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Ad hoc committee reports recycling contract issues; city may face higher costs or service changes
Summary
The solid waste and recycling ad hoc committee briefed council that Republic Services has presented options that could raise costs materially because of limited local recycling/processing capacity. The committee will continue negotiations and return with alternatives.
Council received an update from the city's solid waste and recycling ad hoc committee about ongoing contract discussions with Republic Services and possible service changes or cost increases.
Staff said the ad hoc members met the hauler to discuss diversion-rate requirements and contract expectations. According to staff and ad hoc members, Republic Services presented proposals that substantially raised costs in some scenarios: one option roughly doubled current costs while another option was several times current contract levels. Committee members said the increased cost trajectory is driven primarily by a lack of local facilities that accept mixed waste for separation and by declining commodity markets for recyclables.
The ad hoc committee reported it had submitted a counter-proposal intended to produce a more modest increase than the figures Republic Services supplied; staff said negotiations are ongoing and the committee will continue discussion with the city attorney before returning to council in closed or open session as appropriate. Staff also said the committee has asked Willdan to analyze possible locations for the hauler's mother truck and will present potential truck-location options to the traffic commission for comment.
A council member cautioned that interest among alternate service providers is limited and that shifting vendors is operationally complex. Staff said they would continue to negotiate with Republic Services while evaluating alternatives and would report back when a proposal is available for council consideration.
Council received and filed the verbal update.
