Clinton hears public support for opt-out recycling and green-waste program; no vote tonight

Hundreds of residents and council members gathered March 10 for a public hearing on a proposed city-run recycling and green-waste program, during which supporters urged the council to adopt an opt-out approach to boost participation while others warned about cost, contamination and glass recycling.

Mayor Marie Doherty opened the hearing by outlining the city’s interest in moving from private, household-level recycling arrangements to a government-facilitated program designed to increase participation and extend the life of the Davis County landfill. Doherty told the audience the Wasatch Integrated Waste Management District projects landfill pressures that could drive higher costs once the current site closes ‘‘near 2040’’ and that a city program could reduce long-term hauling expenses.

Supporters who spoke during the three-minute comment period cited convenience and environmental benefits. ‘‘The green-waste recycling facility at Davis Landfill is really, in my view, a win‑win‑win for people, profit, and for the planet,’’ Emily Salisbury said, urging the council to also pursue expanded glass collection. Several other residents echoed calls for education on what items can be recycled and for a convenient collection model that doesn’t require repeated trips to a drop‑off site.

Not everyone supported immediate implementation. Aaron Rice called Clinton’s recyclable stream ‘‘too dirty’’ and argued the city ‘‘doesn't generate enough’’ material to justify the additional service for all residents, urging an opt‑out design for those who do not want to pay. Paul Stewart and others asked whether current drop‑off options and dump‑credit programs would be eliminated under the new system and whether cans would remain city property.

Council members and staff answered operational and financial questions at the hearing. Lance Allen of Robinson Waste said collection days can be coordinated so residents set out all cans on the same day, avoiding extra street traffic. Jesse Simonson, landfill manager for Wasatch Integrated, said preliminary modeling suggests recycling and green‑waste programs could extend landfill life from an estimated 15 years today to as much as 20 years, depending on participation.

Officials described several likely features of a city program: opt‑out enrollment (residents would be enrolled automatically unless they decline), potential administrative/setup fees, and the purchase and ownership of cans by the city or Wasatch Integrated to ensure standardized service. Doherty noted some grants could offset costs; staff cited a potential $15 per‑can grant contribution and said the waste district is pursuing an EPA SWIFR grant that could fully fund green‑waste cans, with final confirmation expected in April.

Concerns about nonrecyclable plastics were raised. Amanda Allen asked where material that cannot be processed by the recycling facility goes; officials said Wasatch Integrated uses a cement kiln and other off‑take partners but that no single long‑term exclusive contract governs those arrangements. The hauler and landfill representatives said they also rely on alternative partners when needed.

The city did not vote on the program at the meeting. Mayor Doherty said council action would likely wait until the grant status is clear; if awarded, the council could consider a resolution of intent and the Wasatch Integrated board would then vote on Clinton’s entry into district programs. Staff estimated the council might take a resolution vote tentatively in late April.

What happens next: City staff will pursue grant confirmation in April, continue operational planning with Robinson Waste and Wasatch Integrated, and return to the council with cost estimates and a proposed resolution if the funding becomes available.