Public Works Agency
www.santa-ana.org/pw
Item # 14
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Staff Report
April 21, 2026
TOPIC: Agreement with Discovery Science Center of Orange County for Solid Waste Public Education Services
AGENDA TITLE
Agreement with Discovery Science Center of Orange County for Solid Waste Public Education Services (Non-General Fund)
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Discovery Science Center of Orange County for public education services for the term beginning April 21, 2026 and expiring October 31, 2026, with no extensions, in an amount not to exceed $135,000 (Agreement No. A-2026-XXX).
GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES: Yes
DISCUSSION
Assembly Bill 939 (AB 939) and Senate Bill 1383 (SB 1383) mandate waste diversion from landfills and require jurisdictions to implement recycling programs that include a robust public education component. The City of Santa Ana maintains compliance with these state requirements through a combination of diversion programs, recycling initiatives, and ongoing public education efforts, including a contract with the Discovery Science Center of Orange County (DSCOC).
Since 2013, the City has contracted with DSCOC to deliver waste reduction and recycling education through its award-winning Eco Challenge exhibits, including Race to Recycle, Eco Garage, Discovery Market, and the Organic Waste Lab. These exhibits provide interactive, hands-on learning experiences designed to promote behavioral change across all age groups through educational content, stage presentations, and demonstrations.
As part of this contract service, DSCOC also administers a targeted program for Santa Ana residents known as “Santa Ana Waste Free Days.” Through this program, Santa Ana residents receive free admission to the Discovery Cube to participate in customized educational programming focused on recycling, organics diversion, and proper waste disposal practices. While residents do not pay an admission fee to attend these events,
Agreement with Discovery Science Center of Orange County for Solid Waste Public Education Services
April 21, 2026
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the City fully funds the cost of participation as part of its compliance with state- mandated public education and outreach requirements. This arrangement ensures equitable access to high-quality environmental education while supporting the City’s obligation to report annually on school and community education efforts under AB 939 and SB 1383.
The City’s previous agreement with DSCOC operated under a year-round programming model with an annual contract amount of $135,000, totaling $675,000 over a five-year term. During that same period, program participation has increased significantly in recent years. Attendance grew from 3,715 residents in 2022 to 5,380 in 2023, peaking at 8,523 in 2024, with 7,954 participants in 2025. The program now serves approximately 8,000 residents annually, with peak participation occurring between June and August, representing roughly 4,500 attendees.
In response to increased demand, DSCOC initially proposed a revised 2026 agreement with a full-year program and an annual budget of $180,000. However, staff recommends maintaining the existing annual budget of $135,000. To maximize program effectiveness within this funding level, staff proposes transitioning from a year-round model to a seasonal program focused on peak participation months. The proposed 2026 agreement will concentrate programming and resident free days from May through October, when resident engagement is highest.
The agreement is structured to expire in October 2026, aligning with the proposed seasonal programming period and allowing the City flexibility to assess future program delivery options. This includes the potential development of in-house environmental education programming, such as recycling and organics diversion initiatives at the Santa Ana Zoo.
While the City continues to evaluate long-term strategies to meet evolving state education requirements, DSCOC remains an effective service provider. As a recognized leader in science and environmental education, DSCOC provides an established and effective platform to enhance community awareness and support regulatory compliance.
The proposed agreement establishes a service target of 7,000 residents during the 2026 term. The updated program structure includes refined educational elements, enhanced outreach and marketing efforts, and continued alignment with the City’s environmental compliance objectives.
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the agreement with DSCOC to continue providing high-quality environmental education programming to Santa Ana residents at no direct cost to participants, while ensuring the City remains in compliance with AB 939 and SB 1383.
Agreement with Discovery Science Center of Orange County for Solid Waste Public Education Services
April 21, 2026
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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
There is no environmental impact associated with this action.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funding is available in the current FY 2025-26 budget and funding for subsequent fiscal years will be included in the proposed budgets for City Council consideration.
Fiscal
Year
Accounting
Unit-Account #
Fund
Description
Accounting Unit,
Account
Description
Amount
2025-26
06917640-
62300
Refuse
Collection
Service
Refuse Collection
Service, Contract
Services
Professional
$67,500
2026-27
06917640-
62300
Refuse
Collection
Service
Refuse Collection
Service, Contract
Services
Professional
$67,500
Total: $135,000
EXHIBIT(S)
1. Agreement with Discovery Science Center of Orange County Submitted By: Rodolfo Rosas, P.E., Acting Executive Director – Public Works Agency Approved By: Alvaro Nuñez, City Manager