWaste MRF Non-single family
garbage and recycle 23 hand, 3 visual
W1 Wednesday GreenWaste MRF Non-single family
garbage and recycle 24 hand, 2 visual
W1 Thursday GreenWaste MRF Non-single family
garbage and recycle 25 hand, 2 visual
W1 Friday GreenWaste MRF Non-single family
garbage and recycle 25 hand, 3 visual
W1 Saturday GreenWaste MRF Non-single family
garbage and recycle 25 hand, 3 visual
W2 Monday
GreenWaste MRF,
GreenWaste Digestor,
GreenWaste Zanker
Non-single family
garbage and recycle
Up to 26 hand, 3
visual
W2 Tuesday
GreenWaste MRF,
GreenWaste Digestor,
GreenWaste Zanker
Non-single family
garbage and recycle
Up to 26 hand, 3
visual
W2 Wednesday
GreenWaste MRF,
GreenWaste Digestor,
GreenWaste Zanker
Non-single family
garbage and recycle
Up to 26 hand, 3
visual
W2 Thursday
GreenWaste MRF,
GreenWaste Digestor,
GreenWaste Zanker
Non-single family
garbage and recycle
Up to 26 hand, 3
visual
W2 Friday
GreenWaste MRF,
GreenWaste Digestor,
GreenWaste Zanker
Non-single family
garbage and recycle
Up to 26 hand, 3
visual
Task 2e. Characterize Samples
CONSULTANT ’s field manager shall be on-site at the outset of all sorting activities to ensure
that the crew follows approved protocols and maintains consistency across samples and sampling
events. Field manager shall brief personnel on any facility-specific health and safety requirements,
personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, contingency protocols, and ensure the quality
and efficiency of field work.
Table 4: Proposed sample allocations and weights
Sector and Stream Number of
samples
Sample weight
Commercial front-load garbage 30 150 lbs.
Commercial compactor garbage 10 150 lbs.
Commercial front-load recycling 20 100 lbs.
Commercial front-load compost 20 150 lbs.
Loose roll-off 15 Entire load
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Loose roll-off: C & D 15 Entire load
Hospital garbage compactors 3 150 lbs.
Multifamily garbage 30 150 lbs.
Multifamily recycling 20 100 lbs.
Multifamily compost 20 150 lbs.
Single family garbage Up to 30 Up to 30 lbs.
Single family recycling Up to 30 Up to 30 lbs.
Single family compost Up to 30 Up to 50 lbs.
Residuals – from the recycling Materials Recovery Facility 15 50 - 150 lbs.
Residuals – from the garbage Materials Recovery Facility 15 50 lbs.
CONSULTANT shall follow its standard process for sorting all materials and provide a copy of
that process to the City for approval.
Photographs
• A member of the field crew shall take photographs of the sample using a digital device.
The sample placard identifying the sample shall be positioned to be visible in each photo.
CONSULTANT
o Two types of images shall be taken – perspective and close-up. Perspective image is a
photograph taken from a distance of 10’-20’. A close-up image is a photograph taken
from a distance of 1’-3’.
o For the photographic evidence, each photographic set shall consist of:
▪ Photographs shall be provided of the samples before separated from the vehicle,
bin or cart;
▪ Photographs shall be provided of the samples after they are separated from the
vehicle, bin or cart;
▪ Photographs shall be provided of the samples when the samples are comingled, but
the contents not removed;
▪ Photographs shall be provided of the samples before the samples are composited;
and,
▪ Photographs shall be provided of the samples when the materials are sorted and co-
mingled.
Sorting
• The field crew shall sort the sample into the material categories and store separated
materials in separate containers. Individual members of the sorting crew typically
specialize in groups of materials, such as papers or plastics. The field manager shall
monitor the homogeneity of material in the containers as they accumulate, rejecting any
materials that are improperly classified.
• The field manager shall then visually inspect the purity of each material as it is weighed in
its container using a pre-calibrated scale and shall record each material weight on data
sheet.
Custodial bags
• CONSULTANT shall determine the percentage of commercial customers using colored
custodial bags. Commercial customers are required to utilize blue see-through recycling
bags or no bag; green compostable see-through bag for compostables or no bag; and clear
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bags or no bag for landfill waste. Determine what percentage of commercial customers are
using colored see-through custodial bags.
• CONSULTANT shall determine the percentage of single-family and multi-family
residential customers that are using green colored see-through compostable bags. Single
family and multi-family residents are only required to use green see-through compostable
bags for the collection of food waste if bags are used.
Hand sorting
• CONSULTANT shall follow their standard process for hand -sorting process for most
municipal solid waste (MSW), recyclable materials, organics, and residuals. A copy of the
standard hand-sorting process shall be provided during the kick-off meeting.
• CONSULTANT shall take pre-sample collection (before material separated from
container), sample captured on tarp (not yet composited), and composited samples (sorted
into the various material categories) consistent with recent CalRecycle methodologies.
Visual characterization
• For commercial and multifamily loads, CONSULTANT shall follow their standard process
of visually characterizing waste. A copy of the standard visually characterizing waste
process shall be provided during the kick-off meeting.
o CONSULTANT shall characterize organic waste from multi-family residential sector
separately from commercial sector. GWPA collects multifamily organic waste in the
same truck as commercial organics therefore coordination with GWPA shall be done
to ensure a select amount (or volume) of material shall be collected from multifamily
locations for the WCS. The number and types of samples shall be provided in the study
design and approved by the City. To characterize commercial organic waste selected
loads shall be rerouted to the GWR MRF for sampling during this study.
CONSULTANT may propose an alternative method which must be approved by CITY.
Task 2f. Data Management, Quality Assurance/Quality Control, and Statistical Analysis
CONSULTANT shall record and manage field data. The electronic capture of data shall be linked
to cloud-based storage to prevent the loss of data.
