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Home My WebLink About2026-01-21 “ToPromoteEfficiency,Conservation,andEnvironmentallySustainablePracticesintheCityofLivonia” Greenleaf Commission on Sustainability January 2026 Meeting Agenda Meeting Date th Wednesday – January 21, 2026 (Rescheduled from January 14date due to inclement weather) Meeting Time 7:00 pm –8:30 pm Meeting Location Livonia Department of Public Works West Conference Room 12973 Farmington Road Livonia, Michigan 48150 Agenda November 12, 2025 Meeting Minutes Approval 2026 Greenleaf Award Discussion Initiative Teams – Report Outs o EV Infrastructure o Green Infrastructure o Recycling & Solid Waste Policies o Tree Ordinance/Tree Replacement New Business Public Comments Adjourn 6 , 202 January 14 Meeting “To Promote Efficiency, Conservation, and Environmentally Sustainable Practices in the City of Livonia”January 2026 2 Approval – Report Out – EV Infrastructure Green InfrastructureRecycling & Solid Waste PoliciesTree Ordinance/Tree Replacement •••• November 12, 2026 Meeting Minutes 2026 Greenleaf Award Discussion Initiative Teams New BusinessPublic CommentsAdjourn Agenda •••••• 3 , 2025 Approval Meeting Minutes November 12 4 toxic, - free alternative called - and polyfluoroalkyl - The Livonia Fire Department has discontinued the use of firefighting foam containing PFAS (persubstances). The department switched to a nonPFASMicro Blaze. 2026 Greenleaf Award NomineeLivonia Fire Department 5 use plastic straws and - Students and families create art from waste, The team successfully eliminated single Hayes Elementary in Livonia, Michigan, has a successful "Green Team" led by an art teacher. Their upcycling projects and campaigns have earned several awards including the Detroit Zoo GreenPrize. Hayes Elementary was recognition as a U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School.Projects:with examples including a sea turtle made of plastic and a faucet "raining" plastic.Impact:polystyrene trays in the school district, replacing them with compostable alternatives. 2026 Greenleaf Award NomineeLivonia Hayes Elementary Green Team ” Operations are Powered on 100% – in the Interest of Climate Protection Europe Renewable EnergyGoal: 100% Climate Neutral from 2030 Company Focuses on “Continuous Work Sustainable Supply Chain ManagementRelocated Local Headquarters from Northville to Livonia $1.5 Million Investment in Autonomous Livonia Headquarters Building is Silver LEEDLivonia Chamber of Commerce (Trustee) Auto Industry in Livonia Certified Member Globally••••Livonia ••••• Business & Finance Press Headquarters Silver LEED Certification Infineon Technologies Infineon Technologies 7 EV Team Infrastructure 8 amp charger) - (4 Charging Stations, 8 Connections) (2 Charging Stations, 4 Connections) (two sites for EV Charging Stations) of Public Works Changes Pending Site Selections Equipment is now "EV Passport Charger" (40Livonia Community Rec Center Fox Creek Golf Course Bicentennial Park Eddie Edgar Ice ArenaDevonaire Ice Arena Greenmead Historical ParkRotary Park Livonia DepartmentIdyl Wyld Golf Course DTE is requested copies of the deeds of each of these properties to show that the city is in ownership of them. •••••••••••• ContractSites Currently Under Evaluation (2):Total Sites Under Evaluation or to Be Evaluated for EV Charging Stations (7)Next Steps Deeds sent to DTE on June 30, 2025 Charge EV LLCEV Charging Station Status 9 Point of Contact for DTE Process and Installation Process All Documents Uploaded to DTE Call to be Scheduled with Greg Crnkovich/State Electric Company and Terry Cullum the week of January 10, 2026 Dillon Johnson not Involved in DTE ProcessChandler Ford (Former Project Manager)Greg Crnkovich (New Project Manager) ••• Charge EV LLCEV Charging Station Status 10 Team Green Infrastructure 11 Greenleaf Native Plant Sale Katie Mullett Contacted Wilson Barn GroupLocking in 2026 Event Arrangements 2026 •• 12 Active in Plymouth, MI – Plymouth Pollinators Profit Organization - Plymouth Pollinators Bob Hauser/Wild Ones Wayne County Coordinating Meeting with Plymouth Pollinators are a NonGoal: Increase Pollinator Habitat in Communities Plymouth Pollinators Willing to Arrange Meeting with Greenleaf Commission Involvement is City of Plymouth Projects Obtaining Project Funding Meeting Date: 2026 TBD ••••••• Plymouth Pollinators MeetingCurrent Status 13 Greenleaf Commission requested a status update DPW would reach out to the Law Department –– Greenleaf Commission requested that Native Plant