Council approves one-year, $250,000 contract extension with Waste Management for curbside recycling; contamination rate falls after enforcement program

The City Council approved a finance-committee recommendation to authorize Contract Modification No. 3 (contract 7531) with Waste Management to continue curbside recycling services through April 15, 2026, for an amount not to exceed $250,000.

Why it matters: The modification continues city recycling service and funds operations; councilmembers sought updated data on contamination and program effectiveness before voting.

Staff report and contamination reduction: Vicky Nemechek, Public Works, told the council the city’s recycling contamination rate had been approximately 30% but dropped to just over 5% after the transfer-station manager implemented a “three-strikes” warning system that includes two warning letters and a subsequent fine (the fine referenced was $25.33). Nemechek credited targeted public education, lid stickers and media outreach with the improvement.

Council discussion: Councilmembers thanked Public Works for outreach and noted the program’s role in preserving landfill life and reducing off-site disposal costs. Dr. Aldridge asked for updated contamination percentages and dollar impacts; Nemechek provided the reduction figures and described the primary contaminants (nonrecyclable items, food-soiled materials, bagged recyclables) and the city’s “clean and dry” guidance.

Action and outcome: Mr. Layborn moved the finance committee recommendation to approve the contract modification not to exceed $250,000; the motion was seconded and the council approved the modification by roll call.