CONSULTANT shall prepare and submit a written QA/QC protocol during the kick-off meeting.
The CONSULTANT shall analyze the data collected and documented during Task 2e, using
rigorous quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) procedures and established statistical
methodologies commonly applied in municipal waste characterization studies, including those
used in prior Palo Alto studies and the most recent CalRecycle statewide waste characterization
methodology. CONSULTANT shall prepare and submit a written QA/QC protocol for the City to
review and describes procedure for data verification, validation, and statistical analysis.
CONSULTANT shall enter all field data into a waste characterization database following each
sampling event. CONSULTANT The database and associated outputs shall be accessible to the
City and provided in a format compatible with common software platforms, including *.CSV
and/or Microsoft Excel file formats. At the conclusion of the study, the CONSULTANT shall
provide the City with a complete electronic accounting of all sorted samples and associated
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datasets.
CITY will provide the CONSULTANT with annual and/or monthly tonnage estimates for the
applicable waste streams, including commercial, single family residential, multifamily residential,
and roll-off services. These tonnage estimates shall be used to support the statistical analysis and
extrapolation of results.
CONSULTANT shall conduct the appropriate statistical analysis depending on the sampling
method used, including disposal site analysis (and generator-based analysis where applicable). All
calculations and approaches shall be consistent with those used in the most recent CalRecycle
statewide study. If alternative analytical approaches are proposed, CONSULTANT shall
coordinate with CITY and receive approval to ensure the methodology is defensible and capable
of producing representative, reliable, and statistically valid results.
As part of the analysis, the CONSULTANT shall develop charts, tables, and figures to clearly
present and interpret the findings. The presentation of results shall follow industry best practices
and may reference formats used in the City’s 2017 Waste Characterization Study Report.
At a minimum, the CONSULTANT shall include the following data visualizations and summary
tables:
• Pie charts showing recoverability groupings, including:
o Recyclable materials
o Compostable materials
o Potentially recyclable materials
o Problem materials
o Potentially recoverable materials
o Reusable items or materials (e.g. furniture, reusable cups, textiles, and other items
commonly identified as reusable)
• Summary tables identifying the most prevalent material types by weight.
• Detailed composition tables presenting the quantity and percentage by weight of each
material type, including the full list of approximately 80 material categories used in the
study.
Task 3 - Prepare Report
CONSULTANT shall assemble findings and recommendations into a clear, concise, and highly
visual report that the City can use with confidence for short-and long-term planning. To ensure
that CONSULTANT fully meets project expectations, CONSULTANT ’s project manager shall
develop and submit an outline of the final report for review by City staff. The outline shall indicate
all sections and analyses that are expected to be part of the final report. Upon approval of the
outline, the project team shall prepare a draft of the report, including executive summary,
description of research protocols, and findings.
CONSULTANT shall include at least two City review cycles in the project schedule. At the 90%
completion stage, CONSULTANT shall submit a draft report to City for review and comment.
City will return comments to CONSULTANT, and CONSULTANT shall revise the draft to
incorporate the requested changes.
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Following those revisions, CONSULTANT shall submit an updated draft for a second City review.
City may provide additional comments, and CONSULTANT shall incorporate any final revisions
and submit the completed 100% final report.
CONSULTANT shall provide a report with components as identified below.
Report components:
A. Task 1 - Project Coordination and Administration
B. Task 2 - Develop Plan/Study Design
1. Task 2a – Prepare Work Plan
2. Task 2b – Select Sorting Area
3. Task 2c – Study Design
4. Task 2d – Field Sampling and Waste Sorting
5. Task 2e – Sample Characterization
6. Task 2f – Data Management, QA/QC, and Statistical Analysis
C. Task 3 - Prepare Report
1. Findings
2. Comparison of 2026 to 2017 Waste Characterization Study results
3. Provide Recommendations
4. Appendices
Task 4 – Additional Services
CONSULTANT shall provide additional services as needed to assist the City in collecting waste
characterization data. For example, additional samples may need to be collected, and additional
reporting may be needed to thoroughly analyze the results of any extra sampling.
At the request of the CITY, CONSULTANT shall perform additional services. A cost estimate
for additional services includes a total of $8,805 for one day’s worth of sampling. Alternatively,
the additional services money may be used if CITY requests additional analysis and/or comparison
of the data or as needed by CITY to complete the WCS. Non-sampling additional services will be
billed based on the hourly rate schedule in Exhibit C-1.
Additional services
Scope Rate (per additional day of sampling)
Task 4: Additional services $8,805
Schedule of work
Table 5: Project schedule and activities
Deliverable Activities Timeline
Kick-off
meeting/draft work
plan
Kick-off meeting
Confirm study objectives
Review methodologies and samples
Prepare and submit draft work plan
Two weeks after Notice
to Proceed (NTP) is
issued
2nd Meeting/Final Add City comments to work plan Three weeks after NTP
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Work Plan Finalize study design
Confirm scope, schedule, duties
Submit final work plan
Work commences Field work mobilization and crew scheduling
Coordinate sample collection
Field sampling, sorting, and documentation
Data entry and field QA/QC
Six weeks after NTP
Draft report due Complete data review
Develop tables and findings
Prepare draft report
Submit draft to City for review
Ten weeks after NTP
Final report due For draft report address City comments
Refine analysis
Finalize report
Submit report and supporting data files
No later than January
18, 2027
The final report is due no later than January 18, 2027.
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EXHIBIT A-1
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES TASK ORDER
CONSULTANT shall perform the Services detailed below in accordance with all the terms and conditions
of the Agreement referenced in Item 1A below. All exhibits referenced in Item 8 are incorporated into this
Task Order by this reference. CONSULTANT shall furnish the necessary facilities, professional, technical
and supporting personnel required by this Task Order as described below.
CONTRACT NO.
