County staff to return May 27 with proposal to restart recycling; program would be optional and fee‑based

Augusta‑Richmond County is not currently collecting curbside recyclables, and county staff told commissioners they will return with a recommendation on May 27 to offer recycling as an optional, billed add‑on service.

Commissioner Catherine Smith Rice asked why residents still see blue recycling carts in use and said many households continue to place recyclable material at the curb despite collection being suspended. “I feel for those that are still recycling,” Rice said, adding that much of that material has been contaminated and sent to the landfill.

Engineering Director Doctor Malik said the department’s prior contract recommendation was denied by the governing body; staff will rework the recommendation and bring it back on May 27 with options that include a city‑run or contractor‑run service. Malik said the most likely structure, based on prior direction, would be an add‑on service for which households would pay a separate fee. He emphasized the need for a clean collection process to avoid contamination that previously caused recycling to fail.

Administrator Allen confirmed the plan to return with details on costs and service models, and she said staff would include the pricing breakdown so commissioners could defend the recommendation. The meeting record shows commissioners asked staff to ensure clear public communication so residents understand the current suspension and the options when the county returns with its proposal.

No final action to restart recycling was taken at the meeting; commissioners voted to receive the information. Staff did not provide a final price or contractor name at the meeting.