Marshall City councilors say contaminated recycling loads prompted public outreach

Council members discussed a recent downturn in accepted recycled material after municipal and contractor staff reported contamination in some recycling dumpsters, particularly from commercial pickups.

Council members said the contamination — non-paper items placed in recycling dumpsters — has caused mixed loads to be sent to the landfill. That finding came out of recent municipal services discussions with the city’s waste contractor, according to remarks during the municipal services and personnel committee report.

City staff said some of the problem stems from nonpaper items being placed in recycling dumpsters and from overflow cardboard not being bundled. Council member Brent said both the city and the contractor, RTS, will do public education to reduce contamination and to remind residents and businesses how to prepare materials for collection. Staff and committee members also noted that the same truck can be used for recycling or regular trash if the truck is cleaned between routes, which can explain residents’ confusion when a recycling truck appears to collect trash.

Council members and the city administrator urged residents to report pickup problems with an address or block so staff can investigate whether an issue is an isolated driver error or part of a larger route problem. Council members said commercial collection appeared to be more affected than residential curbside pickup.

Council members also emphasized correct preparation of cardboard: boxes should be flattened and bundled with twine or wire if there is more than what fits in the household recycling container; otherwise the contractor may leave the material. City staff said they will provide clearer guidance and public outreach in coming weeks.