Solid waste director touts recycling gains, new scheduling tools and outreach in annual 'Top Trash' update

Solid Waste and Recycling Director Jerry Schubert presented the program’s annual update, summarizing service changes, performance metrics and outreach efforts since 2021.

Schubert said the department collected more than 5,235 tons of recycling in the most recent calendar year, up from roughly 1,390 tons in the first short year after a recycling equipment loss. He described route rerouting and new side‑loader trucks that have reduced route completion times, and said the department has introduced an online bulky‑item scheduling tool that already accounts for a growing share of requests. Schubert noted the city’s recycling and hard‑to‑recycle events have collected thousands of pounds of items that otherwise could pose safety or environmental risks, including lead‑acid car batteries and household batteries.

The director credited staff restructuring, new trucks and community outreach — including Farmers Markets, block parties, school events and other public appearances — with improved customer service and higher participation. He told council the city has added phone‑staffing and a voucher program for landfill access and has updated its rate model to reflect higher tipping fees and capital costs.

Council members asked about future green‑waste service options and container counts. Schubert said the department has a plan to expand green‑waste collection, but that adding a dedicated green cart infrastructure requires capital investment, forecasting and a council conversation about rates and timing. He said the department will bring cost and implementation options forward when staff recommend the next stage.