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Spanish Fork staff says recycling contamination down to 24.5%; participation at 71% as spring cleanup grows
Summary
City recycling coordinator reported a 24.5% contamination rate at the regional recycling facility and a 71% resident participation rate; spring cleanup ticket use rose from about 1,180 last year to nearly 1,500 this year. Staff urged clearer household sorting (no plastic liners, no plastic bags) and noted recent changes in markets and processing.
Spanish Fork staff reported progress and continuing challenges in the city’s curbside recycling and spring‑cleanup programs during the council’s July 15 meeting.
"Right now we have a 24.5% contamination rate," said Gatlin, the staff presenter, noting the figure covers the multi‑city recycling district that includes Spanish Fork, Provo, Springville and other participants. Gatlin told council the contamination rate has fallen from roughly 30% and called for continued public education.
Staff told council that 71% of Spanish Fork residents currently participate in curbside recycling, the highest rate the city has recorded. Gatlin listed items that should go in curbside recycling — clean cardboard and paper, aluminum and steel cans, and plastic containers with lids — and those that should not, including plastic bags, electronics, Styrofoam and diapers. He said the recycling center will accept pizza boxes that "pass the shake test" (no loose food) and stressed that residents should not place plastic liner bags inside blue carts because the filled bags are treated as contamination and not opened at the facility.
The presenter described the regional processing system, noting that much sorting is automated with only a few staff handling oversized items. He also reviewed spring‑cleanup results: approximately 1,180 tickets last year versus just under 1,500 this year. Gatlin encouraged residents who doubted whether recycling is processed to view the city’s and district’s video tour of the sorting facility.
Council members asked about weather effects, material value and messaging. Gatlin said wet cardboard becomes contaminated and that recyclables are a market commodity; the city’s buyer rate recently dropped from about $140 per ton to $125 per ton. He said the district has a goal to reduce contamination further and will continue outreach through flyers and social media.
City staff recommended residents keep recyclables clean and loose in the blue cart and consult the district’s online guidance for a printable visual for kitchens and collection areas.