OR PURCHASE ORDER REQUISITION NO. (AS APPLICABLE)
1A. MASTER AGREEMENT NO. (MAY BE SAME AS CONTRACT / P.O. NO. ABOVE):
1B. TASK ORDER NO.:
2. CONSULTANT NAME:
3. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: START: COMPLETION:
4 TOTAL TASK ORDER PRICE: $__________________
BALANCE REMAINING IN MASTER AGREEMENT/CONTRACT $_______________
5. BUDGET CODE_______________
COST CENTER________________
COST ELEMENT______________
WBS/CIP__________
PHASE__________
6. CITY PROJECT MANAGER’S NAME & DEPARTMENT:_____________________________________
7. DESCRIPTION OF SCOPE OF SERVICES (Attachment A)
MUST INCLUDE:
▪ SERVICES AND DELIVERABLES TO BE PROVIDED
▪ SCHEDULE OF PERFORMANCE
▪ MAXIMUM COMPENSATION AMOUNT AND RATE SCHEDULE (as applicable)
▪ REIMBURSABLE EXPENSES, if any (with “not to exceed” amount)
8. ATTACHMENTS: A: Task Order Scope of Services B (if any): _____________________________
I hereby authorize the performance of the
work described in this Task Order.
APPROVED:
CITY OF PALO ALTO
BY:____________________________________
Name __________________________________
Title___________________________________
Date ___________________________________
I hereby acknowledge receipt and acceptance of
this Task Order and warrant that I have
authority to sign on behalf of Consultant.
APPROVED:
COMPANY NAME: ______________________
BY:____________________________________
Name __________________________________
Title___________________________________
Date ___________________________________
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EXHIBIT B
SCHEDULE OF PERFORMANCE
CONSULTANT shall perform the Services so as to complete each milestone within the number
of days/weeks specified below. The time to complete each milestone may be increased or
decreased by mutual written agreement of the Project Managers for CONSULTANT and CITY so
long as all work is completed within the term of the Agreement. CONSULTANT shall provide a
detailed schedule of work consistent with the schedule below within 2 weeks of receipt of the
notice to proceed (“NTP”) from the CITY.
Milestones
Completion
Number of Weeks (as specified below)
from NTP
1. Kick-Off Meeting/Draft Work Plan Two Weeks
2. 2nd Meeting/Final Work Plan Three Weeks
3. Work Commences Six Weeks
4. Draft Report Due Ten Weeks
5. Final Report Due No later than January 18, 2027
Optional Schedule of Performance Provision for On-Call or Additional Services Agreements.
(This provision only applies if checked and only applies to on-call agreements per Section 1 or
agreements with Additional Services per Section 4.)
The schedule of performance shall be as provided in the approved Task Order, as detailed in
Section 1 (Scope of Services) in the case of on-call Services, or as detailed in Section 4 in the case
of Additional Services, provided in all cases that the schedule of performance shall fall within the
term as provided in Section 2 (Term) of this Agreement.
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EXHIBIT C
COMPENSATION
CITY agrees to compensate CONSULTANT for Services performed in accordance with the terms
and conditions of this Agreement, and as set forth in the budget schedule below. Compensation
shall be calculated based on the rate schedule attached as Exhibit C-1 up to the not to exceed
budget amount for each task set forth below.
CITY’s Project Manager may approve in writing the transfer of budget amounts between any of
the tasks or categories listed below, provided that the total compensation for the Services,
including any specified reimbursable expenses, and the total compensation for Additional Services
(if any, per Section 4 of the Agreement) do not exceed the amounts set forth in Section 4 of this
Agreement.
CONSULTANT agrees to complete all Services, any specified reimbursable expenses, and
Additional Services (if any, per Section 4), within this/these amount(s). Any work performed or
expenses incurred for which payment would result in a total exceeding the maximum amount of
compensation set forth in this Agreement shall be at no cost to the CITY.
BUDGET SCHEDULE
TASK NOT TO EXCEED AMOUNT
Task 1
(Project Coordination and Administration)
$9,018
Task 2
(Waste Characterization - Targeted Waste Audits)
$167,987
Task 3
(Prepare Report)
$32,470
Sub-total for Services $209,475
Reimbursable Expenses (if any) $51,953
Total for Services and Reimbursable Expenses $261,428
Additional Services (if any, per Section 4) $8,805
Maximum Total Compensation $270,233
REIMBURSABLE EXPENSES
CONSULTANT’S ordinary business expenses, such as administrative, overhead,
administrative support time/overtime, information systems, software and hardware,
photocopying, telecommunications (telephone, internet), in-house printing, insurance and
other ordinary business expenses, are included within the scope of payment for Services and
are not reimbursable expenses hereunder.
Reimbursable expenses, if any are specified as reimbursable under this section, will be
reimbursed at actual cost including meals at the GSA per diem rate for Palo Alto. The
expenses (by type, e.g. travel) for which CONSULTANT will be reimbursed are up to the
not-to-exceed amount of Fifty-One Thousand Nine Hundred Fifty-Three Dollars
($51,953).
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A. Travel outside the San Francisco Bay Area, including transportation and meals, if
specified as reimbursable, will be reimbursed at actual cost, including meals at the GSA per
diem rate for Palo Alto, subject to the City of Palo Alto’s policy for reimbursement of travel
and meal expenses.
B. Long distance telephone service charges, cellular phone service charges, facsimile
transmission and postage charges, if specified as reimbursable, will be reimbursed at actual
cost.
All requests for reimbursement of expenses, if any are specified as reimbursable under this
section, shall be accompanied by appropriate backup documentation and information.
The table below outlines the reimbursable expenses the CONSULTANT anticipates to
complete the WSC.
