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Committee approves $250,000 modification to Waste Management recycling contract amid contamination concerns
Summary
The finance committee approved a one-year extension and $250,000 increase to the Waste Management recycling contract and discussed public confusion, contamination rates (previously ~30% down to ~5–10%) and education efforts including an app and contamination letters.
The Cheyenne Finance Committee voted to recommend a one-year contract modification with Waste Management for residential recycling services, adding $250,000 and extending service through April 15, 2026. The motion to approve the modification was moved by Mr. Esquivel, seconded by Ms. Emmons, and passed by voice vote.
Craig Lloyd of Public Works said the modification (contract number 7531) increases the contract by $250,000 to a total of $900,000 and extends the term to April 15, 2026. Committee members and staff discussed public confusion about what can be recycled, outreach and enforcement measures and the city’s contamination-rate work.
Lloyd said the city has used a "contamination letter" program to notify residents and assess extra fees for repeat contamination; he said contamination fell from around 30% a year ago to roughly 5–10% after letters and fees, though the rate fluctuates month to month. When asked about the fee amount, Lloyd said, "my memory serves it's in the $30 range." He described in-truck cameras in the hopper that help identify contaminated loads and capture the residence address for enforcement.
Staff also noted the city promotes the Recycling Coach app, which lets residents check whether items are accepted in curbside recycling. Lloyd and members emphasized ongoing public education as critical to keep contamination rates down.
The committee voted to recommend the contract amendment to the full council.
