Recycling survey: 567 responses show strong support but access and cost limit participation, commission offers short- and long-term steps

Joelle Buffa, representing the Environmental Stewardship Commission, presented results from a 19-question recycling survey posted on the city’s Engage platform from early October to mid-December; the commission received 567 responses. The survey showed strong sentiment that recycling is important (over 95% of respondents rated community-wide recycling as important or essential) but also revealed barriers: about 318 respondents said they do not recycle regularly; the largest reasons cited were lack of curbside service and not knowing where to take recyclables.

Among the 249 respondents who said they do recycle, many reported using a mix of options: dropping materials at retailer collection points, taking recyclables to Bisbee (paying an annual fee), using animal-care center drop-offs for aluminum, or traveling to Tucson. The commission summarized four principal barriers for non-recyclers: lack of curbside service, lack of knowledge about where to recycle locally, cost of options and access.

Key findings and public preferences cited by the commission: 80% of respondents said they would be willing to drive eight miles or more to a drop-off center; however, most respondents prefer free drop-off options and showed resistance to paying substantial fees. More than half of current recyclers expressed dissatisfaction with availability of recycling programs and outreach or education. The commission reported that community outreach — including farmer’s-market booths and presentations — produced strong interest in a clear, simple outreach tool (for example, a city web page or trash-tab link with a QR code pointing to locations and instructions).

Commission recommendations included short-term and longer-term actions: short-term actions such as resuming a glass-crushing drop-off in partnership with Bisbee and publicizing where residents can recycle now; medium-term options like partnering with local businesses that bale and sell cardboard to enable public drop-offs; and longer-term steps such as seeking grant funding for a full feasibility study and creating incentives to reduce single-use packaging.

Council members who spoke encouraged practical outreach steps (a simple “recycle” link under the city’s trash page), noted the cost of transporting recyclables to processing centers (for example, hauling to Tucson or I-10 facilities), and emphasized the need to assess operational costs, contamination control and volunteer staffing for any drop-off program. Staff noted that Republic Recycling and other providers had previously offered trailer pickups with haul fees in the approximate $500–$1,000 per haul range and that contamination fees are an issue.

Ending: The commission asked council whether to proceed with recommended next steps including a feasibility study or partnerships; councilmembers and staff encouraged continued outreach, and staff noted the city’s ongoing enterprise-fund and program studies that may affect future options.