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Oakdale EMC reviews 2024 recycling grant, eyes 2025 projects including more dual‑stream bins
Summary
At its Nov. 18 meeting the Oakdale Environmental Management Commission reviewed outcomes of a 2024 Washington County recycling grant (pumpkin drop‑off, compost trial kits, six dual‑stream park bins) and discussed applying for up to four 2025 projects. Staff said the city typically receives about $50,000 and will follow up on tonnage and rebate metrics.
The Oakdale Environmental Management Commission on Nov. 18 reviewed outcomes from the city’s 2024 Washington County recycling grant and discussed potential projects to request in 2025, including expanding dual‑stream recycling in parks and continuing outreach on composting and reuse.
“Hannah Dunn said the memo in the packet provides the EMC with an update regarding the 2024 recycling Washington County recycling grant and invites conversation about potential projects for 2025,” according to staff remarks. Dunn told commissioners the 2024 program included social media outreach, a pumpkin recycling drop‑off, trial food‑scraps compost pails distributed to residents, purchase of six dual‑stream bins for Willowbrook Commons Park and a citywide collection event.
Staff said the city will apply for 2025 grant funding and that the city typically receives around $50,000 in Washington County recycling grant funds, with roughly 25% available for capital expenses. Commissioners discussed project choices, and staff noted the city can submit up to four projects in an application.
Commissioners asked whether the collection event should be held annually if funded. Dunn said the project team has not yet reported outcomes to the city council; the council’s direction after that report will influence whether the city repeats the event. Commissioners also asked for usage metrics for the dual‑stream bins already installed; staff said they observed the bins being used during the grand opening but will seek feedback from parks operations to assess broader performance.
Staff identified the vendor for the dual‑stream bins as Clean River Recycling (referred to as CleanRiver in the packet) and said unit costs range from about $1,500 to $2,000 depending on size. Commissioners suggested reviewing similar projects from neighboring communities and using existing outreach materials rather than recreating them.
On data and follow‑up, Dunn said Washington County recently removed the pumpkin pickup dumpster and the county has not yet provided tonnage figures; she will request those metrics prior to the 2025 application deadline. She also said Home Energy Squad rebate tracking is available in aggregated form and staff will ask the program for usage information.
Next steps: staff will include commissioner suggestions as it prepares the 2025 grant application and will follow up with park operations on bin performance and with Washington County on pumpkin tonnage. The city’s application decisions and any formal project list will be reflected in the packet for future EMC review and in the council discussion tied to the commission’s February meeting.
