City Council Memorandum
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL DATE: SEPTEMBER 17, 2024 FROM: PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT WARDS: ALL
SUBJECT: GRANT APPLICATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $275,000 TO THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF RESOURCES RECYCLING AND RECOVERY (CALRECYCLE) FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 AND FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 BEVERAGE CONTAINER RECYCLING GRANT PROGRAM – SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION ISSUE:
Authorize the submission of a Beverage Container Recycling Grant Program Application to the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) in the amount of $275,000 for Fiscal Year 2024-25 and Fiscal Year 2025-26.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the City Council:
Authorize the submission of an Application to the California Department of Resources and Recovery (CalRecycle) for the Fiscal Year 2024-25 and Fiscal Year 2025-26 Beverage Container Recycling Grant Program, in the amount of $275,000; With at least five affirmative votes, and upon grant award, authorize the Chief Financial Officer, or designee, to record an increase in revenues in the amount of $275,000, or the actual amount awarded, and appropriate expenditures in the same amount, in the Grants and Restricted Programs Fund, CalRecycle Beverage Container 24/25 and 25/26 Program revenue and expenditure accounts; and Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute and submit necessary documents including but not limited to applications, funding requests, payment requests, agreements, amendments, and grant funding purchasing documents, including making minor and non-substantive changes.
BACKGROUND:
On December 15, 2022, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 23664 authorizing the City Manager to execute on behalf of the City all necessary documents, contracts, payment requests, agreements, and amendments necessary to apply for and secure funds under the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery Beverage Container Recycling Grant Program through June 30, 2025. The City has received $1.72 million in Beverage Container Recycling funds to date (City/County Payment Program $1.47 million; Grant Program $250,000).
DISCUSSION:
The California Beverage Container Recycling and Litter Reduction Act administered by the Department of Resources and Recycling Recovery (CalRecycle) is distributing $1.5 million for each grant cycle for Fiscal Year 2024-25 and Fiscal Year 2025-26. The funds are eligible to cities and counties specifically for beverage container recycling and litter clean-up activities. CalRecycle is accepting applications for both years at one time, with a deadline of September 24, 2024.
Both cycles will be awarded using information submitted in the RBC36 (“RBC” followed by a number is the cycle code for the Beverage Container Recycling Grant Program) application. RBC36 (FY 2024–25) will be awarded in March of 2025 and RBC37 (FY 2025–26) will be awarded in April of 2025. Only one submitted application will be used to consider funding for the combined grant cycles. A minimum grant award of $75,000 and a maximum grant award of $275,000 apply to each cycle. An applicant cannot receive grants in both cycles.
CalRecycle’s beverage container recycling program aims to reach and maintain an 80% recycling rate for all California Refund Value (CRV) beverage containers – aluminum, glass, plastic and bi-metal. The funds received will be used to target and develop programs to meet the goal of increased recycling. Activities will include supporting curbside recycling collection efforts using containers, flyers, utility inserts, and advertisements.
Funds may be used for the following activities:
Purchase of curbside recycling containers for residential customers.
Development of recycling classes for the public to engage residents and learn more about the benefits of recycling.
Outreach to schools to provide recycling education and presentations.
Purchase of water refill stations, including installation, replacement of current infrastructure, plumbing, maintenance, additional attachments or modifications, or related educational and outreach activities/materials promoting water refill stations.
Providing recycling opportunities to those residents that live in multifamily dwellings.
Development of new promotional and educational materials to inform residents.
Purchase of bottle and can recycling units for placement throughout the community.
Increasing public education within the community and citywide departments to promote beverage container recycling.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
This item contributes to Strategic Priority 4 – Environmental Stewardship and Goal 4.4 – to implement measures and educate the community to responsibly manage goods, products, and services throughout their life cycle to achieve waste reduction outcomes.
This project aligns with each of the five Cross-Cutting Threads:
Community Trust – By supporting educational activities and infrastructure improvements, the grant ensures informed decision-making and benefits the broader community.
Equity – Project will provide funding for recycling programs that reach all residents, regardless of their background or location Fiscal Responsibility – In pursuing the grant, the City will support the efficient use of public funds by prioritizing projects that offer measurable benefits, such as improved recycling infrastructure and educational outreach. This prudent management aligns with Riverside’s goal of delivering quality public services while being financially responsible.
Innovation – The grant encourages innovative solutions for recycling and waste management, such as community-based education programs. By supporting creative approaches to recycling challenges, the grant helps Riverside adapt to evolving needs and prepare for future demands.
Sustainability & Resiliency – By investing in recycling infrastructure and promoting sustainable practices, the grant helps Riverside build a resilient waste management system. This supports long-term environmental goals and ensures the city can effectively manage resources and adapt to changing conditions.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The estimated fiscal impact of this action is $275,000 over two fiscal years. Upon Council approval and grant award, an increase in revenue and an appropriation of expenditures in the amount of the grant award will be recorded in the Grants and Restricted Programs Fund, CalRecycle Beverage Container Program accounts listed in Table 1 below. There is no City match required for the awards.
Table 1 – Program Accounts
Fiscal Year
Fund
Account Name
Account Number
Revenue
2024/25
Grants and Restricted Programs
CalRecycle Beverage Container 24/25
9352000-334100
2025/26
Grants and Restricted Programs
CalRecycle Beverage Container 25/26
9352100-334100
Expenditures
2024/25
Grants and Restricted Programs
CalRecycle Beverage Container 24/25
9352000-440210
2025/26
Grants and Restricted Programs
CalRecycle Beverage Container 25/26
9352100-440210
Prepared by: Victor Keroles, Administrative Analyst
Approved by: Gilbert Hernandez, Public Works Director
Certified as to
availability of funds: Kristie Thomas, Finance Director/Assistant Chief Financial Officer Approved by: Kris Martinez, Assistant City Manager
Approved as to form: Phaedra A. Norton, City Attorney
Attachments:
Resolution No. 23664
RBC 36 & 37 Application Guidelines and Instructions
RBC 36 Procedures and Requirements
RBC 36 Terms and Conditions
RBC 37 Procedures and Requirements
RBC 37 Terms and Conditions
FY 2024-25 and FY 2025-26 CalRecycle Beverage Container Recycling Grant Applications ● Page 2