Ferndale updates solid waste management with composting plans and budget adjustments

Berkley officials are taking significant steps to enhance the city’s waste management and sustainability efforts during the FY 2025-2026 budget work session held on April 29, 2025. A key highlight from the meeting was the decision to implement a food waste composting program, which aims to reduce landfill contributions and promote environmental responsibility. The city is collaborating with Rochester Hills to establish a compost site that will operate without odor issues, addressing community concerns about waste management.

Additionally, the city plans to purchase a smaller chipper to support its curbside brush collection service. This new equipment will provide a backup to the existing larger chipper, ensuring efficient operations, especially during peak times following storm damage. The smaller chipper is expected to be more suitable for regular maintenance tasks, allowing for better management of smaller debris.

Financially, the budget overview indicated a stable revenue stream, with total revenues projected to exceed $2 million. However, the elimination of the bag tag program will result in a loss of $120,000 annually. Despite this, officials expressed confidence in maintaining a balanced budget, with no proposed fee increases for the upcoming fiscal year, even amidst rising operational costs.

Concerns were raised about potential future increases in trash collection costs, with officials noting that a contract expiration in a couple of years could lead to significant price hikes. To mitigate this risk, the city is focusing on building a solid fund balance, which will help cushion any financial impacts from future increases.

The meeting also touched on the importance of tracking labor costs associated with sanitation services, ensuring that expenditures are accurately reflected in the budget. Officials acknowledged the need for better monitoring of sanitation-related tasks to improve efficiency and accountability.

Looking ahead, Berkley is exploring options for introducing recycling bins in downtown areas, although challenges related to contamination and maintenance were highlighted. The city is also considering partnerships with local schools to engage students in monitoring recycling efforts, aiming to foster community involvement in sustainability initiatives.

Overall, the discussions during the budget work session reflect Berkley’s commitment to enhancing its waste management systems while ensuring fiscal responsibility and community engagement. As the city moves forward, these initiatives are expected to contribute positively to both environmental sustainability and the quality of life for residents.