Solid waste chief outlines landfill expansion funding gap, proposes Sunday closures and recycling changes

Summary

Solid waste staff said landfill expansion design is nearly complete but the solid waste fund alone cannot cover an estimated $10 million project; staff recommended going to market for bonds, proposed closing the landfill on Sundays (saving about $60,000 a year), and discussed ending glass drop‑off recycling because no viable markets exist.

City solid-waste staff briefed council on multiple operations issues: a landfill expansion project entering design-to-bid, financing constraints that may require bonds, a proposed reduction in landfill hours, and changes to recycling drop-off sites and glass recycling.

Carlo (city solid-waste staff) said excavation for the landfill expansion had started and that the city is finishing liner design so the project can go out to bid in March or April. He told council the solid waste fund does not have enough balance to cover the expansion (staff cited about a $10 million project) and that staff pursued lower-cost financing through the state Public Works Board and a state treasurer local program but were ineligible because of program conditions (notably treatment of asbestos and other materials). "We are at a point where our fund does not, will not fund the whole project," Carlo said; staff asked the utility advisory committee to…

Solid waste chief outlines landfill expansion funding gap, proposes Sunday closures and recycling changes

Summary

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