REIMBURSABLE EXPENSES
Expense Type CCG Waste Busters Nothing
Wasted Subtotal
Flights $2,400.00 $1,666.65 $2,475.17 $6,541.82
Hotels $5,280.00 $3,666.64 $5,445.38 $14,392.02
Per diem $2,024.00 $1,405.54 $2,087.40 $5,516.94
Rental $2,200.00 $1,527.76 $2,268.91 $5,996.67
Fuel $756.00 $525.00 $779.68 $2,060.68
Supplies $6,000.00 $4,166.63 $6,187.93 $16,354.56
Baggage $225.00 $156.25 $232.05 $613.30
Mileage $175.00 $121.53 $180.48 $477.01
Total $19,060.00 $13,236.00 $19.657.00 $51,953.00
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EXHIBIT C-1
SCHEDULE OF RATES
CONSULTANT’s schedule of rates is as follows:
Title Hourly Rate
Director $285.00
Senior Associate $200.00
Associate $135.00
Senior Associate $210.00
Director $290.00
Fieldworker Lead $135.00
Associate $135.00
Principal $112.50
Principal $150.00
Onsite Manager $112.50
Sorting Staff $89.00
Safety Manager $70.00
Field Lead $70.00
Sorting Staff $70.00
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EXHIBIT D
INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
CONSULTANTS TO THE CITY OF PALO ALTO (CITY), AT THEIR SOLE EXPENSE, SHALL FOR THE TERM OF THE
CONTRACT OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN INSURANCE IN THE AMOUNTS FOR THE COVERAGE SPECIFIED BELOW,
AFFORDED BY COMPANIES WITH AM BEST’S KEY RATING OF A-:VII, OR HIGHER, LICENSED OR
AUTHORIZED TO TRANSACT INSURANCE BUSINESS IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA.
AWARD IS CONTINGENT ON COMPLIANCE WITH CITY’S INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS AS SPECIFIED HEREIN.
REQUIRED TYPE OF COVERAGE REQUIREMENT
MINIMUM LIMITS
EACH
OCCURRENCE AGGREGATE
YES
YES
WORKER’S COMPENSATION
EMPLOYER’S LIABILITY
STATUTORY
STATUTORY STATUTORY STATUTORY
YES
GENERAL LIABILITY, INCLUDING
PERSONAL INJURY, BROAD FORM
PROPERTY DAMAGE BLANKET
CONTRACTUAL, AND FIRE LEGAL
LIABILITY
BODILY INJURY
PROPERTY DAMAGE
BODILY INJURY & PROPERTY
DAMAGE COMBINED.
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
YES
AUTOMOBILE LIABILITY,
INCLUDING ALL OWNED, HIRED,
NON-OWNED
BODILY INJURY
- EACH PERSON
- EACH OCCURRENCE
PROPERTY DAMAGE
BODILY INJURY AND PROPERTY
DAMAGE, COMBINED
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
YES
PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY,
INCLUDING, ERRORS AND
OMISSIONS, MALPRACTICE (WHEN
APPLICABLE), AND NEGLIGENT
PERFORMANCE
ALL DAMAGES $1,000,000
YES
THE CITY OF PALO ALTO IS TO BE NAMED AS AN ADDITIONAL INSURED: CONSULTANT, AT ITS SOLE COST
AND EXPENSE, SHALL OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN, IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE TERM
OF ANY RESULTANT AGREEMENT, THE INSURANCE COVERAGE HEREIN DESCRIBED, INSURING NOT ONLY
CONSULTANT AND ITS SUBCONSULTANTS, IF ANY, BUT ALSO, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF WORKERS’
COMPENSATION, EMPLOYER’S LIABILITY AND PROFESSIONAL INSURANCE, NAMING AS ADDITIONAL
INSUREDS CITY, ITS COUNCIL MEMBERS, OFFICERS, AGENTS, AND EMPLOYEES.
I. INSURANCE COVERAGE MUST INCLUDE:
A. A CONTRACTUAL LIABILITY ENDORSEMENT PROVIDING INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR
CONSULTANT’S AGREEMENT TO INDEMNIFY CITY.
II. THE CONSULTANT MUST SUBMIT CERTIFICATES(S) OF INSURANCE EVIDENCING REQUIRED COVERAGE
AT THE FOLLOWING EMAIL: PURCHASINGSUPPORT@CITYOFPALOALTO.ORG
III. ENDORSEMENT PROVISIONS WITH RESPECT TO THE INSURANCE AFFORDED TO ADDITIONAL
INSUREDS:
A. PRIMARY COVERAGE
WITH RESPECT TO CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF THE OPERATIONS OF THE NAMED INSURED,
INSURANCE AS AFFORDED BY THIS POLICY IS PRIMARY AND IS NOT ADDITIONAL TO OR
CONTRIBUTING WITH ANY OTHER INSURANCE CARRIED BY OR FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE
ADDITIONAL INSUREDS.
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B. CROSS LIABILITY
THE NAMING OF MORE THAN ONE PERSON, FIRM, OR CORPORATION AS INSUREDS UNDER
THE POLICY SHALL NOT, FOR THAT REASON ALONE, EXTINGUISH ANY RIGHTS OF THE
INSURED AGAINST ANOTHER, BUT THIS ENDORSEMENT, AND THE NAMING OF MULTIPLE
INSUREDS, SHALL NOT INCREASE THE TOTAL LIABILITY OF THE COMPANY UNDER THIS
POLICY.
C. NOTICE OF CANCELLATION
1. IF THE POLICY IS CANCELED BEFORE ITS EXPIRATION DATE FOR ANY REASON
OTHER THAN THE NON-PAYMENT OF PREMIUM, THE CONSULTANT SHALL PROVIDE
CITY AT LEAST A THIRTY (30) DAY WRITTEN NOTICE BEFORE THE EFFECTIVE DATE
OF CANCELLATION.
2. IF THE POLICY IS CANCELED BEFORE ITS EXPIRATION DATE FOR THE NON-PAYMENT
OF PREMIUM, THE CONSULTANT SHALL PROVIDE CITY AT LEAST A TEN (10) DAY
WRITTEN NOTICE BEFORE THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF CANCELLATION.
