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DPW study estimates $10.9 million to build a third drop-off center; city to seek long-term recycling processor
Summary
A feasibility report estimated a standalone third drop-off center would cost about $10.9 million to construct and about $3.0 million a year to operate; DPW said co-locating a transfer station would increase upfront cost but lower operating expense, and the department is pursuing grants and procurement steps.
The Public Works Committee reviewed a DPW feasibility study on creating a third residential drop-off center in Milwaukee (file 250935). The study presented construction and operating cost estimates, projected usage and benefits.
DPW told the committee a standalone four-acre drop-off center would cost an estimated $10.9 million to build and cost about $3.0 million annually to operate. DPW staff said co-location with a transfer station (an eight-acre site in the study’s scenario) would raise development cost but reduce annual operating costs by roughly $868,000 because on-site tipping lowers hauling expenses. The analysis estimated a hypothetical new facility could serve about 224,000 visitors and manage about 31,000 tons annually and produce roughly $940,000 in user-fee revenue under the model used for the report.
Staff discussed site constraints and noted the department has not identified a specific four- or eight-acre site within the city. Committee members repeatedly asked whether existing city-owned parcels (including a DPW yard discussed during the meeting) could be repurposed; DPW said those city parcels are either too small or already committed to other priorities. DPW also said the department applied for a $5 million federal Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling grant and would pursue funding and site acquisition as part of broader DPW facility planning.
Committee action: Alderwoman Larissa Taylor moved to place the feasibility communication on file; the motion carried without objection.
Why it matters: a third drop-off center would reduce travel times for many residents, expand materials accepted and relieve pressure on existing centers, but implementing a new facility requires land, capital funding and ongoing operating subsidies. DPW staff said the study provides cost and operational parameters to inform budget and site decisions, and that acquisition and remediation needs would add to the project timeline and cost if an undeveloped or contaminated site were selected.
