HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 05151990 - S.4 TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
FROM: Sunne Wright McPeak ContraCosta octa
DATE: May 8, 1990 County
SUBJECT: Request USAir to. Recycle Throughout Their Flight System
SPECIFIC REQUEST(S) OR RECOMMENDATION(S) & BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
RECOMMENDATION
Support the attached letter addressed to USAir from Supervisor
Sunne Wright McPeak requesting that it institute, a recycling
program for at least aluminum cans and plastic products; direct the
Public Works Department and Airports Manager to negotiate with
USAir to institute the recycling practice as a requirement for
providing service to Buchanan Field Airport; and, based on our
experience with USAir, request other airlines to also institute
recycling.
BACKGROUND
Please see the attached letter which . outlines .the background for
this request.
CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: YES SIGNATURE:
RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE
APPROVE OTHER
SIGNATURE(S)
ACTION OF BOARD ON May 1 S , 1990 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED X OTHER X
The Board approved the above recommendation.-, in addition to negotiating
with. USAir and 'other airlines , directed that a copy of this request be forwarded
"t.o,, AMTRAK.
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS
X UNANIMOUS (ABSENT ) I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE
AYES: NOES: AND CORRECT COPY OF AN;ACTION TAKEN
ABSENT: ABSTAIN: AND ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD
OF SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN.
CC: Community Development Recycling ATTESTED _-
County Administrator z ..Phil Bata elor, Clea, of-the Board o -- _---
General Services Supervisors and County Administrator i
Public Works Director
Manager of Airports
M382/7-83 BY DEPUTY
SUNKE WRIGHT McPEAK Board of Supervisors
Supervisor, District Four Contra
2301 Stanwell Drive Costa
Concord, California 94520 County(415) 646-5763
May 2, 1990
Ms . Deborah Thompson, Director
USAir Consumer Affairs
P. O. Box 1501-
Winston-Salem,
501Winston-Salem, NC 27.102-1501
Dear Ms . Thompson:
The purpose of this letter is to request that USAir institute a
program of recycling aluminum cans and plastic products used in
your passenger beverage and food services .
I often fly USAir and observe the incredible volume of aluminum
and plastic goods ( including cans, cups , snack boxes, utensils,
etc. ) that are used and thrown away without recycling. When I have
discussed this problem with flight attendants, I. generally find a
very responsive attitude and a willingness to assist in
implementing a recycling program. Many flight attendants have
suggested back to me that it would be relatively easy to simply
collect the aluminum and' plastic products each in separate,
specially-designated bags and then collect all other garbage.
Two of your flight attendants in particular, Jonathan Middleton and
Joe Marko, were very enthusiastic and helpful in discussing the
issue. They tell me that approximately 60 million aluminum cans
are used in the USAir system each year. A recycling program for
USAir would make a significant difference.
Although the actual details of implementing a recycling program
should be developed in cooperation with your employees, there is
a real need for management leadership.
Can you imagine the positive impact 'on the public and your
passengers by USAir taking this bold initiative to recycle? Your
practice would be a positive reinforcement for all passengers .who
now recycle in their own homes and businesses, and it would be an
effective educational and awareness campaign to encourage recycling
for. those passengers who have not yet adopted this behavior.
Ms. Deborah Thompson, Director
USAir Consumer Affairs
May 2, 1990
Page 2
USAir currently has scheduled service in Contra Costa County at
Buchanan Field Airport. At this airport, some of your employees
have voluntarily started recycling some airplane garbage on the
ground. Jim Woodworth and his staff here in Contra Costa are to
be commended. However, it would be easier for your ground crews
to assist with responsible solid waste , management if your flight
crews had the proper support and equipment to collect recyclables
during flights .
Please know that I will pursue the requirement for recycling on all
USAir flights into Contra Costa County when the Board of
Supervisors considers renewal of your contract. We have adopted
a very aggressive recycling program in our county, and we want to
work with all businesses to comply with our requirements 'since 60
percent of the solid waste stream in Contra Costa is generated by
business and industry.
I will also suggest that the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors
request all airlines to institute aluminum and plastic recycling.
Although USAir is the only air carrier providing service into
Contra Costa, I realize that your industry is very competitive and
that it would be best if all airline companies recycle. However,
until recycling becomes an 'industry-wide practice, I hope USAir
will set the 'standard by becoming the leader in airline recycling.
Sincerely,
Sunne Wright McPeak
SWM:ksm
cc: Lawrence Pickett,
Assistant Vice President - Corporate Communication
James Woodworth, USAir Manager, Buchanan Field Airport
Susan Bianchi-Sand, President, Airline Flight Attendants