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Waverly approves three‑year recycling processing contract; city expects cost and rebate changes
Summary
Council approved a three‑year agreement with Republic Services for processing recyclables; first‑year processing and transport charges and an estimated $21,000 fiscal‑year cost were discussed along with monthly rebate variability and about a ton‑per‑day incoming volume.
WAVERLY, Iowa — The Waverly City Council on May 19 approved a three‑year service agreement with Republic Services of Cedar Rapids for processing recyclable materials, with annual processing increases capped at 5%.
The council passed resolution 25‑78 authorizing the contract. The motion included the initial rates the city will pay under the agreement: a Year‑1 processing charge of $129.76 per net ton and a transportation charge of $71.66 per net ton. The staff presentation estimated a total cost of about $21,000 for fiscal year 2026 based on typical volumes.
Public works/solid‑waste staff told the council the current contract produced savings compared with the previous service model because the city now receives rebate payments from the processor. One staff member said the move to the current company "saved us a little over half of what we're paying for previously" and noted that cardboard delivers the largest rebate revenue. Staff estimated Waverly receives about "a ton a day" of recyclable material when accounting for the recycling center and curbside collection.
Council members asked about market stability; staff replied that rebate levels have fluctuated and are monitored monthly, though they have recently improved relative to the low point from about a year earlier. Staff also encouraged residents to drop compacted cardboard at the recycling center because the city receives positive revenue on that material.
The resolution passed unanimously on roll‑call vote. Staff characterized the agreement as a cost‑effective option for the city given current market conditions and proximity to processing facilities.
