EcoNomics, Inc. | Page 1
34185 Street of the Violet Lantern, Suite 104, Dana Point, CA 92629 Contact Trevor Blythe, President, for clarification.
Mobile. 858.886.6657
Email: [email protected]
Solid Waste and Recycling
Consulting Services
Prepared by EcoNomics, Inc.
City of San Marino
November 14, 2025
EcoNomics, Inc. | Page 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE PAGE .................................................................................................... 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS ...................................................................................... 2 TRANSMITTAL LETTER..................................................................................... 3 SECTION 1: PROPOSAL SUMMARY .................................................................... 5 SECTION 1.1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...................................................................................................... 5 SECTION 1.2. RESPONDENT QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE ............................................................. 6 SECTION 1.2.1. DESCRIPTION OF TECHNICAL APPROACH ............................................................................... 6 SECTION 1.2.2. ECONOMICS’ QUALIFICATIONS.............................................................................................. 7 SECTION 1.2.3. RESUMES OF KEY STAFF MEMBERS........................................................................................ 9 SECTION 1.2.4. ADDITIONAL STAFF RESUMES...............................................................................................13 SECTION 1.2.5. SUB-CONSULTANT ...............................................................................................................15 SECTION 1.2.6. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE .............................................................................................17 SECTION 1.3. RESPONDENT CLIENT REFERENCES ................................................................................. 18 SECTION 1.4. PROPOSAL – SCOPE OF SERVICES.................................................................................... 19 TASK A. CalRecycle Support ........................................................................................................................19 TASK B. Provide Technical and Field Support for the Administration of the City's Solid Waste and Recycling Agreement .................................................................................................................................................29 TASK C. Provide Technical Recycling Assistance to Commercial, Residential, and Multi-Family Properties to Maintain and Develop Recycling Programs ..................................................................................................34 TASK D. Attend Progress Meetings and Prepare Monthly Progress Reports...................................................37 TASK E. Other Duties as Assigned ................................................................................................................37 SECTION 2: FINANCIAL INFORMATION............................................................ 42 Section 2.1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS .................................................................................................. 42 Section 2.2. PRIOR LITIGATION / CLAIMS ............................................................................................. 42 Section 2.3. LETTER FROM INSURANCE BROKER .................................................................................. 42 SECTION 3: RESPONSE FORMS ....................................................................... 43 Section 3.1. ACCEPTANCE OF FORM OF PSA ........................................................................................ 43 Section 3.2. PROPOSAL AUTHORIZATION............................................................................................. 43 SECTION 4: DISCRETIONARY SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS ................................. 44
4.1. EXPLANATION OF RELEVANCY OF DISCRETIONARY SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS .......................... 44
4.2. DISCRETIONARY MATERIALS ......................................................................................................... 44 SECTION 5: PRICING PROPOSAL ..................................................................... 45 EcoNomics, Inc. | Page 3
TRANSMITTAL LETTER
November 14, 2025
Amber Shah
Parks and Public Works Director/City Engineer
City of San Marino
2200 Huntington Drive
San Marino, California 91108
RE: EcoNomics’ Proposal for Solid Waste and Recycling Consulting Services in Response to the City of San Marino’s Request for Proposals
Dear Ms. Shah,
EcoNomics Inc. is pleased to submit the attached proposal to assist the City of San Marino in successfully meeting the diversion requirements and implementation goals of the City, Senate Bill 1383, and the City’s Agreement with Valley Vista Services. If selected, EcoNomics is ready and willing to enter into the Professional Services Agreement with the City included in the RFP for the services included in this proposal.
The accompanying proposal includes an overview of our approach to this project; a detailed scope of work based on our understanding of the project and the work tasks included in the RFP; descriptions of our relevant experience; resumes from the proposed project team; as well as a proposed 3-year budget.
EcoNomics brings the following unique set of skills and local knowledge to this project:
• Specific, detailed knowledge and understanding of the City’s agreement with Valley Vista Services (VVS). EcoNomics assisted the City in the competitive procurement process for the City’s new SB 1383-aligned agreement and was the lead in developing key programmatic and performance metrics aligned with state diversion mandates that have been incorporated into the City’s agreement with VVS. This knowledge will be brought to bear when assisting the City with oversight and management of the agreement and will help ensure the City is leveraging the tools in its agreement to proactively attain compliance with state diversion mandates. • Our project management team, consisting of Trevor Blythe and Linda Furbee, brings extensive San Marino experience in compliance implementation and contract management to this project. As part of the team negotiating with the incumbent previous hauler and running the recent RFP process, Mr. Blythe and Ms.
Furbee bring specific knowledge of and insight into the solid waste and recycling services in San Marino.
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• No conflict of interest. EcoNomics works almost exclusively for cities, counties, and other public agencies. EcoNomics is currently also assisting a non-refuse hauler business with solid waste and recycling consulting services (i.e. a quick service corporate client). We do not work for refuse haulers.
• Familiarity with the diversion environment in Southern California and CalRecycle compliance oversight processes. EcoNomics is currently working for 10 cities in Southern California, including San Marino, on a wide range of compliance management, implementation, and contract management projects. We are very familiar with the regional solid waste and recycling issues, the compliance assessment and enforcement protocols used by CalRecycle by Local Assistance and Market Development (LAMD) and Jurisdictional Assistance and Compliance Enforcement (JACE) representatives, as well as all the haulers operating within the area.
• Experience with hauler contract management and transitions. EcoNomics assists its client cities with managing their hauler contracts to ensure that the haulers are following their contractual obligations in order to achieve the State’s mandated recycling goals.
• Assist with new agreement transition. In addition to San Marino, EcoNomics has assisted Anaheim, Santa Ana, Newport Beach, Tustin, Lake Forest, Laguna Hills, Laguna Beach, and Rancho Mirage with transitioning to a new hauler agreement that is aligned with SB 1383.
The undersigned certifies that all information submitted in this proposal is true and correct. EcoNomics received all City-issued addendums and responses to questions re: the RFP. Trevor Blythe, President and 100% owner, is authorized to negotiate and contractually obligate EcoNomics pursuant to all terms and conditions stated in the proposal.
Please feel free to contact me directly at (858) 886-6657 or via email [email protected]. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Trevor Blythe
President
EcoNomics, Inc. (a Colorado ‘C’ Corporation dba ECAL-NOMICS, INC. in California) Corporate Office
34185 Street of the Violet Lantern, Suite 104
Dana Point, California 92629
(858) 886-6657
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Proposal: Solid Waste and Recycling Consulting Services City of San Marino Request for Proposals
SECTION 1: PROPOSAL SUMMARY
SECTION 1.1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
EcoNomics proposes to provide the City of San Marino with comprehensive regulatory, technical, and administrative support to ensure full and ongoing compliance with California’s solid waste, recycling, and organics mandates, including SB 1383, AB 341, AB 1826, AB 827, AB 939, CALGreen, and MWELO requirements. With more than 20 years of experience serving cities throughout Southern California as well as specific, detailed knowledge and understanding of San Marino’s solid waste and recycling history and new agreement, EcoNomics is uniquely positioned to support the City through complex reporting obligations, hauler oversight responsibilities, and State-level compliance expectations.
If selected, EcoNomics will continue serving our role as the City’s primary liaison with CalRecycle, managing increasingly detailed reporting obligations such as the Electronic Annual Report (EAR) and maintaining a comprehensive, audit-ready SB 1383 Implementation Record. Services include coordinating with City staff, Valley Vista Services (VVS), edible food recovery organizations, and other partners to collect, validate, and quality-check all required data related to diversion, procurement, outreach, contamination monitoring, food recovery, waivers, and enforcement. EcoNomics will also update or develop required City ordinance, including solid waste, recycling, C&D/CALGreen, and MWELO, as well as preparing the City’s first Environmentally Preferable Purchasing and Practices Policy.
EcoNomics will support the City in meeting all SB 1383 procurement requirements, including drafting an Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy (EPPP), verifying recyclable organics procurement tonnages, reviewing compost/mulch distribution, and incorporating AB 2346 procurement pathways. The team will also guide edible food recovery inspections, implement waiver processes, train staff on enforcement, and provide technical assistance and outreach aligned with the City’s public education needs.
A major component of the proposal includes contract oversight for the City’s new agreement with Valley Vista Services. EcoNomics will maintain a comprehensive compliance and deliverables tracking tool, facilitate monthly coordination meetings, review hauler reporting, evaluate service rollout, and monitor program implementation across single-family residential, estate residential, and commercial sectors. Field support includes container audit spot checks as well as verification of waste characterization and contamination monitoring beginning in 2027. EcoNomics will also support and conduct annual rate adjustment reviews consistent with the methodology included in the new agreement.
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Proposal: Solid Waste and Recycling Consulting Services City of San Marino Request for Proposals
Through this integrated framework, combining regulatory expertise, program oversight, field auditing, policy development, and public outreach, EcoNomics will assist the City with SB 1383 compliance. EcoNomics is uniquely familiar with San Marino’s systems and needs, and if selected, will provide continuity, accuracy, and strategic support for all solid waste compliance and programmatic functions.
SECTION 1.2. RESPONDENT QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
SECTION 1.2.1. DESCRIPTION OF TECHNICAL APPROACH
In San Marino, EcoNomics conducted the hauler agreement negotiation and the RFP process. In addition, EcoNomics has been assisting the City with the transition to the new hauler, Valley Vista Services, since May 2025. As such, EcoNomics is in a unique position to provide contract management and technical support for the agreement because our team is familiar with the contract, and the City’s new hauler contractual obligation. Through assisting the City with the hauler agreement negotiation and the RFP process, EcoNomics has become familiar with the City, as well as its single-family residential generators, estate residential generators, and commercial generators. Our familiarity with the City of San Marino and our extensive experience in contract management and implementation of SB 1383 programs position us well to assist the City with the contract transition as well as with implementing state mandated diversion programs.
Our specific, technical approach to the project is detailed in each of Tasks A–E in the following Scope of Work section. In general, the biggest challenges we see for this project, and specific strategies to overcome these challenges, are contractor performance and City compliance with SB 1383. The City’s contract is a complex document full of checks and balances, incentives and disincentives, and auditing controls all designed to ensure compliance and protect ratepayers. These mechanisms were developed in response to the increasing organics diversion mandates set forth in SB 1383. From a hauler perspective, these compliance programs are costly and may erode the hauler’s profit margins that have already been impacted by recent commodity price fluctuations in the secondary materials markets. Hauling contractors tend to ‘backslide’ on performance requirements if there is a perceived lack of contractual management and/or oversight. The challenge moving forward will be to ensure the contractor executes these contractual provisions and programs faithfully and effectively in order to ensure the City’s ratepayers receive the services in which they are paying for and to ensure the city’s compliance with SB 1383. This will require extensive City staff and consultant time to review monthly, quarterly, and annual reports, waste characterization data, and route audit data, as well as attend recurring meetings. If the City or its consultant notes a departure from the contract on any of these reports or performance requirements, the City will need to act swiftly and decisively to resolve the issue.
Additionally, during negotiations with the incumbent hauler in 2023–2024, the City has been open in its communications to CalRecycle that its SB 1383 programs are forthcoming.