EVIDENCE OF INSURANCE AND OTHER RELATED NOTICES ARE REQUIRED TO BE
FILED WITH THE CITY OF PALO ALTO SENT TO THE FOLLOWING EMAIL:
PURCHASINGSUPPORT@CITYOFPALOALTO.ORG
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EXHIBIT E: Material List and Definitions
Samples will be characterized according to the list of 80 materials below.
PAPER
CLEAN, FLATTENED, UNCOATED CORRUGATED CARDBOARD: Uncoated boxes, packaging, sheets and
other pieces with a corrugated layer sandwiched between two outer layers that has been flattened
to reduce the volume. Examples include shipping boxes, and some shoe boxes.
CLEAN, UNFLATTENED, UNCOATED CORRUGATED CARDBOARD: Uncoated boxes, packaging, sheets
and other pieces with a corrugated layer sandwiched between two outer layers that has NOT been
flattened to reduce the volume. Examples include shipping boxes, clean pizza box, and some shoe
boxes.
NEWSPAPER: Ground wood paper used in newspapers. Includes clay coated (not poly coated) glossy ad
inserts and other items made from newsprint, such as advertising circulars, election guides and tax
instruction booklets.
OTHER CLEAN PAPER: Paper and products recycled curbside except newspaper, and corrugated
cardboard. Includes high grade white or colored ledger, paper bags, bond, rag (paper made of
cotton or linen), stationary, office, copy or printing paper and low grade mixed junk mail, envelopes
(plastic windows ok), magazines, clay coated glossy catalogs, brochures and pamphlets, hardback
and paperback books, spiral notebooks, manila folders, index cards, self-adhesive notes,
phonebooks, shredded paper, construction paper, butcher paper, kraft or bleached sheets, toilet
paper tubes, paper towel tubes, non-corrugated box/liner/chip/paper board (e.g., cereal and tissue
boxes, six pack holders), egg cartons, tissue wrapping paper, blueprints, photographs (not Polaroid),
hard cover books, and carbonless forms. Minor amounts of glue or other binding are okay.
PAPER TISSUE & TOWELS: Paper towels, napkins, tissues, toilet paper, and other short fiber, potentially
soiled, paper that is not recyclable, but is compostable. Includes cotton balls, pads and non-plastic
swabs and wipes.
OTHER SOILED UNCOATED FIBER: Uncoated paper and paper products that are not tissue & towels, that
may be recyclable, but are too food-soiled or dirty and can be composted such as, food-soiled paper
plates, french fry containers and coffee filters. Recyclable paper that was likely soiled in the
collection bin or truck should be included in the appropriate recyclable paper category.
COATED CORRUGATED CARDBOARD: Boxes, packaging, sheets and other pieces with a corrugated layer
sandwiched between two outer layers where at least one of the 3 layers is “waxed” or paraffin or
poly coated, typically to make it liquid resistant such as for perishable produce shipping boxes.
OTHER COATED PAPER: Paper and paper products that are poly, compostable plastic or wax (not clay)
coated inside and/or outside. Includes fast food wrappers, pizza box liners, butcher paper, and ice
cream and other frozen/refrigerated food packaging. This does not include coated corrugated
cardboard, items with a gable top, or prepared food takeout containers
GABLE TOP CARTONS: Containers that are poly or wax (not clay) coated inside and/or outside with a
gable top such as milk and juice cartons (including those with plastic spouts). Does not include
aseptic packaging.
ASEPTICS: Multilayer composite cartons of bleached paper, poly film and foil, such as juice, milk, soup
and tofu boxes.
PAPER TAKEOUT CONTAINERS: Rigid paper containers used for serving or transporting single-use, ready
to eat, prepared foods from a food service point-of-sale. This material type includes containers that
could have been avoided had a customer brought a re-usable food container to the point-of-sale.
Example include boxes and clamshells for items from the “hot food” bar or salad bar at a grocery
store or deli, “Chinese food” take out cartons, etc. This does not include paper cups or paper wraps
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(like for a hamburger, deli sandwich, or burrito). This does not include items in paper retail
packaging like frozen foods, cereals.
COATED PAPER CUPS: Cups that are poly, compostable plastic or wax coated inside and/or outside such
as for coffee and other hot drinks or soda and other cold drinks.
PIZZA BOXES: Boxes used for take-out or delivery of prepared pizza. Includes both clean and soiled
boxes.
OTHER COMPOSITE PAPER: Items, not including aseptics, predominantly paper, but with one or more
other material rendering them hard to recycle or compost, such as orange juice concentrate cans,
carbon copy paper, foil laminated paper boxes and gum wrappers, packaging with large plastic
windows (blister packs) or integrated foam, padded envelopes, and heavily plastic laminated or
painted paper.
PLASTIC
#1 PETE PLASTIC PACKAGING: Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, jars, clamshells, frozen food
trays, retail packaging and other rigid items such as food and beverage containers.
#1 PETE PLASTIC PACKAGING THERMOFORMS: Clamshells, trays, and cups.
#2 HDPE PLASTIC PACKAGING: High-density polyethylene (HDPE) bottles, jars, tubs, lids and other rigid
items such as distilled water, milk, juice, vinegar, yogurt, detergent and empty motor oil or
antifreeze containers.
EXPANDED #6 PRODUCTS AND PACKAGING: Styrofoam and other expanded polystryrene cups, plates,
bowls, clamshells, packaging blocks and peanuts (except compostable ones), insulation, non-
corrugated foamcore (Include sandwiched between two layers of paper or plastic)and other rigid
items.
OTHER #3-7 PLASTIC PACKAGING: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), low-density polyethylene (LDPE),
polypropylene (PP), non-expanded styrene (PS), other (#7, various resins) and unlabeled,
unidentifiable bottles, jars, tubs, lids, and other rigid items such as some salad dressing, syrup and
prescription bottles, CD cases, auto parts. Items are typically constructed of a single plastic resin and
smaller than a basketball.
