Council approves five-year interlocal agreement with Wasatch Integrated for recycling services

The Washington Terrace City Council on March 4 approved Resolution 25-02, an interlocal agreement with Wasatch Integrated Waste Management District to accept and process the city’s recyclable materials.

Council members voted to formalize what staff described as an existing operating relationship, approving a five-year interlocal agreement that staff said would keep the city’s recycling fee unchanged for the coming year. The vote was taken by roll call and recorded as yes votes from Councilmember West, Councilmember Thomas, Councilmember Stanson, Councilmember DeSantis and Councilmember Parkes; the motion passed.

City staff said the city has used Wasatch Integrated for several years after disruptions at another processing location, and that the district had offered competitive rates and reliable processing. Tom (public works staff) told the council, “They do a really good job of processing our waste,” and said the draft agreement was prepared with legal review by both jurisdictions to set clearer expectations.

Council discussion focused on resident outreach and contract details. Several council members asked that the city distribute clear recycling guidance to residents, including a printable list and a QR code linking to instructions, and suggested using the city newsletter and web page to drive traffic to a larger-format recycling guide. One council member noted confusion among residents about what constitutes acceptable recycling material and urged the inclusion of explicit examples such as that “recycling is not green waste.”

Council members also asked about contract length and exit clauses. Staff said the agreement term is five years and noted a renewal/notice discussion in the meeting: the draft includes a renewal notice period discussed as six months prior to the end of the term, and a termination notice referenced in the meeting as 30 days; those timing provisions were described in discussion during the meeting. The council did not amend the agreement during the meeting.

The agreement names Wasatch Integrated Waste Management District as the processor of recyclables; the city will continue other solid-waste commitments (transfer-station service) with existing contractors. Council members also discussed geographic convenience and possible future competition for recycling services but did not direct staff to change providers.

The approved resolution formalizes the working relationship and authorizes execution of the interlocal agreement. Staff said the city will pursue outreach materials and a web link/QR code to help residents sort recycling correctly.

The council moved on to other business after the vote.