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Proposal: Solid Waste and Recycling Consulting Services City of San Marino Request for Proposals
As the transition period is coming to end and residents and businesses are now accustomed to VVS as the service provider, the City will need to demonstrate to CalRecycle measurable forward progress with residential and commercial programs. The agreement, and the requisite hauler reports, is fully aligned with the programmatic requirements of SB 1383 so the City is well positioned to deliver on programmatic progress. As the City’s consultant, our job would be to assist in overseeing the implementation of the required programs, monitor hauler reports and field data to assess the efficacy of the programs, and assist in reporting to CalRecycle on compliance statuses, timelines, and challenges in an open and transparent manner to continue to foster the partnership that was developed over the past few years.
SECTION 1.2.2. ECONOMICS’ QUALIFICATIONS
Since 1977, EcoNomics, Inc. has assisted municipal clients in creating sustainability systems that are efficient, cost effective, and in compliance with all federal and state laws and regulations. EcoNomics has assisted public and private sector businesses with strategic planning and implementation services for recycling, source reduction, organic waste management, buy-recycled, manufacture-for recyclability, and the development of sustainability profiles.
EcoNomics provides a range of specific consulting services designed to create an effective waste management and recycling program. EcoNomics’ experience encompasses the areas listed below.
Strategic Planning, Development and Program Implementation for Compliance with California State Laws AB 939, AB 341, AB 1826, and SB 1383. EcoNomics identifies options, performs cost analyses, develops recommendations, and implements programs to achieve maximum waste reduction and diversion for compliance with the following State laws:
AB 939 EcoNomics prepares AB 939 Annual Reports and SB 1066 requests, and acts as a liaison between jurisdictions and the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) on AB 939 compliance issues. EcoNomics successfully works with businesses and multi-family complexes to implement recycling programs that increased the client’s AB 939 diversion rate and to further demonstrate compliance with programmatic requirements of AB 939.
AB 341 EcoNomics assists its client municipalities with implementing commercial and multi-family recycling programs to comply with AB 341. To this end, EcoNomics develops compliance plans for its clients; drafts and implements cost-saving recycling proposals for large commercial and multi-family generators; develops outreach materials for distribution to AB 341-non-compliant properties to notify them of the law; and monitors progress with compliance.
AB 1826 EcoNomics has been implementing organics diversion programs at restaurants, hotels, schools and large stadiums since 2002. For AB 1826 compliance, EcoNomics, Inc. | Page 8
Proposal: Solid Waste and Recycling Consulting Services City of San Marino Request for Proposals
EcoNomics assists its clients with identifying the restaurants that meet the compliance thresholds; developing outreach materials to notify the restaurants of the requirement to divert organics; and works directly with the restaurants to implement cost-saving organics diversion programs.
SB 1383 Since 2018, EcoNomics has overseen five competitive RFPs and seven negotiations that produced SB 1383-aligned agreements. In addition, we are assisting several jurisdictions in complying with SB 1383 with respect to planning and provision of infrastructure options.
Solid Waste & Recycling Agreements, Contract Negotiations, Collection Contracts, and Contract Management. EcoNomics assists local governments in competitive procurements and negotiations for solid waste and recycling/service contracts, contract amendments, rate reviews, audits, and contract management and oversight. The procurements feature contracts/agreements that contain specific measurable and enforceable performance provisions. These customized provisions ensure that the jurisdictions we serve can effectively respond to both current and anticipated regulatory and legislative requirements and mandates. Specifically, EcoNomics assists cities and counties in customizing procurement services for refuse collection, materials recovery facilities, curbside recycling programs, commercial/industrial recycling programs, green waste recycling, composting and household hazardous waste collection/drop off programs. EcoNomics provides effective solutions for the community with an understanding of the fundamental challenge of local governments to balance complex services and programs with the realities of budget constraints. State legislation is changing the structure and importance of contracts for these services.
Solid Waste Generation & Diversion Composition Studies. Using statistical sampling methods developed exclusively for its clients, EcoNomics conducts detailed studies to determine the quantity and composition of the client's waste stream. The results of these studies are then used to develop waste reduction and recycling programs targeted to the specific materials in the waste stream and/or to determine a new baseline year for purposes of AB 939. In addition, we have designed new sampling protocols for SB 1383 that measure contamination and collection route efficiencies.
Secondary Materials Markets. With the increased goal of 75% diversion, and the passage of SB 54, more types of discarded materials will need to be sold into the secondary materials markets. The revision in import restrictions by China, India, and other export markets has changed the flow of materials to alternate export markets. Hauling companies are trying to shift market risk to municipalities. This is not always a valid response and needs to be carefully examined in discussions with hauling companies. EcoNomics understands the vital link between recycling programs and markets for the collected materials. EcoNomics constantly monitors both the domestic and overseas markets for recyclable commodities such as glass, paper, cardboard, plastics, metals, and aluminum.
This expertise allows us to assist clients in marketing the ever-broadening types of EcoNomics, Inc. | Page 9
Proposal: Solid Waste and Recycling Consulting Services City of San Marino Request for Proposals
recyclable materials and to forecast the trends that affect materials pricing and cost structures. Markets for food scraps via composting are more complex and require expertise to get the food scraps out of the waste stream and back to fields and farms. EcoNomics is closely monitoring the rapidly evolving organics processing technologies and markets for organics as well as state and federal standards for the compost produced.
SECTION 1.2.3. RESUMES OF KEY STAFF MEMBERS
The key EcoNomics personnel that will oversee, manage and implement the solid waste and recycling scope of work included in this proposal include President Trevor Blythe, Director Linda Furbee, Program Manager Sara Aubery, and Sustainability Specialist Clarisa Gomez. Their resumes are included below. These key personnel will perform the day-today project services for the City of San Marino. Senior Program Implementation Coordinator Ian Bevan will assist with the City’s CalRecycle Electronic Annual Report.
Additional staff who will assist as needed depending on the project are included in the next section.
KEY PERSONNEL
Trevor Blythe, MBA
Title: President
Time with EcoNomics, Inc.: 20 years
Education: MBA in Sustainable Management from Presidio Graduate School, 2014; BS in Environmental Science, University California, Santa Barbara, 2006 Specializations: Project Management, SB 1383 Implementation Planning, CalRecycle Compliance Management and Troubleshooting
Trevor Blythe is the owner and President of EcoNomics, Inc., a sustainability consulting firm located in Southern California, and has over 19 years of experience in the sustainable materials management industry for both local government and corporate clients. Trevor provides direct technical assistance to EcoNomics’ municipal government clients to assist with rate impact analyses and studies, the implementation and expansion of municipalscale organics recycling programs, as well as management of hauling contracts to ensure compliance with state and local sustainability laws and mandates, including California’s Senate Bill 1383. Mr. Blythe has assisted large engineering firms, as a subcontractor, with conducting waste characterizations at public agencies to identify opportunities for zero waste programs.
Recently, Mr. Blythe supported the City of San Marino in the development of a competitive RFP for solid waste and recycling collection services. Mr. Blythe also supported the Cities of Laguna Hills, Lake Forest, and Laguna Beach in developing a competitive RFP for solid waste and recycling collection services. In Laguna Beach, the RFP was designed to align with the City’s forward-thinking sustainability goals and meet State diversion requirements. Key features included the electrification of the collection fleet, the EcoNomics, Inc. | Page 10
Proposal: Solid Waste and Recycling Consulting Services City of San Marino Request for Proposals
integration of IoT technology to monitor bin fullness and contamination levels, and an innovative rate structure that incentivizes waste reduction and minimization for both businesses and residents. Mr. Blythe has extensive experience designing and modeling rate structures to assess the revenue impacts of changes in service offerings required to expand recycling and organics programs, ensuring compliance with state laws and the achievement of local sustainability goals. To this end, he has used waste characterization data gathered from restaurants to develop strategic tools to guide franchise-operated locations with optimizing solid waste, recycling, and organics recycling services based on readily available annual store revenue data.
Mr. Blythe holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Sustainable Management from Presidio Graduate School in San Francisco, one of the first and only graduate-level institutions to offer an MBA where sustainability is integrated throughout the entire course curriculum. During his coursework at Presidio, Trevor explored market-based solutions for returning key nutrients from organic waste back to the soil. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences from the University of California, Santa Barbara with an emphasis on Geographic Information Systems. Mr. Blythe has taught two courses as adjunct faculty in the Sustainability and Resource Management program at Irvine Valley College; SRM 95 – The Business Case for Sustainability and SRM 90 – Sustainability for Communities. He is the recipient of Waste360’s 2024 40 Under 40 Award, recognized as an inspiring professional making a significant contribution through his work in waste, recycling, food waste, and organics.
Linda Furbee, JD
Title: Municipal Projects Director
Time with EcoNomics: 4 years
Education: Juris Doctorate from California Desert Trial Academy College of Law; BA in Political Science, UC Riverside
Specializations: Hauler Agreement Contract Management/Transition, Procurement/ Drafting
Linda Furbee joined EcoNomics in October 2021. Ms. Furbee has worked with the City of San Marino since 2023 to assist in solid waste and recycling agreement negotiations with the previous hauler to incorporate SB 1383-compliant service. She also assisted in drafting the scope of work for the City’s competitive RFP process in 2025 in addition to providing strategic advice and oversight to the City during the process. Ms. Furbee has assisted the City of San Marino’s submittal for the 2023 and 2024 Electronic Annual Reports to CalRecycle and is familiar with the program opportunities and challenges the City faces in attaining SB 1383 compliance.
As her first assignment at EcoNomics, she held a 3-day per week residency at the City of Newport Beach Municipal Operations Division for 1-year where she assisted the City with finalizing its residential solid waste and recycling agreement negotiations and overseeing the implementation of a citywide organics program. Her function was to oversee the hauler’s implementation of a third organics cart to all households and ensure the roll-out, EcoNomics, Inc. | Page 11
Proposal: Solid Waste and Recycling Consulting Services City of San Marino Request for Proposals
and the accompanying educational campaigns were done in accordance with the contract terms. Ms. Furbee ran weekly meetings with the City and its hauler to troubleshoot operational issues, coordinate resolutions to customer service issues, ensure compliance with SB 1383 contamination minimization monitoring requirements, and ensure the ratepayers were receiving the value that they were paying for. She managed the City’s edible food recovery program inspections, notifications, outreach, reporting and capacity planning. Ms. Furbee also has assisted client cities including the Cities of Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills/Lake Forest joint procurement Newport Beach and San Marino with procurement processes, both via a competitive RFP process and via negotiations, to ensure the agreements are fully aligned with SB 1383 requirements. To this end, Ms. Furbee has drafted scope of work language, education and outreach requirements, contamination monitoring requirements and other key elements that our client cities may use to attain compliance.
Prior to her tenure at EcoNomics, Ms. Furbee was an account director for a communications firm in the Coachella Valley. In her capacity within the organization, Ms.
Furbee assisted clients with implementing communication and marketing strategies. Prior to her career in marketing, Ms. Furbee worked in municipal government in various capacities, including Assistant to the City Manager, Management Services/Marketing Director, and Management Analyst.
