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Council backs stronger pay‑as‑you‑throw incentives and an every‑other‑week small‑cart option; staff to return with 2026 rates
Summary
Council gave staff direction to proceed with a revised solid waste rate structure that increases the financial incentive to choose smaller garbage carts and adds an every‑other‑week small‑cart service level; consultants projected increased diversion and noted a potential revenue shortfall risk that staff can manage from reserves
City staff and consultants presented updated 2026 solid waste rate recommendations at the July 28 study session and council signaled support for two core pieces of the plan: stronger price differentials that more sharply penalize larger garbage carts, and a new every‑other‑week service level for the smallest cart. Laura Horner, Bloomington solid waste program coordinator, described the proposal as a recalibration of the city’s pay‑as‑you‑throw (PAYT) structure to “encourage waste reduction” and to align resident prices more closely with actual disposal costs.
Consultant Dr. Lisa Skumatz (Skumatz Economic Research Associates) told council that national evidence shows PAYT is the most cost‑effective way to increase diversion because it creates a direct financial incentive to reduce landfill‑bound trash and to use recycling and organics programs. Skumatz summarized modeled effects:…
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