Rumpke's Blake Austin outlines new recycling services and recent facility upgrades in Sandusky

The City Commission Meeting held on January 27, 2025, in Sandusky, Ohio, featured a significant presentation from Rumpke Waste and Recycling, which has recently taken over trash and recycling services in the area. Blake Austin, a municipal and public sector specialist for Rumpke, introduced the company and outlined its history, services, and future plans for the community.

Austin provided a brief history of Rumpke, which was founded in 1932 by two brothers in Cincinnati. He emphasized the company's commitment to recycling, noting that Rumpke has been recycling since 1989 and currently processes about a billion pounds of material annually across 450 communities in several states. He highlighted the recent acquisition of Cyclone Services, which has allowed Rumpke to maintain continuity in service for residents who previously used Cyclone, with no changes in drivers or routes.

A key focus of Austin's presentation was Rumpke's recycling capabilities. He explained that the company operates a single-stream recycling program, allowing residents to place all recyclables in one container. Notably, Rumpke now accepts glass bottles and jars, which were not previously accepted at the local recycling center. Austin also mentioned the inclusion of new recyclable items such as dairy tubs and clear clamshell plastics, expanding the range of materials that can be recycled.

The discussion also touched on the operational aspects of Rumpke's recycling process. Austin explained that 87 to 90% of the materials processed at their Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in Columbus are recycled, with a significant portion of the recycled materials staying within the Midwest. He invited community members to tour the new facility, which is designed to handle increased recycling volumes and features advanced sorting technology.

Commission members raised questions about the pricing structure and future plans for curbside recycling. Austin confirmed that current rates would remain unchanged following the acquisition and acknowledged the need for a curbside recycling plan, which Rumpke is actively working on.

The meeting concluded with a call for the city to consider implementing a single-hauler waste collection system, a topic that has been a point of contention among commission members for years. The discussion highlighted the ongoing efforts to improve waste management and recycling services in Sandusky, with Rumpke positioned as a key player in these developments.