Sara Aubery, MS
Title: Manager of Data Analytics
Time with EcoNomics: 3 years
Education: MS in Natural Resource Management and Marine Science, University of the Virgin Islands, 2014; BS in Animal and Conservation Biology, University of California, Davis, 2007
Specializations: Program Design, Implementation and Sustainable Finance, Data Analysis, Database Management, Outreach and Education
Sara Aubery joined EcoNomics in January 2023. Ms. Aubery has assisted the City of San Marino during the competitive RFP process in 2025 by compiling the proposed rates received from the six proposers into an aggregated comparative analysis. The analysis was used to evaluate the total citywide costs to the ratepayers for each proposer and was instrumental for use during the evaluation process.
She is a skilled recycling implementation project manager who is dedicated to helping cities meet their sustainability goals. Her diverse skill set and passion for creating positive change makes her an ideal partner. Ms. Aubery managed a team of four recycling coordinators in Santa Ana to implement SB 1383 programs in a timeline that conforms with the City’s Corrective Action Plan. To this end, Ms. Aubery uses data-driven methods to achieve process efficiencies and, with the help of her team, implemented over 300 SB 1383 compliant programs in the span of just over 2 months.
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Proposal: Solid Waste and Recycling Consulting Services City of San Marino Request for Proposals
Ms. Aubery has managed large data sets with ease and knows how to leverage data to drive impactful decisions. Her keen eye for detail and ability to identify key insights will be invaluable in helping your city optimize its recycling programs. Ms. Aubery has assisted the City of Napa with developing a rate model to identify the optimal incentive for its commercial composting program and to identify keys costs for a new organics route for generators with high levels of contamination. The model uses a data processing system called ‘R’ and allows for the client to enter various parameters into an online app to assess impacts to the City’s rate revenue and costs in real time.
Prior to this work she spent five years in waste diversion for specialty industries. Ms.
Aubery is passionate about behavior change and has a proven track record of designing and implementing effective programs that inspire communities to make positive changes towards sustainability. Her expertise in outreach and education, supply chain management, material flow and procurement, graphic design, legislation, and the circular economy will ensure that your city's needs are met with creative and innovative solutions.
Clarisa Gomez
Title: Sustainability Specialist
Time with EcoNomics: 2 years
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Science and Policy and Urban Studies, University of California, Irvine
Specialization: Community Engagement, Outreach, Zero Waste Event Coordination, Field Compliance Assessments, Edible Food Recovery Outreach
Clarisa Gomez joined the EcoNomics team in February 2024 to assist with field implementation. Ms. Gomez has assisted the City of San Marino with compiling the implementation record, research and analysis for the City’s Electronic Annual Report, as well as assistance with SB 1383 public education and outreach. She has also worked with the City of Santa Ana to identify SB 1383 non-compliant generators including small businesses and multi-family complexes that lack adequate service. Ms. Gomez has experience conducting weekly site visits to businesses and multi-family properties to assess compliance with SB 1383, as well as, communicating SB 1383 requirements and outreach materials to customers in English and Spanish when implementing recycling and organic recycling programs. She developed a protocol for the City of Anaheim to accelerate the waiver review process for de organic de minimis and physical space constraint waivers. She assists with State reporting and recordkeeping of SB 1383 and Form 303 reporting.
Ms. Gomez previously worked as a Sustainability Recycling Specialist for CR&R where she compiled tonnage data for monthly and quarterly diversion reports, developed clientfocused service proposals to implement food waste and recycling programs for AB 341, AB 1826, and SB 1383, and assisted in creating materials for annual curbside report, audited landfills, and educational waste sorting materials.
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Proposal: Solid Waste and Recycling Consulting Services City of San Marino Request for Proposals
Ian Bevan, MBA
Title: Senior Program Implementation Coordinator
Time with EcoNomics: 10 years
Education: MBA in Sustainable Management, Presidio Graduate School, 2012; BA in Political Science, San Diego State University, 2008
Specializations: AB 341, AB 1826, and SB 1383 Field Implementation; CalRecycle Compliance Reporting (EAR Implementation Record and Form 303) Ian Bevan specializes in developing cost-effective waste diversion programs that help businesses meet compliance requirements. Mr. Bevan has assisted the City of San Marino with compiling the implementation record, research and analysis for the City’s Electronic Annual Report, as well as assistance with SB 1383 public education and outreach. He has implemented AB 341, AB 1826, and SB 1383 programs at hundreds of commercial and multi-family properties in San Juan Capistrano, Tustin, Mission Viejo, Laguna Hills, Santa Ana, and Anaheim. Mr. Bevan uses information gathered at site audits to develop customized, cost-saving waste reduction programs that fit the unique needs of each property, from split trash and recycling bins to specialized enclosure signage and outreach.
Mr. Bevan has also worked with large retail operations to implement organics waste diversion.
Mr. Bevan specializes in CalRecycle Electronic Annual Report data collection, data analysis and preparation, as well as preparation of CalRecycle Form 303 data collection, data analysis and preparation for many of EcoNomics’ client cities, including Anaheim, Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, Laguna Hills, Buena Park, San Marino, Laguna Niguel and San Juan Capistrano.
Mr. Bevan has experience working with the City of San Diego Environmental Department managing the construction and demolition ordinance. In this capacity, Mr. Bevan worked with contractors to ensure they met or exceeded the City’s 50% diversion requirement for construction and demolition waste. Mr. Bevan leveraged his experience as an on-campus sustainability advocate at San Diego State University to found a non-profit company committed to facilitating grassroots, student-led sustainability programs at colleges and universities.
SECTION 1.2.4. ADDITIONAL STAFF RESUMES
Kim Riley
Title: Director of Compliance Implementation Projects
Time with EcoNomics: 5.5 years
Education: BS in Environmental Studies, University of California, Santa Barbara, 2014 Specializations: Compliance Management, SB 1383 Program Implementation, Monthly Meeting Oversight, State Compliance Reporting, Edible Food Recovery Program Management
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Proposal: Solid Waste and Recycling Consulting Services City of San Marino Request for Proposals
Kim Riley joined EcoNomics in February 2020 and has managed SB 1383 compliance implementation efforts in the Cities of San Juan Capistrano, Lake Forest, Laguna Niguel, and Mission Viejo, as well as hauler contracts in the Cities of Lake Forest, Laguna Niguel, and Mission Viejo. Ms. Riley works collaboratively and effectively with clients and haulers to ensure that SB 1383 programs are implemented, appropriate records are maintained in City’s Implementation Records, and they are reported in a City’s Electronic Annual Report (EAR). Ms. Riley leads the EcoNomics team support of multiple clients’ SB 1383 edible food recovery programs. She assists municipal clients with review and analysis of annual rate adjustments and hauler reporting. She also supports EcoNomics’ corporate clients’ sustainability programs.
Ms. Riley holds a TRUE (Total Resource Use and Efficiency) Certification from the Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI). Ms. Riley was previously a Certified Practitioner in Zero Waste Practices and Principles through a program that is jointly administered by California Resource Recovery Association (CRRA) and Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA).
Prior to joining EcoNomics, Ms. Riley worked for The Bay Foundation in the Los Angeles area as a community engagement coordinator. In this capacity, she worked with the Southern California recreational boating community to provide tools and resources to prevent pollution and with restaurants in the South Bay to implement organics recycling programs where all food scraps collected were composted at local schools for their onsite gardens.
Valeria Ferrufino
Title: Senior Sustainability Specialist
Time with EcoNomics: 5 years
Education: BA in Geography with Emphasis in Environmental Analysis, Geographic Information Systems Certificate, California State University Fullerton, 2022; AA in Geography, AA in Social and Behavioral Sciences, AA in Liberal Studies: Teacher Education, Certificate of Achievement in Sustainability and Resource Management, Irvine Valley College, 2020
Specializations: Edible Food Recovery Inspections, AB 1826 & SB 1383 Monitoring and Compliance, Contamination Audit Reviews, GIS Applications Valeria Ferrufino joined the EcoNomics team in January of 2020 to assist with field implementation. Ms. Ferrufino conducts recurring audits of participants in the City of Laguna Hills’ SB 1383 programs to assess participation and contamination levels and provides assistance with hauler contract management and hauler report analysis. She has provided education regarding recycling legislation and recommendations for compliance to hundreds of business managers at restaurants, grocery stores, hotels, shopping malls, offices, and multi-family properties in Laguna Hills, Irvine, San Juan Capistrano, Laguna Niguel, and Mission Viejo. She has also provided doorstep education to over 1,000 residents in San Juan Capistrano and Laguna Niguel, informing about organic recycling guidelines. Ms. Ferrufino has implemented, provided staff training, and verified the quality EcoNomics, Inc. | Page 15
Proposal: Solid Waste and Recycling Consulting Services City of San Marino Request for Proposals
of dozens of AB 1826 and SB 1383 programs at commercial properties in Irvine. She has worked in the City of Mission Viejo to analyze commercial listings to identify SB 1383, AB 1826 and AB 827 non-compliant generators and bring them the necessary education for compliance. Ms. Ferrufino is the team lead on GIS applications, completing mapping projects such as residential contamination based on multi-year waste characterization data, optimized recycling collection routes, and missed residential services.
Ms. Ferrufino led sustainability efforts at Irvine Valley College as the Co-President of the on-campus Green Team and with frequent presentations of sustainability projects at the college’s Environmental Leadership Task Force. She also led projects as the Vice President of Communications in the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from California State University at Fullerton in 2022.
Bella Sullins
Title: Program Implementation Coordinator
Time with EcoNomics: 3 years
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies, Point Loma Nazarene University, 2023
Specializations: Field Compliance Assessments, Community Engagement, Problem Solving Bella Sullins joined the EcoNomics team in October 2023 to assist with field implementation. She has worked with the City of Santa Ana to identify SB 1383 noncompliant generators including small businesses and multi-family complexes that lack adequate service. Additionally, Ms. Sullins has worked with the City of Irvine to implement organics recycling and food recycling services to residents. Ms. Sullins is diligent and consistent in her communication skills with each customer she comes across, which is illustrated in her high conversion rates.
Ms. Sullins served as a Nature Specialist near Yosemite National Park where she developed a multi-faceted curriculum for kids and young adults. Shortly after, she worked at a nonprofit as a Community Engagement Outreach Assistant, where she assisted with the Recycling Call Center to assist the public in proper waste disposal. Her expertise in communicating with constituents has helped capture the true efforts of local government and environmental policy. In all the work she does, she hopes to share the beauty of creation with others so they may be inspired to make change in their communities.
SECTION 1.2.5. SUB-CONSULTANT
EcoNomics would use one sub-consultant if engaged by the City of San Marino on an asneeded basis. EcoNomics would use Cerene St. John, J.D., as a sub-consultant for any legal drafting, review, and analysis needed during the course of the project. These services would be provided through the Law Office of Cerene St. John. Ms. St. John is an active member of the State Bar of California and worked as a Deputy City Attorney for the City and County of San Francisco from 1980-1984. She currently provides contract drafting, contract negotiation, ordinance writing, analysis of legislation, and specialized EcoNomics, Inc. | Page 16
Proposal: Solid Waste and Recycling Consulting Services City of San Marino Request for Proposals
sustainability and franchise oriented legal services for jurisdictions statewide. She is familiar with Propositions 218 and 26 as well as AB 341, AB 1826, SB 1383 and their corresponding CalRecycle regulations. She bridges program implementation requirements into legal and regulatory language and metrics for use in assuring compliance and performance from hauling companies and their affiliates.
