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Council approves $250,000 contract extension with Waste Management for curbside recycling; contamination rate drops after education
Summary
The governing body approved a contract modification to extend recycling services with Waste Management through April 15, 2026, not to exceed $250,000. Staff reported contamination in the recycling stream dropped from about 30% to just over 5% after outreach and a warning system.
The governing body approved contract modification No. 3 with Waste Management to extend curbside recycling services through April 15, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $250,000.
Why it matters: The city sends its recyclables to an out-of-town processing center and pays associated costs; contamination of the recycling stream raises disposal costs and reduces recycling effectiveness.
Staff report and discussion: Vicky Nemechek of Public Works said the city previously experienced a roughly 30% contamination rate in recycling but that a three-strike warning system and outreach reduced contamination to just above 5%. "Since that has taken effect and we've had some time to get people used to it, the recycling contamination rate has reduced to just about 5%, a little bit more than 5%," Nemechek said. She described the accepted materials and emphasized that recyclables must be clean and dry. Council members praised outreach efforts and education, noting prior mailings and public-service announcements.
Vote: The finance committee recommended approval and the council approved the modification. Council members emphasized continuing education: do not bag recyclables, limit acceptable plastics, and avoid overusing water to clean containers.
Ending: Council members directed staff to continue public outreach and to monitor contamination and program costs going forward.