Recommendations were forwarded by the DPW for – – recommendations be forwarded to the Administration“review and consideration” to verify if they had reviewed the recommendations May 21, 2025June 3, 2025August 12, 2025August 13, 2025 on the Native Plant recommendations Native Plant Ordinance RecommendationsCurrent Status •••• 14 Team Recycling & Solid Waste January 14, 2026 “To Promote Efficiency, Conservation, and Environmentally Sustainable Practices in the City of Livonia”Livonia Recycling Education Status/Opportunities 16 6,210.13 2020 35,879.03 4,688.90 2021 35,221.20 5,269.00 2022 33,126.00 Recycle (Tons) 5,578.40 2023 31,692.90 Trash (Tons) 6,071.00 2024 35,052.00 6,559.79 2025 33,300.70 2020 0 - 5,000 40,00035,00030,00025,00020,00015,00010,000 Tons Trash & Recycling Collections2025 17 — 34%25%25%16% Successfully Recycled Successfully Recycled Never Captured for Recycling Never Captured for Recycling Although 75% of U.S. waste is recyclable, only 34% is recycledwhile the rest is lost to contamination, disposal as trash, or missed opportunities. Missed Recycling Opportunities Missed Recycling Opportunities Materials collected Correctly and processedInto new products Recycled Materials PlacedIn Trash or Lost due to LackOf Awareness, Access, or Convenience Contaminated in Recycling CartsContaminated in Recycling Carts Items Place in Recycling Cart Incorrectly. RejectedAt Sorting Facility Materials Disposed of Directlyas Trash and send to Landfillsor Incineration Where Potentially Recyclable Materials Go (EPA) 18 Michigan 2024 Recycling Rate 130 Detroit Free Press Article 143 Materials Recycled per Person (2024)Michigan Resident v Livonia Resident 61 19 108 110 120 128 130 141 143 182 208 491 0 600500400300200100 Materials Recycled per Person (Pounds)Community Comparison (2024 Data) 20 Contamination Increases Costs to City of Livonia and Livonia Residents Clear, Dynamic Recycling Education Improves Diversion and Lowers Municipal Costs 25% of Collected Recyclables are Contaminated Contamination Increases Safety Risks to People Sorting Why Recycling Education Matters 21 Term Behavior Change - Long Key Components – On Interactive Education - 1. Clear, Consistent Messaging 2. Local Relevance3. Multiple Outreach Channels 4. Focus on "Why", Not Just "What"5. Contamination Prevention Emphasis6. Hands7. Equity and Accessibility 8. Trusted Partnerships9. Feedback and Responsiveness 10. Measurement and Continuous Improvement Community Recycling Education Programs Key Components Community Recycling Programs An Outstanding Community Recycling Education Program Goes BeyondSharing Rules…It Builds Understanding, Trust, and to 22 . to create Refuse & Recycling in Livonia friendly digital tool - in curbside recycling by style search tools). – flattening cardboard simple, user , which previously provided and “Recycle Right Livonia” is and isn’t accepted Today remember rules: Opportunities to deliver recycling education, such as QR codes on - –- to - Recycle Coach app rinsing containers additional technologies Empty. Clean. Dry.No bags. •• The City website clearly lists what material type.Guidance emphasizes Livonia discontinued the personalized recycling guidance.Reintroduce or replace Recycle Coach with a improve clarity and consistency (e.g., Waste WizardUse carts, flyers, or the City website.Brand all recycling communications as consistent, recognizable messaging.Promote a short set of easy 1. Clear, Consistent Messaging Livonia Recycling Education •••Livonia Recycling Education •••• 23 RECYCLE COACH Four MI Communities State of New JerseyState of Illinois 1,700+ Communities (U.S)3,000 Communities (IL Launch)100,000 + IL Residents HaveUsed Recycle Coach Communities Served ) ReCollect Lathrup VillageOak Park Pleasant RidgeRoyal Oak TroyHuntington Woods Communities Served (12) SOCRRA ( BerkleyBeverly Hills BirminghamClawsonFerndaleHazel Park ) ReCollect Communities Served (8) RRRSOC ( Community Recycling Digital ToolsMichigan Communities FarmingtonFarmington Hills Milford Township Novi South Lyon Southfield Walled Lake Wixon 24 off centers - Refuse & Recycling in Livonia Today Opportunities –- City materials explain Livonia’s recycling rules, including what belongs in the cart and how to recycle items like textiles and large cardboard.Recycling information is tailored to Livonia services, such as dropand Simple Recycling home pickup.Add clear visuals showing common Livonia resident recycling mistakes (e.g., pizza boxes, plastic bags) to change resident recycling behavior.Identify new materials Livonia residents should be recycling. 