Cerene St. John, J.D.
Title: Attorney (Subcontractor)
Education: J.D. Degree from The University of Santa Clara School of Law (1980); B.A. in Political Science from California State University, San Bernardino (1977) Cerene St. John began her solid waste career as a Deputy City Attorney for the City and County of San Francisco. Assigned to the Special Projects Division, she led a team in the Chief Administrator’s Office to find a new landfill for the City when existing contracts were due to expire. She conducted a five-county negotiating effort that resulted in a contract and associated permits for the City’s use of the Altamont Landfill located in Alameda County beginning in 1983.
Ms. St. John then served for six years as the Solid Waste Program Manager for the City of Sunnyvale. While there, she conducted a Request for Proposals (RFP) process for solid waste and collection services resulting in a new contract with a detailed scope of work and performance standards. She conducted an RFP process for long-term landfill capacity for the City of Sunnyvale and 4 other cities resulting in a 30-year contract with the Kirby Canyon Landfill owned and operated by Waste Management. She also initiated work on the design and construction of the City-owned SMaRT Station, a transfer station/MRF that began operation in 1993.
Ms. St. John joined EcoNomics in 1990 and served as Vice President through June 2008.
She now serves as outside legal counsel to many of EcoNomics’ clients through the Law Office of Cerene St. John. She specializes in conducting procurements for solid waste and recycling collection services. She also assists cities and counties with negotiations for these services and with contract amendments, ordinance revisions, and review of proposed legislation.
As a former City Attorney and an active member of the State Bar of California, Ms. St. John prepares draft contract amendments, draft contracts, and RFP language for review by City Attorneys. Ms. St. John writes precise and thorough scopes of work for diversion programs and crafts contracts that protect the interest of the jurisdiction and its ratepayers. She serves as a “bridge” between the technical requirements in these contracts and the legal language needed to enforce them. This generally saves our client's time and expense, as the City Attorney can senior review her work rather than spending time crafting the legal language, and the technical scope of work for the contract.
Ms. St. John’s unique understanding of the legal underpinnings of the RFP process, the political and financial realities of cities, and her experience in negotiations with the solid EcoNomics, Inc. | Page 17
Proposal: Solid Waste and Recycling Consulting Services City of San Marino Request for Proposals
waste industry allow her to create procurement processes and negotiations for contract amendments that are fair, public, and that anticipate potential pitfalls so problems can be avoided.
SECTION 1.2.6. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
EcoNomics Inc. is a Colorado ‘C’ Corporation; dba ECAL-NOMICS, INC. in California (California Corporation #C1858098). The company’s President, Trevor Blythe, maintains 100% ownership.
President Trevor Blythe will be a part of the key personnel team that will oversee, manage and implement the solid waste and recycling scope of work included in this proposal for San Marino. His resume is included above in Section 1.3.2 Key Staff Member Resumes.
Project Director Linda Furbee will be the day-to-day project manager. Her resume is also included in Section 1.3.2.
All EcoNomics staff are members of the California Resource Recovery Association (CRRA).
See below an organization chart of the proposed project team.
Figure 1.2.6. Organization Chart of Proposed Project Team Trevor Blythe, MBA
President
Linda Furbee,
Director, Contract
Compliance
Sara Aubery,
Reporting and Data
Manager
Clarisa Gomez,
Sustainability
Specialist
Ian Bevan,
Compliance
Reporting
Coordinator
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Proposal: Solid Waste and Recycling Consulting Services City of San Marino Request for Proposals
SECTION 1.3. RESPONDENT CLIENT REFERENCES
EcoNomics, Inc. | Page 19
Proposal: Solid Waste and Recycling Consulting Services City of San Marino Request for Proposals
SECTION 1.4. PROPOSAL – SCOPE OF SERVICES
TASK A. CALRECYCLE SUPPORT
TASK A1. WORK WITH CALRECYCLE STAFF
EcoNomics currently assists its client cities with legislative tracking, CalRecycle interface, and compliance reporting. EcoNomics has connections with key policy makers, advocacy groups, and regulatory agencies in Sacramento and is aware of pending solid waste legislation as it develops. EcoNomics has direct contact with senior level staff at CalRecycle and, as such, can provide its clients with high-level insight into the legislative and regulatory development processes. EcoNomics will continue to provide the City of San Marino with new SB 1383 reports, as new FAQ’s, tools, and guides role out from the State.
EcoNomics will also work closely with San Marino’s Local Assistance and Market Development (LAMD) representative to discuss situations specific to the City including updates on compliance status, and SB 1383 programmatic and legislative clarification questions. In addition, EcoNomics will continue to attend the regular “Chats with CalRecycle” on behalf of the City to glean best practices and participate in the discussion forum.
EcoNomics is familiar with the City’s CalRecycle Local Assistance and Market Development (LAMD) representatives and how data gathered during the site visits and conference calls is used to assess a jurisdiction’s compliance. In our experience, providing accurate data that documents AB 939, AB 341, AB 1826, AB 827, and SB 1383 implementation efforts, verifiable diversion tonnage reporting, and concurrent outreach activities are all critical to demonstrating compliance.
EcoNomics will continue to prepare and facilitate the CalRecycle annual visit agenda and associated implementation reports. And, when applicable, facilitate tours of properties that showcase innovative and cost-saving diversion programs for CalRecycle’s annual site visit.
TASK A2. ASSIST IN PREPARATION OF CALRECYCLE REPORTS, INCLUDING EAR REPORT EcoNomics has extensive experience in San Marino, and in nine other Southern California jurisdictions (Anaheim, Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Hills, Buena Park, San Juan Capistrano, Santa Ana, and Tustin), with assisting client cities with CalRecycle reporting, compliance notifications for both Electronic Annual Reports (EARs) and Form 303 HHW reports, and City-County Payment Program grant reporting. On an annual basis, CalRecycle requires the submittal of an Electronic Annual Report (EAR) and also arranges jurisdiction site visits for verification and inspection purposes. EcoNomics will provide services to assist staff in meeting its mandated reporting duties. In addition, if CalRecycle highlights any issues or concerns, EcoNomics will work with the agency to remedy any perceived or actual deficiencies.
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Proposal: Solid Waste and Recycling Consulting Services City of San Marino Request for Proposals
EcoNomics has assisted the City of San Marino with its Electronic Annual Report submittal since 2023. As a result of having assisted with the City’s annual reporting processes, EcoNomics, if selected, will be able to complete reports efficiently and precisely. The annual reporting process is an important opportunity for the City to showcase its diversion programs and to demonstrate its compliance with state diversion mandates.
As of 2022, the CalRecycle Electronic Annual Report has changed significantly, amounting to a sizable increase of efforts needed to successfully complete this required state reporting. In addition to the DPS codes from EARs historically, the EAR now contains 15 additional reporting modules, each of which with a corresponding record keeping system which must always be maintained and up to date in perpetuity. EcoNomics assisted client cities with this transition to the “new EAR” for reporting year 2021 and the first half of 2022. This involved the creation of an online record keeping system which houses the supporting documentation and data sources that feed into the “New EAR”. As part of its preparation of the annual report, EcoNomics takes the following actions and gathers the following data points to provide CalRecycle a holistic picture of the City’s diversion programs:
• Review tonnage reports for the reporting year to determine diversion quantities for commercial, residential, and special event sectors
• Conduct analysis of available data to determine reportable tonnages for several DPS Codes
• Contact the CalRecycle to obtain exact California Redemption Value recycling activity at buyback centers within the City limits
• Review County reports to obtain self-haul and salvage figures from County landfills • Review hauler tonnage reports, contact local construction and demolition (C&D) processing facilities, and review City records of C&D ordinance compliance forms to determine the amount of C&D materials diverted during reporting year • Contact hauler and review City records to obtain information on outreach used to inform residents and businesses of recycling programs
• Compile all data requests for the City, Hauler, and external data sources • Summarize all printed, electronic, and direct outreach attempts and populate in the record keeping system’s outreach tracking spreadsheet which includes tracking of how many people received such materials
• Obtain analytics of various web-based resources including webpages, videos, brochures, bill inserts housed on City, hauler and County websites • Coordinate with the County to obtain quantities of hazardous materials and electronic waste taken to County facilities by City residents • Contact local grocery stores and restaurants to quantify existing internal rendering and composting programs for the reporting year
• Coordinate with State government agencies to quantify internal diversion activities at local state agency offices
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Proposal: Solid Waste and Recycling Consulting Services City of San Marino Request for Proposals
• Analyze the City’s Capital Improvement Project (CIP) bid sheets to quantify the diversion of materials crushed and reused as road base and to determine the tons of rubberized asphalt used in the City
• Coordinate with local food banks to determine the weight of edible materials donated
• Coordinate with landscaping contractors to determine tons of landscaping waste diverted from the landfill
• Coordinate with City to determine traditional and SB 1383 mandated product quantities procured
• Provide supporting citations and direct links to information sources from within the City’s Record keeping system
• Formalize new processes to ensure that the City’s record keeping system is always up to date and that all parties who contribute such data in various reporting areas know the exact protocol to maintain the implementation record • Lead the review and quality control process, which includes crosschecking all data points and facts presented
• Upload EAR into LOGIC system
• Attend all CalRecycle web-based meetings to ensure that we are apprised of all new reporting expectations and changes within the LOGIC system • Assist in answering any follow up questions from CalRecycle Over the last nearly two decades of submitting the City’s annual report, EcoNomics has established a database and a preparation schedule for assembling the necessary information for submittal of CalRecycle’s required Electronic Annual Report (EAR). This refined data collection process, and the incorporated efficiencies, will be applied to the City of San Marino’s annual report. As part of the procedure, a diverse set of data is collected and verified for all aspects of SB 1383. This comprehensive database leads to a thorough annual report that provides CalRecycle with a clear narrative that strongly demonstrates the City’s compliance with SB 1383 requirements.
TASK A3. SUPPORT THE CITY WITH SB 1383 REQUIREMENTS
EcoNomics will support the City with various SB 1383 requirements including edible food recovery, recordkeeping, reporting, waiver administration, and enforcement.
Edible Food Recovery.
There are no Tier 1 generators and no Edible Food Recovery Organizations (EFROs) located in the City of San Marino. The San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG), in contract with the City of San Marino, previously identified three Tier 2 generators in the City: Huntington Library, San Marino Unified Schools District, and the City’s 4th of July special event. SB 1383 requires the City to conduct inspections of Tier 1 generators beginning January 1, 2022 and Tier 2 generators beginning January 1, 2024. The SGVCOG conducted inspections of the Tier 2 generators and determined that they were noncompliant with the edible food recovery requirements. EcoNomics has extensive experience in conducting Tier 1, Tier 2, and EFROs site visits and inspections, as well as EcoNomics, Inc. | Page 22
Proposal: Solid Waste and Recycling Consulting Services City of San Marino Request for Proposals
providing technical assistance to the generators to assist with compliance. If selected, EcoNomics will conduct site visits and inspections for the City’s Tier 2 generators and provide technical assistance to the generators to assist with compliance. The process of conducting an inspection is as follows:
• Develop state-mandated notification letter to edible food generators. Provide this notification annually per State requirements. Include link to City’s online edible food recovery resource listing. Request recipients of the letter contact EcoNomics to schedule a site visit.
