Council deletes ordinance language on director-declared recycling drop-off; residential drop-off to remain under contract

The Common Council on Nov. 3 approved an ordinance amending Chapter 58 (garbage and trash) by deleting section 58.1.13, language that suggested the public works director could declare a designated recycling drop-off center for broad use.

Why it matters: councilors sought clarification after residents and businesses questioned whether the city-sponsored drop-off accepted commercial recyclables without charge. Councilors said the change cleans up outdated ordinance language and clarifies that the residential drop-off remains part of the city’s contract with the recycling contractor, and that businesses must arrange their own recycling service or pay to use private facilities.

Councilor Bender asked staff for a plain-language explanation and said she wanted residents to know where the drop-off is located. A public works staff member explained that the ordinance language being removed likely came from a Department of Natural Resources sample and had created a misimpression that businesses could bring large commercial loads to a city-run center for free. The staff member said the residential drop-off remains and is provided under the city’s recycling contract with Hartels; the location named in the discussion was AA Roll Off in the Garfield area.

The council voted to delete the ordinance section; the motion passed on voice vote.