2. Local Relevance Livonia Recycling Education ••Livonia Recycling Education •• 25 Plymouth Township Recycling EN Icon (Translation) Alternative Disposal Options Medical Waste Additional Categories:•• Plymouth Township Recycling Page Example 26 CitizenPortal Today GapsOpportunities tied to key calendar events (e.g., America –-- social media, print mailers, seasonal Livonia posts recycling information on city website and via occasional press coverage.Youth engagement exists (e.g., Girl Scout Troop 76293 project shared on podcasts and social media).There’s no strong, consistent, ongoing presence on social media or City communications focused regularly on recycling education.Expand messaging through campaigns, and email alerts Recycles Day). 3. Multiple Outreach Channels Livonia Recycling Education ••Livonia Recycling Education •Livonia Recycling Education • 27 CitizenPortal Dec 2025) = 19,680 – 3 tons of greenhouse by emphasizing separation and why on official materials and digital guides. Today Opportunities –- environmental impact, cost savings, and to recycle and could be deeper. what why , comparable to taking a car off the road for several Recycling one ton of materials prevents roughly gas emissions months.”3 tons GHG x 6,560 Tons Recycled Material (Jan Tons GHG diverted from environment due to Livonia recycling efforts •• City content explainscleanliness, but theProjects like the Girl Scout Troop 76293 education initiative help with awareness of contamination issues.Include short explanations of contamination consequencesExample: 4. Focus on ”Why”, Not Just “What”Livonia Recycling Education ••Livonia Recycling Education •• CitizenPortal 28 a great — Refuse & Recycling in Livonia showing “What Happens When Today GapsOpportunities –- - driven emphasis on contamination visuals across - infographics and short videos Guidance on rinsing and emptying containers and limits on items accepted help reduce contamination.The Girl Scouts highlighted commonly incorrectly recycled items educational contribution.There’s limited citychannels.UseContamination Happens” and “Top 10 Mistakes.” 5. Contamination Prevention Emphasis Livonia Recycling Education ••Livonia Recycling Education •Livonia Recycling Education • CitizenPortal 29 , facility tours, and school partnerships Today Opportunities –- On and Interactive Education - recycling booths at city events Citizen volunteers and youth (e.g., Girl Scout Troop 76293 project) are creating content and outreach that help engage the community.Greenleaf Commission information booths at numerous City eventsOfferto broaden interactive learning. 6. Hands Livonia Recycling Education ••Livonia Recycling Education • 30 multilingual and Today Opportunities –- of materials aren’t prominent. accessible versions language guides, multilingual flyers). - - Basic city resources are available online, but ADA Translate key resources and provide accessible content (videos with captions, plainUtilize Google Translate on City Website 7. Equity and Accessibility Livonia Recycling Education •Livonia Recycling Education •• 31 City of Novi, MI Recycling Page Google Translator Google Translate Novi, Michigan 32 reflects Livonia’s Refuse & Recycling in Livonia Today Opportunities Michigan Green Communities Program –- Michigan Green Communities program The city partners with Simple Recycling, local Girl Scouts, and community platforms. Recognition by thesustainability commitments.Expand ties with schools, libraries, civic groups, and local businesses to expand reach.Expand reach beyond City events 8. Trusted Partnerships Livonia Recycling Education ••Livonia Recycling Education •• to 33 Livonia Sanitation Web Page track residents’ ), ReCollect ( track trending questions and Routeware Today Opportunities to help municipalities understand trends. –- recycling FAQ submission form Residents can presumably contact Public Works with questions (e.g., cart issues), but there’s no widely visible feedback mechanism specifically for recycling education.Add aadapt messaging. 9. Feedback and Responsiveness Livonia Recycling Education •Livonia Recycling Education •Example:Waste Wizard tools, like those from common recycling questions 34 CitizenPortal Today – There’s no widely published data on recycling rates or contamination trends specific to Livonia, though community goals exist (e.g., 30% recycling awareness from outreach projects).Set measurable goals (e.g., reduce contamination by X%, increase participation) and publish quarterly or annual progress reports or infographs. 