DURABLE PLASTIC PRODUCTS: Large, rigid items made predominately from plastic (usually a single
resin) and intended for multiple uses. Examples include clothes hangers, buckets, lawn furniture,
plastic pipe, plates, cups, and some toys,
PLASTIC TAKEOUT CONTAINERS: Rigid plastic containers used for serving or transporting single-use,
ready-to-eat, prepared foods from a food service point-of-sale. This material type includes
containers that could have been avoided had a customer brought a re-usable food container to the
point-of-sale. Example include boxes and clamshells for items from the “hot food” bar or salad bar
at a grocery store or deli, “Chinese food” take out cartons, plastic tubs and bowls from fast food
restaurants, etc. This does include plastic to-go cups. This does not include items in plastic retail
packaging like frozen foods, microwavable soups, etc.
COMPOSTABLE PLASTIC BAGS: Polylactic acid (PLA) and other bags labeled “compostable” (such as used
for kitchen composting pails, as produce bags, or as bathroom bags to collect paper hand towels or
for restaurant food scrap collection). Does not include compostable plastic bags that are not ASTM
D6400 or D6868 compliant.
OTHER COMPOSTABLE PLASTIC: Polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) and other cups,
straws, lids, plates, bowls, clamshells, trays, utensils and other non-bags labeled “compostable.”
Does not include compostable plastic products that are not ASTM D6400 or D6868 compliant.
RECYCLABLE FILM PLASTIC: Single layer clear or colored film without an inner foil or metallic layer
accepted in the Palo Alto recycling carts. Includes, dry cleaner, newspaper, Ziploc, bread, cracker,
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tortilla chip, stretch, shrink and bubble wrap, plastic sheeting, frozen food, and clear or colored
grocery, department store and other retail and food establishment merchandise and to go bags.
FLEXIBLE PLASTIC POUCHES: means plastic pouches made of thicker, multi-layer flexible material. May
have a flat bottom so that package would stand up on its own, but not always. Material is thicker
than potato chip bags and frozen vegetable bags. Includes plastic coffee bags like Starbucks and
Peet’s; Capri Sun pouches; baby food pouches – may have plastic screw top; soup pouches; salad
dressing pouches; wine pouches; backpacking meals in pouches; soap refill pouches; laundry
detergent pouches; and other similar items.
INCLUDED – THICKER, MULTI-
LAYER PACKAGING EXCLUDED – THINNER, SINGLE-
LAYER PACKAGING
Plastic coffee bags
(Starbucks and Peet’s)
Juice pouches (Capri Sun)
Baby food pouches – may
have plastic screw top
Soup pouches
Salad dressing pouches
Wine pouches
Backpacking meals in
pouches
Soap refill pouches
Laundry detergent pouches
Other similar items
Potato chip bags and similar
Candy wrappers
Tortilla bags
Frozen food bags (vegetables,
berries)
Nut/snack bags
Shrink plastic wrappers (Slim
Jim and string cheese
wrappers)
Ziplock bags intended for home
use
Thin produce bags as used in
grocery stores
Newspaper bags
Bread bags
Small (2 inch) pouches for
condiments (mustard, relish,
etc.)
Yogurt tubes (Gogurt)
Mailing pouches, usually
colored or white (not clear)
(LL Bean, medication
pouches)
100% Plastic mailing pouches
with bubble wrap
Other similar items
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OTHER COMPOSITE FILM PLASTICS: Items made of multi-layer, multi-material films, typically with a
metallic or foil layer. Examples include potato chip bags, candy bar wrappers, energy bar wrappers,
and anti-static electronics wrappers.
OTHER PLASTIC: Items that are predominantly rigid plastic, but have more than one type of plastic
and/or other materials like metal or film plastics not described elsewhere. Includes toothbrushes,
disposable razors, pens, some toys, lighters, vinyl binders, hoses, foil and plastic blister packs (such
as for medications), and fiberglass products except insulation. Does not include appliances or
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electronics. Includes non-recyclable film like trash bags, condiment pouches, mailing pouches,
shower curtain, woven polyethylene (e.g., grain bags, wipes, dryer sheets), and mylar balloons.
GLASS
GLASS BOTTLES & JARS: Any container grade glass bottles and jars (except red or blue), for water, soda,
juice, wine, beer, liquor, vinegar, condiments, pickles, body care and other products.
BLUE OR RED GLASS BOTTLES & JARS: Any red or blue bottles, jars, and other container grade glass.
OTHER NON-COMPOSITE GLASS: Items made only of clear or tinted glass that is not container glass.
Includes drinking glasses, crystal, and laboratory ware, table tops, or blown glass. Includes tempered
or toughened glass (such as flat side or rear window auto glass).
OTHER COMPOSITE GLASS: Items that are predominantly glass, but have other materials like wire mesh
or plastic lamination (curved auto windshields, bus shelter and other safety glass), silvering
(mirrors), or other components (incandescent and halogen bulbs). Does not include mercury lamps,
which go in the mercury lamps hazardous category. Does not include glass used for construction
purposes which goes in C&D glass.
METAL
ALUMINUM CANS & FOIL: Aluminum cans and bi-metal cans made mostly of aluminum (for beverages,
pet food, etc.), empty aluminum aerosol cans for hazardous products, all (empty or full) aluminum
aerosol cans with non-toxic contents, and aluminum food containers, trays, pie tins and foil.
OTHER NON-FERROUS METAL: Items at least 75% non-ferrous metal (metals not derived from iron, to
which a magnet will not adhere, and not stainless steel). Includes aluminum products and scrap that
are not cans & foil, such as window frames, siding and cookware. Includes other metals and alloys
such as copper, brass, bronze, lead and zinc and products such as pipe and shell casings.