• Develop an enforcement process to refer non-compliant generators to the City for enforcement, as needed.
• Conduct in-person inspections of edible food generators to verify SB 1383-compliant edible food recovery programs, as mandated by SB 1383. Inspection will include meeting with management staff or team, visual and photographic documentation of edible food recovery staging area (if applicable), visual review of edible food recovery contract, and completion of checklist for the City’s implementation record. • Provide technical assistance to edible food generators to develop edible food recovery programs, as needed.
• Refer non-compliant and non-cooperative edible food generators to City for enforcement, as needed.
• Compile SB 1383 edible food compliance reports for inclusion in City’s implementation record.
EcoNomics has implemented edible food recovery programs, including conducting Tier 1, Tier 2, and EFRO site inspections and enforcement as well as providing technical assistance to assist generators to assist with compliance in Buena Park, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, San Juan Capistrano, and Tustin.
Record-Keeping.
In addition to the EAR reporting and record-keeping described in Task 1.2 above, CalRecycle requires jurisdictions to keep an Implementation Record of data and reports related to the State’s solid waste and recycling requirements. CalRecycle may request any or all data and reports included in a jurisdiction’s implementation record, and the jurisdiction must provide the requested data and reports within ten (10) business days.
Under the previous hauler’s contract, EcoNomics had updated the City of San Marino’s Implementation Record to the extent possible. In recent months, EcoNomics has been updating San Marino’s Implementation Record with the new hauler contract, new service methodology with the high diversion MRF and programs included in the City’s new SB 1383- aligned contract. If awarded the contract to continue working with San Marino, EcoNomics would complete updating the City’s Implementation Record with all of the new information from the transition to the new hauler, including all the new public education and outreach to the single-family residential, estate residential, and commercial customers, and hauler reports. Once updated with this information, the Implementation Record will continuously need to be updated as new programs are implemented, and as new data, materials, and reports become available.
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Proposal: Solid Waste and Recycling Consulting Services City of San Marino Request for Proposals
At a minimum, the following records are required to be maintained in the Implementation Record:
• Ordinances and Enforceable Mechanisms
• Written Program Descriptions
• Organic Waste Service Collection
• Contamination Minimization, including Route Reviews and Waste Evaluations • Waivers and Exemptions
• Education and Outreach
• Jurisdiction Oversight of Hauler Programs
• Edible Food Recovery
• Recovered Organic Waste Product Procurement
• Paper Procurement
• Inspection and Enforcement
• Compliance Reviews
• Investigation of Complaints and Alleged Violations
To compile and maintain the City’s SB 1383 Implementation Record, EcoNomics uses two tools:
(1) Dropbox Cloud Storage: Dropbox is a third-party cloud-based software used primarily for online file storage and file sharing. EcoNomics uses Dropbox as its internal file storage and file sharing system and has great familiarity with its structure and features. The City is able to access these files at any time as they will be hosted in the cloud. EcoNomics has also used Microsoft SharePoint as a filesharing system as well and is able to use this platform if the Clty desires. (2) CalRecycle’s Model Implementation Record Tool: EcoNomics populates and annotates CalRecycle’s model tool specific to the City of San Marino’s recordkeeping needs. The tool serves as a landing “page” for all of the City’s required SB 1383 records. The tool is a workbook consisting of multiple tabs specific to each of the recordkeeping sections mentioned above. EcoNomics gathers information and records from the City, its representatives, and its contractors to populate the Implementation Record.
EcoNomics has extensive experience in assisting client cities with their CalRecycle Implementation Record including San Marino, Anaheim, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, San Juan Capistrano, Santa Ana, and Tustin.
Reporting.
In addition to the Implementation Record, there are many solid waste and recycling points of data and many reports from the hauler, as well as from generators within San Marino.
EcoNomics will collect, analyze and collates the data and report, then provides the analysis and updates to City staff. In addition, EcoNomics will create and maintain databases and tracking spreadsheets in relation to compliant and non-compliant AB 341, AB 1826, and SB 1383 accounts. EcoNomics will continue to assist San Marino with CalRecycle reporting requirements as discussed above, including the EAR and any other reporting document EcoNomics, Inc. | Page 24
Proposal: Solid Waste and Recycling Consulting Services City of San Marino Request for Proposals
requested. EcoNomics performs similar tracking, analysis and reporting for other cities, including Anaheim, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Lake Forest, Tustin, Mission Viejo, Santa Ana, and Tustin.
Waiver Administration.
CalRecycle requires all commercial businesses to process trash, recyclables, and organics.
CalRecycle allows for physical constraint waivers and de minimis waivers for the organics and recyclables streams. A business may be eligible for a physical constraint waiver if there is not enough space for an organics or recyclables cart or bin, and a business may be eligible for a de minimis waiver if the business produces a less than 10 or 20 gallons weekly (depending on overall waste service levels) of organics and/or recyclables material as specified by CalRecycle standards. EcoNomics will assist the City with the development of SB 1383 protocols for de minimis and physical space constraint organics waivers and for de minimis and physical space constraint recyclables waivers.
This process includes a desktop analysis of the generator, including the amount of waste disposed as well as the recycling and organics materials diverted, the types of materials in the waste, recycling, and organics streams, and any generator space constraints.
EcoNomics then follows up with the hauler for site visit data and information or conducts the site visit to gather the necessary data and information. If it is determined that a generator is eligible for a SB 1383 waiver, EcoNomics works with City staff to notify the generator and the hauler of the waiver.
EcoNomics has assisted and/or currently assists with waiver protocol development and waiver processing for the Cities of Newport Beach, Anaheim, Tustin, Mission Viejo, Santa Ana, Lake Forest, Laguna Niguel, and San Juan Capistrano.
Enforcement.
As discussed in Task A4 below, Economics will assist the City with updating its solid waste and recycling ordinance. The amended ordinance will include City enforcement mechanisms to require generators to subscribe to organics recycling programs. The amended ordinance will include the ability for the City to issue administrative citations and penalties to generators if they do not implement programs or if there is repeated contamination that does not comply with CalRecycle requirements. After the ordinance amendment, EcoNomics will assist San Marino with this enforcement method, if needed, to comply with CalRecycle requirements. However, the imposition of monetary penalties is a last resort. EcoNomics will continue to enforce the City’s hauler agreement by working with the hauler to implement programs in accordance with City’s hauler agreement, which in turn will assist the City with its CalRecycle compliance. EcoNomics will also continue to educate and provide technical assistance to generators for implementation of programs.
EcoNomics will assist the City in developing a standard operating procedure (SOP) for the fair and equitable enforcement of the City’s amended ordinance. The SOP will include the following components:
• Process and template field sheet for initial site assessment EcoNomics, Inc. | Page 25
Proposal: Solid Waste and Recycling Consulting Services City of San Marino Request for Proposals
• Process for assessing compliance
• Process for gathering evidentiary documentation that could be used if the citation is appealed
• Process for issuing and monitoring a notice of violation • Process for issuing first, second, third, and subsequent citations • Process for evaluating a non-compliant account referred the hauler • Process for evaluating the compliance of an internal diversion program In addition to developing the SOP, EcoNomics will provide training to the City’s code enforcement staff on how to implement the SOP, if needed.
EcoNomics had experience in developing enforcement processes for the client cities including Santa Ana, Newport Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Lake Forest, and San Juan Capistrano.
Outreach and Education.
Compliance with SB 1383 state-mandated organics diversion programs requires the Cities to have extensive public education programs in place. A successful public education program will (a) train the community on best practices to efficiently separate food scraps from trash and recyclable materials, (b) prevent contamination of recycling and food scraps, (c) educate the community about recycling and how food scraps are composted or processed through anaerobic digestion, and (d) educate the community about how wasting food can have negative impacts, both locally, in terms of food insecurity, and globally, in terms of climate impacts. EcoNomics will assist the City of San Marino in reviewing, revising, developing, and implementing the public education program requirements of SB 1383.
Attachment B to the City’s contract with Valley Vista Services includes a number of public education and outreach requirements for single-family residential, estate residential, and commercial customers. EcoNomics has been assisting with reviewing and editing VVS’ public education and outreach materials, and ensuring the materials are translated and provided in Mandarin, as required by the contract. If selected, EcoNomics will continue with this process.
In addition, as needed, EcoNomics will prepare additional public education and outreach materials for distribution to single-family residential, estate residential and/or commercial customers, including letters, flyers, brochures, postcards, social media posts, newsletter articles, website updates, town hall presentations, toolkits, surveys, training materials, etc.
EcoNomics recommends an update to the trash and recycling portion of the City’s website to align with SB 1383 and the new contract. EcoNomics can assist by providing recommendations for additional subject matter and language to add to the City’s website.
EcoNomics has extensive experience in assisting client cities with reviewing and editing of hauler provided public education and outreach, as well as preparation of public education EcoNomics, Inc. | Page 26
Proposal: Solid Waste and Recycling Consulting Services City of San Marino Request for Proposals
and outreach to all sectors of the community, including for the Buena Park, Santa Ana, Anaheim, Tustin, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, and San Juan Capistrano.
TASK A4. UPDATE CITY’S SOLID WASTE AND RECYCLING ORDINANCE, C&D ORDINANCE AND MWELO, DEVELOP SB 1383-ALIGNED PURCHASING POLICY, AND ASSIST WITH CALRECYLE
PROCUREMENT TARGET
EcoNomics will assist the City with updating internal policies, procedures, and ordinances related to solid waste and recycling to ensure compliance with SB 1383 and other State legislation, including development of the City's first Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy.
Solid Waste and Recycling Ordinance.
EcoNomics and its subcontractor, The Law Office of Cerene St. John, have written SB 1383 compliant solid waste and recycling ordinances for the Cities of Napa, Rancho Mirage, Calabasas, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Newport Beach, and assisted staff with carrying through the ordinance approval process.
With the adoption of the City’s new agreement with Valley Vista Services utilizing a twostream collection method and VVS’ high diversion MRF, the City of San Marino’s current solid waste and recycling ordinance will need to be updated. In addition, the City’s current solid waste and recycling ordinance will need to be updated to be SB 1383 aligned.
EcoNomics will cross-check the City of San Marino’s current solid waste and recycling ordinance with CalRecycle’s Model Mandatory Organic Waste to ensure the City’s current ordinance meets the requirements of an SB 1383 compliant ordinance. EcoNomics and Ms.
St. John will also develop ordinance amendment language for review by City staff and the City Attorney that would bring the City’s solid waste and recycling ordinance in compliance with CalRecycle’s requirements and to be consistent with the new collection agreement.