10. Measurement and Continuous Improvement Livonia Recycling Education •Opportunities• 35 Recycling Community Infographic Ann Arbor, Michigan 36 recycling matters why off centers and textile pickup expands recycling options - Consistent, engaging messaging across channels City Battery recycling program needs to be added to City website Strong contamination education visuals Add State, County, and MSU Extension PDF links to Livonia Recycling Page Deeper explanation of Robust feedback loops and measurable goals Expand equity and accessibility options Promote alternative disposal options in Livonia (e.g. Goodwill Styrofoam Local recycling rules clearly posted DropCommunity volunteers actively promote recycling Recognized for sustainability efforts statewide Recycling) Livonia’s Strengths and Gaps Recycling Education Strengths Gaps and Opportunities 37 accepted materials - out rates, cart observations recyclables in carts - - Web traffic, surveys, resident inquiriesSetContamination rate, rejected loads Resident Understanding Clear knowledge of accepted vs. non Metric:Correct Recycling Behavior Proper cart use, rinsed containers, flattened cardboard Metric:Contamination Reduction Fewer non Metric: Livonia Recycling EducationKey Outcomes & Metrics 38 Tonnage, diversion rate, GHG estimatesFees avoided, service complaintsProgram participation, resident feedback Environmental Impact Increased diversion, reduced GHG emissions Metric:Operational Efficiency Lower processing costs, fewer service issues Metric:Community Engagement & Trust Consistent, credible City messaging Metric: Livonia Recycling EducationKey Outcomes & Metrics 39 first) - (website style tool – materials list (simple + visual) searchable content - Waste Wizard friendly, resident - accepted / not accepted Confirm education goals (reduced contamination, increased participation)Align messaging with hauler and MRF requirementsSecure internal approval (DPW, Communications, City Council)Finalize Develop standardized messaging (rinse, empty, flatten, no bags)Create branded icons and visuals for consistent useSelect and implement a Add QR codes to carts, flyers, and City materialsEnsure mobile Livonia Recycling EducationRecommended Next Steps 1. Align & Approve Strategy•••2. Build Core Education Tools•••3. Launch Digital Guidance•••• 40 Truck - A - family buildings - contamination materials (plastic bags, tanglers, food) - Ice Cream Socials (Compostable Dishes & Utensils)Corn Roast (Composting)Livonia Spree (Zero Waste Event Planning) ••• Pilot Targeted Outreach Focus on highTest outreach in select neighborhoods or multiCoordinate messaging with seasonal recycling changesOngoing recycling education into City events and TouchEquip staff and volunteers with simple talking pointsPartner with schools, HOAs, and community groupsIntegrate and test new recycling approaches at City and Community events Livonia Recycling EducationRecommended Next Steps 4. •••5. Expand Community Engagement•••• 41 searched questions in digital tools term funding and updates - - Track contamination rates and participation trendsMonitor mostAdjust messaging based on resident behavior and feedbackShare progress with City leadership and residentsRefine materials based on dataPlan for long Livonia Recycling EducationRecommended Next Steps 6. Measure & Adjust•••7. Report Results & Scale••• 42 Wayne County – A Free Tool from The Recycling Partnership - The Recycling Partnership - Recycling Raccoons - /EGLE Recycling Program Staff Opperthauser Community Toolkit Notably, our toolkit does not include mailers, but the resources could be used to create them.Recycling Campaign Builder Recycling Social Media Kit Recycling Assets | The Recycling PartnershipRecycling Program Solutions Hub Livonia Recycling Education StrategyResources ContactMadi OpperthauserM@Michigan.gov586.230.5273 Recycling Raccoons Toolkit (EGLE)••The Recycling Partnership Resources•••• 43 44 Team Tree Ordinance & Tree Replacement 45 New Business 46 Simple Recycling School Sustainability Program Simple Recycling School Sustainability Program 47 Completed Events Upcoming Event for – – Black Font Blue Font 2024 Events January 20, 2026 – Greenleaf Commission Livonia 250 Meeting 2026 Pending and Completed Events • 48 Public Comments 49 7:00 pm Start Time – 6 6 (due to Veteran’s Day) , 202 6 , 202 4 4, 2026 11, 2026 3, 2026 5, 2026 Meeting Schedule January 1March May 1July 1September 1November Greenleaf Commission 6 •••••• All Wednesday Evenings • 202Proposed 50