STEEL CANS & LIDS: Steel containers including bi-metal cans made mostly of steel. Includes food cans,
empty steel paint cans, empty steel aerosol cans for hazardous products, and all (empty or full) steel
aerosol cans with non-toxic contents.
APPLIANCES: Intact or parts of predominantly ferrous metal (iron or steel that is magnetic or stainless
steel), analog appliances such as toasters, stoves, refrigerators, washers and dryers, and hot water
heaters. May be enamel coated in any color. If it contains a significant plastic or electronic portion (a
microwave, for example), it goes in the electronics material type.
OTHER FERROUS METAL: Items at least 75% ferrous metal (iron or steel that is magnetic or stainless
steel), but not cans & lids or appliances. Includes items like coat hangers, stainless steel cookware,
bed frames, pipe, beams, rebar, security bars, small car parts and other ferrous scrap.
OTHER COMPOSITE METAL: Items predominately metal, made of both ferrous and non-ferrous metal
and/or with more than 25% non-metal materials, such as certain motors, insulated wire and other
products that are not appliances.
COMPOST
PLANT TRIMMINGS: Prunings and cuttings from bushes, shrubs and trees, and non-woody plant
materials including grass clippings, sod, leaves, dead flowers, weeds, loose or rolled tobacco
(without filters but including any rolling paper), cork, hemp rope and other plant material. Includes
all plant types, and branches, trunks and stumps of any size.
EDIBLE FOOD SCRAPS: The components of food that, in a particular food supply chain, are intended to
be consumed by humans. What is considered edible varies among users (e.g., chicken feet are
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consumed in some food supply chains but not others), changes over time, and is influenced by a
range of variables.
INEDIBLE FOOD SCRAPS: The components of food not included in the edible food (skins, pits, bones,
eggshells, coffee grounds, tea bags, etc.)
OTHER COMPOSTABLE ORGANICS: Includes bagasse foodware and disposable wood utensils, wood
stirrers, toothpicks, wood popsicle sticks. candles, compostable packaging peanuts, hair, finger nails,
etc.
DIAPERS: Diapers made from a combination of fibers, synthetic and/or natural, primarily for single use.
Includes disposable baby diapers, adult protective undergarments, feminine hygiene products.
Includes diaper and any contents, including human feces not in diapers, etc.
ANIMAL FECES & LITTER: Any non-human animal feces and litter such as cat feces and kitty litter, dog
poop, bird droppings, and horse manure and soiled bedding. Includes soiled paper and other litter
materials. Also includes animal carcasses not resulting from food storage or preparation.
OTHER ORGANIC: Predominantly organic items that are mixed with non-organic materials and cannot
easily be separated for composting.
HAZARDOUS
ELECTRONICS: All types of products which include one or more integrated circuits, circuit boards, or
“chips” and/or have a visual display greater than (or equal to) four inches on the diagonal. Generally
includes anything that can be programmed. Includes televisions, computer monitors, CPUs and
computer peripherals, fax machines, stereo equipment, VCRs, some games and toys. Does NOT
include items powered by electricity (“plug or battery”) if electronic circuitry or a video display are
not present, for example non-robotic vacuum cleaners. Note that there may be products intended
for the same use of which some will be electronic waste and some will not – for example,
coffeemakers (some just plug in and are switched on manually and some contain chips/boards
because they have on/off/grind etc. features which can be programmed).
PAINT: Latex paint, alkyd paint, oil-based paint, architectural paint, automotive and specialty (traffic
marking) paint NOT packaged under pressure.
BATTERIES: All chemistries, including alkaline batteries, Ni-Cd, Ni-MH, Lithium, Lithium-ion, and small
sealed lead acid (SSLA) batteries often used in battery backup units.
NON-EMPTY AEROSOL CANS: All non-empty pressurized containers which hold a consumer product
characterized as a hazardous waste (paint/pesticides/cleaners). Includes spray paint, bug sprays,
hair spray, oven cleaners, waterproofing sprays. Does NOT include cooking oil, deodorant, room/air
freshener, starch, or compressed air (keyboard cleaner).
MERCURY LAMPS: All tubes and bulbs with intentionally added mercury, includes fluorescent tubes and
compact fluorescents, High Intensity Discharge (HID) bulbs, sodium vapor lamps, and neon signs.
Does NOT include incandescent or halogen tubes or bulbs.
PESTICIDES: Includes pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, and wood preservatives NOT packaged under
pressure.
CLEANING PRODUCTS: (except aerosols) Consumer products intended for cleaning NOT packaged under
pressure includes ammonia, bleach, “green” cleaners, waxes and polishes.
MOTOR OIL: Lubricating oil, either used or unused, primarily used in vehicles or internal combustion
engines.
OIL & FUEL FILTERS: Metal and plastic filters for oil and fuel used in vehicles or other types of
equipment.
UNTREATED MEDICAL WASTE: Materials used in medical processes, including tubing, surgical tray liners,
exam table liners, latex gloves, bandages, and any materials in red biohazard bags. Also includes
needles, syringes, and lancets.
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TREATED MEDICAL WASTE: Medical waste that has been processed in order to change its physical,
chemical, or biological character or composition, or to remove or reduce its harmful properties or
characteristics, as defined in Section 25123.5 of the Health and Safety Code. Bags of treated medical
waste may appear shrunken from sterilization.
BLUE WRAP: A blue wrap made from polypropylene (# 5 plastic) and used for wrapping surgical
instruments for sterilization.
MEDICINE: All medicine intended for human or veterinary use, including prescription and non-
prescription (over-the-counter) drugs as well as vitamins and nutritional products.
COLD PACKS: Re-usable liquid or gel packs commonly used to keep food cool in portable coolers, or as a
cold compress to alleviate the pain of minor injuries. Packs may be either flexible or rigid.
