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Materials Control Helps Glendale Get Green

With "sustainability" being the buzz word du jour, it’s not surprising that green practices have become high priority for private and public sector alike. For a couple of years now, the Materials Control staff has sought better business practices that are doubly savvy because they help the environment and save the city and taxpayers money.

“The Materials Control staff continuously look for ways to save the taxpayers’ money in ways big and small,” said Budget Director Sherry Schurhammer. “These things highlight how their efforts have benefitted the city as well as the environment. The warehouse staff deserves kudos for their work on behalf of the taxpayers and the environment.”

In conjunction with Environmental Resources, Field Operations and Utilities, the Materials Control staff began a recycling program for aerosol cans (spray paint, lubricants, graffiti remover, etc). Prior to that time they were collecting all aerosol cans, with residual contents inside, putting the cans in a 55-gallon drum and sending them for disposal as hazardous waste.

With the new process, they drain the cans into a collection drum and only the residue is sent out for disposal – resulting in savings for the city. The empty cans are then sent to the MRF for recycling, which results in revenue for the city and helps the environment. Currently, the city is recycling about 4,000 aerosol cans annually. Another, newer environmentally friendly process implemented relates to the city’s vending machines. The contract for vending services was renewed last year, and one of the conditions of the contract was that all vending machines, located in various city facilities, had to be “Energy Star” or equivalent and considered green by the environmental standards. This is good for the
environment and also saves the city money on electricity.

In addition, for more than a decade Materials Control has recycled iron, brass, aluminum, copper and scrap steel. This process is sent out for bid and the funds the city receives is based on current market value. These items can be anything from old water meters, fire hydrants, metal desks or chairs, to automotive parts or knocked down light poles. Last fiscal year, the city received $36,642 in recycled metals revenue, thereby saving valuable space in the landfill.

Finally, this past year the warehouse opened a City Store. This store, located at the warehouse, allows any and all departments to donate surplus items or things that are no longer necessary, to
the store. Police property that has been processed, not claimed and released may be donated to the store. All of these items are available to be given to any department for their use. This allows many city departments to save money by getting furniture, supplies, etc. from the City Store, rather than purchasing new.