Public Works committee backs pilot TerraCycle drop-off for squeezable pouches and caps

The Public Works Committee discussed a proposed pilot to host TerraCycle drop-off boxes for squeezable snack pouches and plastic caps and recommended moving forward with setting up local collection points.

Mayor Devine introduced the item, describing the TerraCycle program and how a drop box and prepaid shipping can enable local residents to recycle single-use squeezable pouches and caps. "If you ship in excess of 10 pounds, you can actually get money back that will go towards a school or towards a designated program," Devine said, explaining incentives on TerraCycle's model.

Committee members discussed logistics such as container durability and location. One member suggested avoiding cardboard boxes at outdoor sites because of wet-weather damage; another suggested using existing recycling bins or more durable containers at the DPW yard. A committee member asked whether the program covered specific brands; Devine noted several common pouch brands are accepted and that the program targets single-use containers.

Participants agreed the pilot could start with one box at City Hall and one at the Department of Public Works drop site, with minimal cost limited to staff time to print prepaid labels and ship collections. At the committee meeting a member signaled approval: "Okay. Cool. Discussion item. Okay. So just run with it," and members instructed staff to proceed with implementation details.

No formal ordinance or funding appropriation was required; the item was recorded as a discussion item with direction to staff to pilot the drop-off program and return to committee if additional resources or changes are needed.