As an example, Eric Vail identified that the Municipal Code currently has no provisions for self-haul of materials, with the exception of landscapers and recyclable materials that are donated or sold.
C&D Ordinance.
EcoNomics will review the City’s municipal code related to CALGreen to determine if an update to current CALGreen requirements is necessary. If an update to the municipal code is required related to CALGreen, EcoNomics will assist in drafting the municipal code language.
CALGreen requires nearly all building projects to divert 65% or more of C&D waste away from landfills. EcoNomics will review the City’s current processes and assist with enhancement of its current permitting and application processes to strengthen compliance EcoNomics, Inc. | Page 27
Proposal: Solid Waste and Recycling Consulting Services City of San Marino Request for Proposals
incentives and non-compliance disincentives to comply with CALGreen. EcoNomics can provide technical assistance to enhance existing processes to ensure higher levels of compliance with CALGreen. EcoNomics will assist the City with the following CALGreen implementation and compliance tasks on an as needed basis:
1. Develop an application that aligns with CALGreen requirements for completion by builders applying for permits for covered projects including an application fee
2. Development of an incentive system, such as a refundable compliance deposit or contingent project finalization, to ensure compliance with the 65% diversion requirement
3. Coordination with the building department to train staff on administration of CALGreen compliance requirements during permitting process
4. Review of waste reduction plans to assess feasibility on an ‘as needed’ basis
5. Review of disputed waste reduction plans to assess attainment of CALGreen diversion requirements and to verify if the recycling rate was achieved via review of weight tickets or facility audits
6. Assist City with the development of facility certification criteria and with the verification of criteria
7. Assist City with CalRecycle data requests regarding CALGreen
8. Analysis and aggregation of project data to determine overall compliance rate
9. Review and implementation of software programs to assist with CALGreen compliance tracking as applicable
10. Assist City with developing enclosure standards aligned with CALGreen and SB 1383 to ensure compliance with 3-stream requirements
11. Other tasks, as needed
Model Water Efficient Landscaping Ordinance (MWELO).
EcoNomics will review the City’s MWELO Ordinance and protocol and determine compliance status. If the Ordinance needs an amendment, EcoNomics will draft amendment language and assist with the amendment process. If it is determined that the MWELO protocols need revisions to align with SB 1383 standards, EcoNomics will work with applicable City staff to revise the protocols to align with SB 1383.
Environmentally Preferable Purchasing and Practices (EPPP) Policy.
SB 1383 requires the City to develop an Environmentally Preferable Purchasing and Practices (EPPP) Policy. EPPP is the procurement of goods and services that have less impact than competing products serving the same purpose. SB 1383 requires that jurisdictions consider environmentally preferable factors including goods that are repairable, durable, made with recycled content, and can be recycled again.
EcoNomics will assist with updating the City’s procurement policy to incorporate the requirements of SB 1383 into City-wide purchases, including recycled-content requirements for custodial paper products mandated by AB 661. This process also includes EcoNomics, Inc. | Page 28
Proposal: Solid Waste and Recycling Consulting Services City of San Marino Request for Proposals
assessing the City’s current paper procurement policy to determine if City is in compliance with 30% post-consumer content paper purchasing policy as well as assisting with implementation of an administrative policy and municipal code language to facilitate achievement of procurement requirements. A procurement tracking and reporting system will be developed to track the City’s purchasing in alignment with the EPPP.
Assist with City’s CalRecycle Procurement Target – Procurement of Recycled Organic Waste Products (ROWP).
Based on the City’s 2020 population of approximately 12,961, the City is required to purchase over 1,037 tons of compost per year starting in 2022 (or an equivalent amount of energy or fuel products derived from organic materials). AB 1985 required that the City procure 65% of its total procurement target, and in 2024, the City met its 65% goal by procuring 674 tons of compost/mulch. In 2025, EcoNomics assisted the City with third party procurement options, and the City completed the negotiation and agreement with Agromin to achieve its 100% procurement target.
The procurement provision of SB 1383 has proven to be challenging to jurisdictions throughout the State. To this end, AB 2346 has been adopted and will allow additional procurement actions to count towards the City’s goal, including edible food recovery, onsite chipping of tree trimmings by the City’s contractors, investments to increase organics processing infrastructure, and community composting. EcoNomics will continue to assist the City with interpretation of this law and identify pathways to implementing the requirements. We can also assist with assessing the feasibility of purchasing environmental attributes for electricity used by City Facilities to count towards the City’s procurement target via biomass credits. Additionally, EcoNomics will conduct the following actions to assist the City with SB 1383 procurement compliance on an as needed basis:
• Assist City with interpretation of SB 1383 ROWPs requirements • Conduct baseline inventory of current ROWPs purchased by the City and determine additional purchases needed to comply with annual procurement target • Analysis of City’s energy and gas use to determine ROWP credits from current energy usage
• Analysis of hauler RNG usage to determine eligibility to count towards City’s ROWP target
• Coordination with CalRecycle to ‘right-size’ procurement target if City cannot reasonably obtain ROWP target based on past procurement policies • Assist City in processing amendments to contracts for ‘direct-service providers’ to require the application of mulch or compost products or to use RNG • Assist in reporting procurement targets to CalRecycle • Assess feasibility and cost-efficacy of brokered option of purchasing compost for application outside of City limits
• Analysis of AB 2346 impacts on City’s procurement system EcoNomics, Inc. | Page 29
Proposal: Solid Waste and Recycling Consulting Services City of San Marino Request for Proposals
• Identify SB 1383-procurement credit-eligible source of electricity for use by City facilities
• Other procurement-related tasks, as needed
TASK B. PROVIDE TECHNICAL AND FIELD SUPPORT FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE
CITY'S SOLID WASTE AND RECYCLING AGREEMENT
EcoNomics shall provide support to the City as it relates to administering the City’s agreement with Valley Vista Services for the Collection, Transportation, Processing, and Diversion of Recyclable Materials, and Other Materials and for the Collection, Transportation, and Disposal of Municipal Solid Waste, including the following activities below.
EcoNomics assisted the City with the recent RFP process to align its solid waste and recycling contract with SB 1383 requirements. As such, EcoNomics has an in-depth understanding of the various contractual mechanisms contained in the agreement to direct the City’s contractor to expand diversion programs, provide reports, verify data, etc.
Further, EcoNomics is familiar with deliverables required by the agreement and the timing for services provided to the City by VVS. EcoNomics will use this experience to evaluate progress in implementing SB 1383 state-mandated diversion programs. The reporting requirements in the agreement will provide data on contamination and diversion program impacts that will be helpful in assessing the City’s compliance.
TASK B1. MAINTAIN A CHECKLIST OF ALL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS EcoNomics will maintain a checklist of all contract requirements and due dates contained in the contract. EcoNomics will support the City in at least monthly meetings with Valley Vista Services to review contract requirements and coordinate with VVS regarding public education items and materials, implementation and enhancement of SB 1383-compliant programs, and other issues that may arise.
Compliance with SB 1383 has increased the complexity of hauler agreements and requires frequent review of the document to identify deliverables. In other client cities, EcoNomics has developed a contractual deliverable tracking tool that provides an ‘at-a-glance’ reference of time-sensitive contractual and compliance obligations. This tool is useful in to developing monthly agenda items, providing a ‘heads-up’ to City staff and VVS staff of pending deliverables, and to track contractor compliance with the agreement. EcoNomics uses Monday.com, a cloud-based work operating system (Work OS) that acts as a project and work management platform for teams. It allows the Project Manager to manage tasks, projects, and workflows through customizable, visual boards and offers features for collaboration, automation, and reporting. While it excels at project management, it can also be used for other functions like CRM, task management, and marketing campaigns.
The software system also allows for easy access to Excel export abilities for a more traditional view of project management.
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Proposal: Solid Waste and Recycling Consulting Services City of San Marino Request for Proposals
Additionally, using VVS’s monthly reports and data exported from the City’s forthcoming CRM system (Terra Compliance), EcoNomics will monitor and track progress with AB 1826, AB 341, and SB 1383 compliance based on program participation, tonnage, and the number of new waste diversion programs implemented and VVS outreach efforts in relation to single-family residential, estate residential, and commercial generators. This tool will assess the implementation and participation pacing of these compliance programs and measure them against the requirements of the agreement. If selected, EcoNomics would continue to develop this tool to include CalRecycle reporting and compliance deliverables, incorporate additional contractual deliverables, and other key program implementation tracking items such as SB 1383 compliance requirements. EcoNomics will make this document available to both the City and the hauler via a cloud-based, file-sharing system.
The document will be updated within 30 days of receiving any deliverables.
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Proposal: Solid Waste and Recycling Consulting Services City of San Marino Request for Proposals
Figure 1.4.1: Example of Contract Compliance Tracking Document Used in the City of Anaheim
Figure 1.4.2: Example of Contract Dashboard Tracking Tool to Assess Progress of Hauler Towards Contract Deliverables
TASK B2. ASSIST IN IMPLEMENTATION OF RECYCLING PROGRAMS EcoNomics has extensive experience in implementing AB 939, AB 341, AB 1826, and SB 1383 recycling programs in jurisdictions in both Southern and Northern California. The agreement between the City and VVS is designed to require VVS to provide technical EcoNomics, Inc. | Page 32
Proposal: Solid Waste and Recycling Consulting Services City of San Marino Request for Proposals
assistance directly to generators to achieve compliance. EcoNomics assumes the City will require VVS to be the lead in coordinating with commercial and estate residential customers to implement state-mandated programs. However, at the City’s direction and/or as needed, EcoNomics will provide technical support for implementation of recycling programs to all sectors, i.e., commercial, single-family residential, and estate residential generators. In addition, as needed or directed by City, EcoNomics may accompany VVS staff to meetings with commercial, single-family residential and/or estate residential customers to provide public education and technical assistance for implementation of solid waste and recycling programs.
In addition, VVS is required to design recycling programs for the special events in San Marino. EcoNomics will assist with review of the VVS special event recycling programs and assist with recycling program implementation for special event as needed. EcoNomics will also assist with implementation of special recycling programs, as needed. This many include full design and implementation of the recycling program or finding a new vendor for a specific recyclable material. EcoNomics will provide review and oversight of the hauler’s recycling program implementation and will provide technical assistance for recycling program implementation to ensure that the City is achieving CalRecycle goals and requirements. There is limited technical assistance included in our proposed budget for this task as we assume VVS will take the lead in implementing diversion programs with commercial, estate residential, and single-family residential customers per contractual requirements.
TASK B3. REPORT REVIEW
Due to its involvement in the drafting of the City’s agreement with Valley Vista Services, EcoNomics is familiar with all of the reporting protocol requirements in the agreement and attachments, specifically Attachment K. VVS is required to submit monthly reports, quarterly reports and annual reports to the City as described in Attachment K. EcoNomics will review VVS’ submitted reports, identify areas of inquiry with the City, and review any issues at the monthly meetings in Task 4 with the City and VVS. This monthly format of meeting with the City’s hauler to review reports has proven worthwhile in maintaining accurate and timely reporting and program monitoring and oversight. If selected, EcoNomics looks forward to working with Heather Bragdon with VVS on the City’s reporting requirements.