OTHER HAZARDOUS: Items and materials not fitting into any of the other hazardous categories but
which meet California’s hazardous waste characteristic descriptions for ignitability, corrosivity,
reactivity, or toxicity. Includes lab chemicals, solvents (paint thinner, nail polish & nail polish
remover), mercury thermometers & thermostats, adhesives, glues, fuel, non-empty and pressurized
gas canisters and cylinders, antifreeze, asbestos containing material, ammunition, writing and
printing ink, hair dye. Does NOT typically include cosmetics or personal care products. Does NOT
include empty containers 5 gallons in size and smaller which previously contained a hazardous
material.
CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION DEBRIS
CLEAN WOOD: Unpainted, untreated, new or demolition dimensional lumber (milled lumber commonly
used in construction), pallets and crates (whole or broken), packaging panelboard and sawdust.
Includes wood with small amounts of paint (such as 2 x 4s with painted ends), nails and other
contaminants.
CLEAN ENGINEERED WOOD: means unpainted new or demolition scrap from sheeted goods such as
plywood, particleboard, wafer board, oriented strand board, and other residual materials used for
sheathing and related construction uses. May contain nails or other trace contaminants.
PAINTED WOOD: Painted, stained, varnished or shellacked lumber and wood products from
construction or demolition, and assembled items with minimal fasteners or glue.
TREATED WOOD: Wood treated with a chemical preservative for protection against pests and
environmental conditions. Includes dimensional lumber treated with creosote, arsenic, chromium,
copper, or pentachlorophenol – typically identified by “staple marks” by which chemical was
injected into the wood, a characteristic green or dark brown color, and/or presence of obvious
crystals. Does NOT include painted or stained wood.
INERTS: Concrete (building foundations, sidewalk paving and cinder blocks), cement mix, asphalt, brick,
clay roofing, ceramic or porcelain (toilets, sinks, tile and some dishware), rock, gravel, soil and sand
with minimal organic contamination. Includes concrete containing steel mesh and/or reinforcement
bars (rebar).
CLEAN GYPSUM: Calcium sulfate dehydrate sandwiched between layers of kraft-type paper. Includes
unpainted and untreated, new or old, broken or whole sheets of drywall, sheetrock, wallboard,
plasterboard (without plaster), gypboard or gyproc. Excludes exterior or roof paneling that is
gypsum sandwiched between fiberglass-reinforced coatings.
PAINTED GYPSUM: Used or demolition gypsum drywall that has been painted, treated or plastered.
Includes exterior paneling that is gypsum sandwiched between fiberglass-reinforced coatings.
ROOFING: Asphalt shingles, built-up roof membranes, other asphaltic roofing membranes, single-ply
roofing membranes, roof paneling that is gypsum sandwiched between fiberglass-reinforced
coatings, contaminated wood shingles, contaminated clay roofing, and contaminated metal roofing
(if clean put in respective wood, inerts, or metal category), etc.
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C&D GLASS: Includes glass used for construction purposes, like window panes, sliding doors, and
architectural glass.
CARPET: Flooring applications of various natural (e.g., wool) or synthetic (e.g., nylon) fibers typically
bonded to some type of backing material. Includes other soft floor coverings such as synthetic turf.
Also includes carpet padding, commonly made of urethane foam, but could be felt from jute, hair, or
other synthetic materials, such as recycled carpet fibers, and coated with latex or other resin.
FIBERGLASS INSULATION: Fiberglass building and mechanical insulation, batts, or rigid.
OTHER C&D: materials commonly used in residential and commercial construction that cannot be put in
any other type. This type may include items from different types combined, which would be very
hard to separate. Examples include Includes wood with significant metal, concrete, drywall, or other
contaminants, such as substantial glue or binders in plywood, particleboard, wafer board or
oriented strand board.
OTHER MATERIALS
MATTRESSES: Mattresses, box springs and platforms, but not frames. Includes futons, foam and contour
mattresses, and infant and pet beds.
FURNITURE: Mixed-material furniture such as upholstered chairs and couches. Furniture made purely of
one material, such as plastic or metal, would be categorized as that material.
TIRES & RUBBER: Vehicle (including scooters, bicycles, lawn mowers, etc.) tires and tubes of all types.
Finished products and scrap made of natural or synthetic rubber, such as bath mats, rubber hoses,
rubber bands and foam rubber.
TEXTILES & LEATHER: Items made of thread, yarn, fabric, or cloth from natural or synthetic materials
such as cotton, wool, silk, nylon, rayon or polyester. Includes clothes, fabric trimmings, curtains,
drapes, and linens. Also includes real and synthetic leather shoes, handbags, belts, scraps, etc. Does
not include mattresses, furniture or carpet & upholstery.
NON-METAL APPLIANCES: Multi-material electric analog (not digital, no chips) appliances, primarily
plastic, such as old toasters, power tools, curling irons, light fixtures, clocks and dial telephones
FINES: Mixed inert (soil, sand, grit, ash) and non-inert (small bits of wood and other organics) materials
smaller than 2” in diameter, sometimes from a sorting line or sweepings.
OTHER MATERIALS: All remaining, generally multi-material composite or indistinct items not elsewhere
defined. Examples include whole filtered cigarettes and cigarette butts, dryer lint, and personal care
products (shampoo, cosmetics, soaps, toothpaste, etc.).
EDIBLE RECOVERABLE FOOD: Food the appears to be in good non-spoiled condition maybe slightly
bruised or ill-formed such as unpackaged fruit and vegetables; packaged fruits and vegetables which
do not appear spoiled which may or may not be past sell-by date; frozen foods which appear to not
be spoiled but may or may not be past their sell-by date; prepared food which appears to be edible
not spoiled or rotten.
REUSABLE MATERIALS: Furniture, appliances, carpet, rugs, and other bulky items and household goods
that are unbroken and suitable for reuse.
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