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County approves $18,081 baling‑wire purchase and $3,575 in tires as recycling operations expand
Summary
Commissioners authorized $18,081.42 to buy baling wire and $3,575.04 for packer tires; recycling staff updated the board on contamination rates (~6% cardboard), new packer equipment, composting uptake and licensing limits on expanding food‑scrap collection.
Recycling staff asked the board to approve purchase authorizations for materials needed to support the county’s recycling operations and said market conditions are improving but challenges remain.
The board approved a purchase of 7 spools of 11‑gauge galvanized baling wire from New England Baling Wire at a total cost of $18,081.42; staff said the wire is purchased in bulk to reduce freight costs and should last roughly a year. The board also approved rims and winter tires for a used 2019 packer (vendor: Main Commercial Tire) for $3,575.04, including mounting and balancing.
Recycling managers described contamination rates — reporting roughly 6% contamination on cardboard bales — and noted that the new packer and extra collection capacity are helping to improve throughput. Staff said Casella acts as a broker to find markets for the processed bales. The group discussed composting, curbside food‑scrap collection costs (two employees required for pickup), licensing volume limits, and the high cost of equipment and labor that makes expanding curbside service economically challenging without grants or ongoing subsidy.
Staff emphasized that education at transfer stations and at the household level reduces contamination, and that private commercial operators provide some additional compost services in the region; no changes to fees were proposed at the meeting.
The board approved the presented purchase authorizations and directed staff to proceed with orders and follow up on inventory and market placement.
