Solid waste presentation: curbside expansion, hazardous waste building and small safety investments recommended

Solid Waste staff briefed the Laramie City Council on May 13 about operations at the landfill, recycling program updates and a small set of recommended FY2026 adjustments focused on safety and efficiency.

Highlights from the division: - Facility updates: staff completed a new household hazardous waste building that improves staff safety and handling of hazardous materials at the landfill. They also recently took delivery of a fully electric Ford F‑150 Lightning for Solid Waste Administration and reported it has performed well in initial use. - Collection and recycling: staff are continuing conversion of additional neighborhoods from alley collection to curbside collection to improve safety and efficiency; the division also said it is pursuing additional recycling diversion opportunities with the community and staff. - Supplemental budget items: staff recommended decreasing the previously budgeted $60,000 for roll‑off containers to $45,000 based on updated pricing estimates (a $15,000 reduction) and requested funding for a lube skid for the mechanic. The lube skid was justified as a safety and efficiency measure that reduces repetitive climbing on heavy equipment and decreases the likelihood of back injuries.

Budget impact and staffing: the division reported no change in authorized FTEs and presented a small net change in the general fund lines tied to department operations. Staff said the roll‑off container cost reduction reflects post‑COVID pricing corrections and the lube skid is a modest capital/supply cost to improve mechanic safety.

Next steps: staff will proceed with procurement for the lube skid and finalize roll‑off container purchases at the revised budget. They will continue outreach on curbside conversions and recycling options.