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San Joaquin County Green
in Practice - Be Green San Joaquin!
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| San Joaquin County as a whole is making changes in every Division
and Department to follow through on our commitment to sustainability, conserving
resources and "being green." As the leader for the County when it comes to
recycling, reducing and diverting waste, San Joaquin County Solid Waste has
encouraged new ideas at every level of the Solid Waste organization. We have
managed several pilot programs and empowered individuals at the operations level to try new
ideas to meet the goals
of saving money, conserving resources and lowering our environmental impact at County Facilities.
Below are some examples illustrating how Solid Waste and other San Joaquin County
Departments and Divisions are making an impact and going green. |
San Joaquin County Landfill Gas to Energy Program |
 After
a public bidding process San Joaquin County Public Works Solid Waste Division
and Ameresco Inc. have entered into
negotiations to construct a landfill gas (LFG) to energy facility at the
Foothill Sanitary Landfill. Based on
the amount of methane available at this site to generate electricity, two
generators with a combined capacity of 4.3 MW are being proposed. In this
public-private partnership, San Joaquin County will share in the revenues
created through the sale of the electricity produced. Prior to this
project, the methane produced at this site was being burned off through the use
of a flare. Methane has been targeted as a greenhouse gas that has more of
an impact on the environment than carbon dioxide.
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Sheep & Goat Grazing Program |
 San
Joaquin Count Solid Waste Facilities have replaced our two-legged landscapers with the four-legged variety.
Currently sheep and goat herds are being used to "mow" open areas around the
recycling facilities and covered landfill areas. These animals harvest the
plants just above ground level. This keeps the plants alive, strengthens
the root system, reduces fire hazards and eliminates the need for
fertilizers or pesticides. By utilizing these animals the way nature
intended and not using gas powered equipment and blowers, resources are
conserved, waste to the landfill is reduced and air quality is improved. |
Asphalt Road Patch Pilot |
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Valley Asphalt's business model involved collecting asphalt shingles from businesses and the public and grinding this material up to make road base and asphalt patch. The County tested this material at several locations with different road repair needs. For some repairs, the product worked perfectly, for others the blend needed to be slightly modified for optimal results. Unfortunately Valley Asphalt closed its doors due to unforeseen circumstances. San Joaquin County is still exploring new ideas to reuse and recycle asphalt shingle material. |
San Joaquin County ReBicycle Project |
 Department of Public Works, Solid Waste Recovery Supervisors Manuel Chaves and Roy Constantino saw that many discarded bicycles headed for the recycler could still be used. They recognized the benefit to the community and the environment of refurbishing them for underprivileged youth and adults. Management Analyst Elisa Moberly coordinated outreach and distribution through local non-profits and charities.
A partnership formed with local clean air agencies assists with marketing and seeks funding for parts. Partners include Frank Ferral and Dylan Bacon of the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce, Yvette Davis of the Council of Government’s Commute Connection, Anthony Presto of the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, and Mary Ann Piana Chapman of Buethe Communications, representing Valley CAN (Clean Air Now). Robby’s Bicycles of Stockton has provided parts at cost. Recipients for December 2011 included HOPE, a gang prevention and intervention non-profit in Stockton, Tracy Interfaith, Tracy’s A Better Christmas, the Lodi Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the Home Church of Stockton. Following the successful distribution of 69 bicycles, future annual distributions have been planned for May with Bike to Work Week and the start of summer vacation, August for back to school, and December for the holidays.
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San Joaquin County Pilot to Manage Landfill Erosion Using Recycled Organics |
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Tire Scraper Project - Reuse at Lovelace MRF Saves $$ |
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Some of the heavy equipment used to move material
on the tipping floor at County facilities requires protective pads to act as a buffer
between the floor and the equipment, extending the life of each.
These expensive metal pads need to be replaced approximately every six weeks,
costing the County over $3,000 for each occurrence. The prototype pads worked well and are being used at the facility today. While there are some costs associated with making these pads on site, San Joaquin County is experiencing a cost savings of over $30,000 per year and is diverting waste by utilizing this program. |
San Joaquin County Green Purchasing Policy |
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Conserve natural
resources, preserve air, soil, and water quality. |
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Click here to see the Green Purchasing Policy. |
San Joaquin County Green Committee |
 San Joaquin County Green is a program that was
developed under the direction of the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors. San Joaquin County's
Purchasing and Support Services was named the lead for this important
program.
As part of the County Green Program/Policy, a County Environmental Preferable
Purchasing Committee or the "Green Committee" was created, comprised of
representatives of multiple County departments, area chambers of commerce, local
colleges and community based organizations.
This Committee helps to communicate policy requirements and established
procedures, identify environmentally preferable products and services, and
provide information for employee awareness on environmentally preferable
procurement. The program reports to the Board of Supervisors annually on the
status of policy implementation and the environmental purchasing accomplishments
of departments and agencies. |
| Visit the website at http://www.sjgov.org/green/ |
San Joaquin County Department
of Public Works
Solid Waste Division
Last updated 05/26/2011
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