For resolving commercial and estate residential account issues identified as a result of the report analysis, EcoNomics obtains the hauler’s updated raw data account listing which is contains key account service information needed to implement diversion programs.
Through desktop data analysis, EcoNomics can review the account listing to identify the City’s generators’ compliance statuses with AB 341, AB 1826, and SB 1383. The hauler submits the list to the City monthly, which can be analyzed to provide the City with realtime compliance updates.
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If the purchase of Terra Compliance SB 1383 software is approved by the City Council, EcoNomics will assist with ensuring all relevant hauler reporting data as well as all relevant EcoNomics data related to San Marino is uploaded into Terra Compliance.
TASK B4. PROVIDE OVERSIGHT OF WASTE AUDITS AND CONTAMINATION MONITORING Beginning in 2027, the City’s agreement requires VVS to conduct recurring waste characterizations (also known as waste audits) to assess the quantity and types of materials found in the different waste streams collected. Waste characterizations are designed to assess SB 1383 contamination levels of single-stream recycling and organics routes, identify additional diversion opportunities, and to assess the impact of the City’s or the hauler’s educational outreach efforts.
The City’s diversion tonnage is calculated from the results of the quarterly characterizations. In other cities, including Lake Forest, Tustin, Mission Viejo, and Laguna Niguel, EcoNomics has audited its client cities’ waste characterization studies to assess the degree in which the haulers characterization methodology complies with the methodology set forth in the contract. These audits of hauler waste characterizations have allowed EcoNomics to identify non-recyclable contaminants and trace them back to specific generators and different parts of the City in an effort to provide targeted educational outreach. Fieldwork may be needed to true up diversion tonnage when apparent program results do not seem to match reported diversion results. It is also likely that targeted “spot” audits will be required to resolve organics (restaurant) contamination issues.
EcoNomics is proposing to observe VVS conduct 1-3 waste characterizations per year for each year of the contract. EcoNomics is proposing to observe the two streams in waste characterizations for each sector on an annual basis as conducted by the hauler. The result of these observations will be a summary report back to the City confirming VVS is adhering to the protocols set forth in the agreement; a report on observed contaminants in the waste stream; and an analysis of the waste characterization results to compare them against the contamination caps set forth in SB 1383.
TASK B5. CONDUCT RATE INCREASE REVIEWS AND ASSIST WITH OTHER REQUESTS PURSUANT
TO THE AGREEMENT
As part of the RFP process, EcoNomics developed the rate adjustment methodology that will be used in future years to implement inflation-based escalations. To this end, EcoNomics is well positioned to conduct the analyses for each annual rate adjustment using the methodology developed as part of the agreement.
The following process is used to confirm the annual rate adjustment is calculated in accordance with the contractual methodology:
1. Query Bureau of Labor Statistics database to obtain the appropriate index information.
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2. Confirm landfill and processing cost component adjustments reflects actual changes in gate fees.
3. Utilize the base rates established by prior rate adjustment.
4. Utilize protocol contained in the contract to calculate the rate adjustment.
5. Perform QA/QC to confirm rounding protocols and calculations are correct.
6. Coordinate with the hauler to correct/resolve any departures from the methodology described in the agreement and its attachments
7. Assist with preparation of Prop 218 notifications, as needed EcoNomics has conducted numerous rate reviews for client cities including Rancho Mirage, Mission Viejo, Santa Ana, Lake Forest, Tustin, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, and San Juan Capistrano.
In addition, EcoNomics will assist the City in other requests pursuant to the City’s new agreement with VVS.
TASK B6. PERFORM CONTAINER AUDITS
Upon completion of the SB 1383 container roll-out, EcoNomics will audit the hauler’s containers to confirm that inventories in the field cross-check with those on hauler’s commercial and estate residential listings; to assess the condition of the hauler’s containers and note if graffiti is present; to confirm that contractually required markings are included on the bins; to assess the overall condition of the bins; to assess the prevalence of rust; to confirm lids are closed to prevent water pollution; to determine the working order of casters; and to assess overall aesthetics of the bins. Additionally, when in the field, EcoNomics will audit the containers on a spot-basis for program implementation and technical assistance.
TASK C. PROVIDE TECHNICAL RECYCLING ASSISTANCE TO COMMERCIAL, RESIDENTIAL,
AND MULTI-FAMILY PROPERTIES TO MAINTAIN AND DEVELOP RECYCLING PROGRAMS TASK C1. COMMERCIAL TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.
The City’s new two-stream system includes a black container for trash and recyclables and a green container for organic materials, i.e., yard trimmings and food scraps. All commercial customers in San Marino will be required to have a black container. However, many commercial customers will be eligible for an SB 1383 waiver as the business generates a de minimis amount of food waste and does not generate yard trimmings and/or it contracts with a landscaper who hauls away the yard trimmings.
Valley Vista Services is currently assisting commercial customers in San Marino with evaluating the commercial customers’ needs related to the type of service needed, the size of container(s) needed, and the frequency of service needed. Along with the service needs, VVS is providing public education to the customer regarding SB 1383 requirements.
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Proposal: Solid Waste and Recycling Consulting Services City of San Marino Request for Proposals
If selected, EcoNomics will work closely with both VVS and the City to ensure the commercial account programs are implemented according to the process outlined in the new contract. Particular attention will be paid to restaurants as these commercial customers will be required to have both a black container for trash/recycling and an organics container, while most other commercial customers will only need a black trash/recycling container. EcoNomics will create a tracker to monitor VVS’ progress and conduct at least monthly check-ins to determine status for accounts deemed fully implemented, EcoNomics will conduct quarterly commercial account site visits in 2026 to monitor progress and annually thereafter unless specific commercial account monitoring is required. These site visits will consist of: 1) ensuring all containers are present and adequate service is available to the business; 2) monitoring service levels and contamination in containers; 3) checking signage and updating as needed; 4) providing additional education and outreach to businesses; and 5) provide employee training, as needed.
If a business needs additional assistance, EcoNomics will work with VVS to provide services such as:
• Assist with black and green container selection and frequency of service • Provide a proposal to adjust service levels
• Order additional/modified service
• Provide education in the form of signage, brochures, meetings with the business owner and/or manager outreach, staff training, and other suitable activities • Assistance in identifying recyclable materials
• Develop training materials and train business employees on program implementation
• Follow up on contamination incidents
• Follow up on complaints
For the commercial accounts that are not yet “fully implemented”, EcoNomics will continue to work with VVS to ensure compliance. If any business refuses service and is referred to the City, EcoNomics will work with the City to issue a Notice of Violation and provide on the ground assistance to bring the account into compliance.
EcoNomics can provide direct technical assistance to SB 1383 generators to ensure program use and compliance. Continuous monitoring of accounts in the City will help to increase diversion and reduce contamination.
As the City’s commercial accounts become fully compliant with SB 1383 through implementation of the required programs, the focus will turn to increasing participation and reducing contamination in all sectors, which may also include enforcement as discussed above in Task A3. EcoNomics will continue to provide assistance to the commercial sector through public education and outreach concentrating this effort on increasing participation and reducing contamination, as well as provide technical EcoNomics, Inc. | Page 36
Proposal: Solid Waste and Recycling Consulting Services City of San Marino Request for Proposals
assistance to commercial accounts to achieve additional participation and reductions in contamination.
The data gathered from the waste characterizations will be used to strategize and determine the type of outreach, education and technical assistance is needed in order to address participation and contamination issues. If after commercial businesses receive additional outreach, education and technical assistance, there are still issues that warrant enforcement, EcoNomics will assist the City with the enforcement process as discussed in Task A3. This includes notification letters, which may ultimately result in fines.
In addition to providing technical assistance to specific businesses, EcoNomics will also provide technical recycling assistance to various groups as directed by the City.
If a multi-family property becomes operational within San Marino during the next three years, EcoNomics will provide the same technical assistance as described above.
TASK C2. RESIDENTIAL TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.
In the City’s new contract, Valley Vista Services provides single-family residential and estate residential customers with two stream waste and recycling collection services. VVS’ personnel provided and continue to provide outreach to residents on the recycling programs and special programs, as well as technical assistance as needed. VVS did a City Hall ‘residency’ at the start of the new contract in order to sign up customers and explain the new services, especially to residential customers. VVS continued outreach through various town hall meetings to explain the new two stream system and the new cart service levels.
To date, VVS has completed the estate residential outreach and service enrollment for the bundled two stream system in which most estate residential customers receive either a black or green bin and a black or green cart for the bundled service. The single-family residential sector is scheduled to receive the new carts in January.
EcoNomics will assist residents by providing additional outreach to residents through the Town Halls, social media, etc. In addition, EcoNomics will provide technical assistance to residents in relation to the recycling programs, container selection, and identifying recyclable materials, as needed.
EcoNomics will provide assistance to the residential sector through public education and outreach concentrating this effort on increasing participation and reducing contamination, as well as provide technical assistance to residents as needed to achieve additional participation and reductions in contamination. As the City is aware, although the assistance and public education and outreach provided to the single-family residential and estate residential sectors will be similar, there will also be differences. The assistance and messaging regarding ‘what goes where’ and contamination are similar, however the choices for service differ for the single-family and estate residential customers.
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The data from the waste characterizations will be used to strategize and determine the type of outreach, education and technical assistance is needed in order to address participation and contamination issues. If after residents receive additional outreach, education and technical assistance, there are still issues that warrant enforcement, EcoNomics will assist the City with the enforcement process as discussed in Section 1.3.
This includes notification letters, which may ultimately result in fines.
In addition to providing technical assistance to specific residential customers, EcoNomics will also provide technical recycling assistance to various groups as directed by the City.
TASK D. ATTEND PROGRESS MEETINGS AND PREPARE MONTHLY PROGRESS REPORTS EcoNomics will attend a monthly meeting with City staff to discuss the status of tasks in progress, issues encountered, etc. EcoNomics shall prepare a written summary of monthly tasks for submittal to accompany monthly invoices.
EcoNomics has historically held monthly progress meetings with the City. These meetings serve the following purposes: 1) address VVS specific issues and concerns; 2) review oversight of VVS’s commercial, single-family residential and estate residential programs, waste evaluations, etc.; 3) discuss status of additional SB 1383 requirements outside the scope of the agreement, including edible food recovery, procurement, record keeping, and CalReycle reporting. After each meeting, EcoNomics will send a progress update with deliverables and timelines.
EcoNomics recommends also continuing the progress meetings held with both the City and VVS. EcoNomics currently prepares and facilitates recurring hauler meetings with the City.
There are several levels of project status tracking required for this program. These meetings serve the following purposes: 1) establish the status of VVS’ transition within the City related to the single-family residential, estate residential and commercial sectors; 2) provide an update on the status of the truck ordering and delivery; 3) establish where the City is with respect to satisfying each of its overall SB 1383 program requirements; 4) provide a monthly tracking of individual numbers of businesses with commercial programs and SB 1383 compliance, and tonnage diverted; 5) provide an update on critical contract deliverables and the work effort completed and in progress; and 6) provide a running month-to-month report that allows all the information to be understood and be seen in relationship to the City’s overall compliance.
