Authority adopts corrected rate resolution; Recology details basic service and authority plans outreach on recyclables

The Del Norte Solid Waste Management Authority adopted Resolution 2025‑04 to correct an earlier inconsistency in the rate sheet supplied to Recology. Staff said no customers were charged incorrectly as a result of the prior clerical error and apologized to Recology and the board for the mistake.

Recology explained the elements of standard residential service: a 30‑gallon trash cart and a 30‑gallon recycling cart collected once a week for $37.13 per month. A larger, 60‑gallon recycling cart would incur an additional $6.05 per month, Recology’s representative said.

Why it matters: rate adjustments and clear public communication affect household bills and customer behavior. The board expressed interest in monitoring whether rate changes cause customers to drop curbside service in favor of self‑hauling, which could shift costs and increase illegal dumping or off‑site disposal.

Public outreach and recycling changes: staff said ongoing conversations with Recology include changes to the list of acceptable recyclable materials; authority staff plan to issue consistent stickers and outreach so the community receives a single, clear message when the change is implemented. Staff committed to providing updated stickers and consistent customer materials when the changes roll out.

Grants and food rescue coordination: staff reported a recent meeting shepherded by the Del Norte Solid Waste Task Force and the Del Norte and Adjacent Tribal Lands Food Council; a change order to that contractor for two additional meetings focusing on food rescue and redistribution is anticipated and funded under a grant, staff said. The authority will need to document food‑rescue activities and report to CalRecycle as part of grant requirements.

Tonnage monitoring: staff said they track tonnage and self‑haul trends. For the first quarter of 2025, staff reported that just over 52% of tonnage received was self‑haul; the speaker noted the proportion had been modestly higher in prior years (around 55–60%). Board members asked staff to report back if rate changes cause measurable shifts in tonnage or self‑haul that could affect revenue.

Ending: staff will update signage and outreach materials and return with any change orders for the food‑rescue contract; the authority did not adopt new recyclables lists at this meeting but said the county and Recology are finalizing details before a public rollout.