Rio Dell council backs direction to pursue universal solid-waste collection, asks staff for firm cost proposals

Rio Dell — City council members on Tuesday directed staff to pursue full implementation of a universal solid-waste franchise model for Rio Dell and asked the city manager and consultants to return with concrete cost proposals from Recology and CSG Consultants.

The council’s direction came after a presentation from Kyle (city manager) and Kathleen Gallagher of CSG Consultants on state requirements under SB 1383 and on options for universal garbage, recycling and organics collection. Council members said they prefer moving forward with aligned services while neighboring jurisdictions roll out similar programs rather than delaying implementation.

The action is intended to update Rio Dell’s existing solid-waste franchise agreement, which expires on 2026-12-31, and to help the city comply with California’s SB 1383 organics and contamination-reduction requirements. Kathleen Gallagher told the council that SB 1383 includes mandatory requirements for universal collection, contamination monitoring and other reporting and that CalRecycle enforces waivers and related rules.

Council direction and next steps

Council discussion produced several explicit directions to staff rather than final ordinance changes. The council instructed staff to incorporate council preferences into the draft franchise…