EcoNomics runs efficient meetings with clear objectives that hold all parties involved accountable. Before a meeting, EcoNomics provides all attendees with an agenda to allow for adequate time to prepare for all agenda items.
TASK E. OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED
EcoNomics will perform other duties as assigned by the City to support the successful implementation and administration of solid waste and recycling programs, compliance with EcoNomics, Inc. | Page 38
Proposal: Solid Waste and Recycling Consulting Services City of San Marino Request for Proposals
State legislation, and administration of the City’s agreement with Valley Vista Services.
Such duties may include:
Update Attachments B and N to the City’s Agreement with Valley Vista Services.
EcoNomics prepared the City’s new SB 1383-aligned contract for the City’s Request for Proposals for Solid Waste and Recycling Services. The City received four proposals in response to its RFP. In order for the contract to fulfill the requirements of SB 1383, the contract included a three-stream collection system. The City received a proposal from Valley Vista Services which included a two-stream collection system as Valley Vista’s Optimal Collection System. For most jurisdictions, CalRecycle requires a three-stream collection system for SB 1383, however a jurisdiction may implement a two-stream collection system if the collected materials are brought to a CalRecycle designated High Diversion Organic Waste Processing Facility (HDOWPF). The City Council approved a twostream collection system with all collected materials from San Marino being transported to Valley Vista’s Grand Central Recycling and Transfer Station, a CalRecycle designated HDOWPF, for processing.
EcoNomics drafted Attachments B and N when drafting the contract. When drafting the contract and issuing the RFP, it was not envisioned that a proposal would be received and approved for two-stream collection and processing. Therefore, Attachment B (Scope of Work), Attachment N (Characterizations of Divertible Materials and MSW) and other attachments to the contract need to be updated to include a two-stream collection system.
The City amended EcoNomics’ consulting contract in June of 2025 to extend the term through December 2025. This amendment also updated EcoNomics’ scope of work to include the update to Attachments B and N. However, between June and November 2025, EcoNomics prioritized completing the tasks that had deadlines, including the preparation of the annotated agenda and attendance at the City’s CalRecycle annual conference call, update of the City’s Implementation Record in preparation for the City’s CalRecycle annual conference call, assistance with the transition to the new hauler and the new contract, and the City’s Proposition 218 process. The City’s Proposition 218 process was a much more involved and intensive process than originally envisioned, and therefore the task for the Proposition 218 process took more staff time and budget than anticipated. For all the above reasons, the effort, and associated budget, to update Attachments B and N were deferred in order to prioritize accomplishing tasks that had pressing deadlines.
As part of this task, if selected, EcoNomics will update Attachments B and N to include the parameters and requirements for Valley Vista’s implementation of a two-stream collection system in San Marino through the use of the City-directed change in scope provisions in the agreement.
CalRecycle JACE Compliance Review.
CalRecycle has indicated that all jurisdictions will receive a JACE (Jurisdiction and Agency Compliance and Enforcement) review by December 31, 2026. As of November 14, 2025, JACE's compliance review has not yet been scheduled for the City of San Marino.
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Proposal: Solid Waste and Recycling Consulting Services City of San Marino Request for Proposals
EcoNomics estimates full assistance with the CalRecycle JACE compliance review will cost approximately $40,000 and last approximately six months. This amount has been allocated across the Years 1 and 2 budgets. The proposed budget for JACE Compliance Review assistance assumes full-service assistance with the compliance review in Years 1 and 2.
We have allocated approximately $20,000 of budget in this task during the first contract year assuming the City is selected by JACE for a compliance review between December 2025 and June 2026. With a larger initial budget of $150,000 over a shorter period (December 2025 – June 2026) in Year 1, we are confident that we will have adequate budget to assist the City with the initial half of the tasks associated with the JACE compliance review in addition to the other tasks requested by the City in the RFP. However, to stay within the budget of $75,000 in Year 2 while also providing the level of support requested by the City in the RFP, we have allocated the remaining half of the budget for the JACE compliance review ($20,000) as an optional task the City may activate, as needed.
As noted, EcoNomics is open to exploring ways to mitigate costs by using hauler team members wherever applicable.
The following steps will be taken by EcoNomics for the JACE Compliance Review:
1. Coordinate and Attend Pre-Meetings and Field Site Visit. Prepare for and attend preparation meetings with City and hauler. Prepare for and attend initial meetings with JACE. Assist in preparation and coordination with City and hauler to provide field site visit information for CalRecycle (i.e., routing information, commercial edible food generators listing, City facilities). Communicate with CalRecycle in preparation for visit.
2. Shadow JACE during field site visits to document any areas of non-compliance found for City to address.
3. Prepare Written Responses. Prepare response to JACE letter and other written communications to CalRecycle before the compliance review.
4. Coordinate Debrief and Next Steps. Compile field site visit notes of non-compliance for City follow-up and outline plan(s) to achieve compliance in areas noted during JACE field site visit.
5. Respond to Preliminary Findings Report and Notice of Violation (If Applicable).
Review CalRecycle preliminary findings report to City. Prepare for and meet with City to review report and outline next steps. Draft response to preliminary findings report including compliance solutions and timelines. Coordinate and meet with City and hauler to address any areas of non-compliance and determine communications for resolving any issues. Assist City in preparing Compliance Strategy Report in response to issuance of Notice of Violation (if applicable).
OPTIONAL TASK - SB 54 Compliance.
EcoNomics is prepared to support the City in navigating new recycling-related legislation, including Senate Bill (SB) 54—the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act. This landmark legislation establishes minimum recycled content EcoNomics, Inc. | Page 40
Proposal: Solid Waste and Recycling Consulting Services City of San Marino Request for Proposals
requirements for single-use packaging and plastic food service ware, to be implemented through an extended producer responsibility (EPR) framework. EcoNomics can assist the City in evaluating how SB 54 may impact the City’s hauler agreement and recycling programs and help identify mechanisms—either through existing terms or amended agreements—to ensure compliance while protecting ratepayers. Our team can also collect and analyze data to inform the City’s understanding of program implications under SB 54.
Assistance with SB 54 compliance may include but is not limited to, some items included below are not included in the enclosed budget. Upon City request, if the City wishes to engage EcoNomics in this capacity, we can submit a separate proposal. • Tracking of progress on this legislation and regular updates to City staff on progress and or updates as needed
• Tracking of funding provided by Producers
• Recommendations to amend the agreements to allow for SB 54 compliance as applicable
• Development of language to educate the public on the significance and implications of this legislation
• Draft ordinances to improve jurisdictional compliance • Deliverables could include fact sheets, regulatory reviews, council briefings and regular review of jurisdictional compliance
OPTIONAL TASK - SB 1383 Training and Two Stream System.
EcoNomics can assist the City in developing training films for single-family residential, estate residential and/or commercial customers to describe SB 1383 requirements and depict the City’s new two stream system with Valley Vista Services. The video would be similar to the Rancho Mirage video; however, it would include the two-stream system. The task would include filming San Marino-specific shots and content. With the use of the new footage and existing City footage, EcoNomics staff as well as a third-party videographer, the following tasks would be completed to create the training films:
1. Develop organics recycling training video with San Marino-specific content. a. Identify key concepts to highlight, including acceptable materials and nonacceptable materials, how to use kitchen pails, how to use external receptacles for single-family residential, estate residential and commercial customers, how to manage odors, how to line the internal receptacles, how to roll the container out to the curb or place in external receptacles, what happens to the materials after collection, the sustainability benefits of the program, state and local requirements mandating the program, who to call if you need a different sized container or a new kitchen pail, and where to go for more information. b. Develop script to include key concepts described above.
2. Produce video
a. Film at multiple locations, including a residential kitchen setting, a single-family residential area showing the City’s new carts and trucks, an estate residential EcoNomics, Inc. | Page 41
Proposal: Solid Waste and Recycling Consulting Services City of San Marino Request for Proposals
area showing the bundled bin and cart, and a commercial enclosure showing trash/recycling and organics dumpsters.
b. Provide actor(s) to narrate and to provide voice-over for film. c. Include collection of ‘B-roll’ footage of the community and of collection vehicles servicing containers.
3. Edit video
a. Includes 5 days of editing each video to develop consistent and seamless production, to incorporate voice-over and B-roll footage, and to develop graphics to aid in the conveyance of key concepts.
4. Edit Social Media clips from the final video product a. Edit (3) 15-30 second social media video clips to post on the City’s social media and website.
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Proposal: Solid Waste and Recycling Consulting Services City of San Marino Request for Proposals
SECTION 2: FINANCIAL INFORMATION
SECTION 2.1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
As an established consultancy with over 50 years of operations, EcoNomics is in sound financial condition and has no conditions such as bankruptcy, litigation, office closures, mergers to report that may impede our ability to provide the services outlined in the City’s scope of work. EcoNomics is prepared to make financial statements, and/or bank references, available upon request by the City.
SECTION 2.2. PRIOR LITIGATION / CLAIMS
There has been no litigation or adverse judgment against EcoNomics, Inc. in the past 5 years (or ever). EcoNomics, nor any of its’ team members, has not failed to complete any work awarded in the past 5 years (or ever).
SECTION 2.3. LETTER FROM INSURANCE BROKER
EcoNomics’ letter from its insurance broker was uploaded into the City’s OpenGov portal.
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Proposal: Solid Waste and Recycling Consulting Services City of San Marino Request for Proposals
SECTION 3: RESPONSE FORMS
SECTION 3.1. ACCEPTANCE OF FORM OF PSA
In submitting this proposal to the City of San Marino, EcoNomics hereby agrees to sign Professional Services Agreement substantially similar to the form of Professional Services Agreement attached to the RFP and does not have any modifications. We have also accepted the PSA using the online OpenGov form.
SECTION 3.2. PROPOSAL AUTHORIZATION
EcoNomics confirms the following (we have also accepted the following using the online OpenGov form):
The Respondent is a Respondent to the Request for Qualifications / Request for Proposals of City for Solid Waste and Recycling Consulting Services (“RFQ/RFP”) and possesses the legal authority to submit this Proposal.
The Respondent is authorized to conduct all negotiations for and legally bind the respondent in all matters relating to this proposal submittal.
The Respondent has reviewed, understands, is able to comply with and agrees to be bound by the General Conditions Governing this RFP.
The Respondent grants City a right to conduct reference checks and reasonable investigation of all information provided by Respondent.
The Respondent certifies that this Proposal is irrevocable until 120 days after its submission date.
Respondent confirms that they have read and can satisfy all insurance requirements specified in this RFQ/RFP.
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Proposal: Solid Waste and Recycling Consulting Services City of San Marino Request for Proposals
SECTION 4: DISCRETIONARY SUPPLEMENTAL
MATERIALS
4.1. EXPLANATION OF RELEVANCY OF DISCRETIONARY
SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS
EcoNomics is not submitting any discretionary supplementary material with this proposal.
4.2. DISCRETIONARY MATERIALS
N/A
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SECTION 5: PRICING PROPOSAL
Per the RFP instructions, the Pricing Proposal has been uploaded to the City’s OpenGov platform as a separate file.