Clinton to pursue opt‑out curbside recycling now, green‑waste carts pending EPA award

Preston Lee, executive director of Wasatch Integrated Waste Management District, told the Clinton City Council that the district can help Clinton launch curbside recycling this year and a green‑waste curbside program later if an EPA organics award is finalized.

Lee said the district will "pay for the entire cost of the cans" in the grant application and described a $15 per‑cart partnership grant to help cities roll out recycling carts. He also said Wasatch is a recipient of an EPA organics grant that would enable green‑waste carts to be provided to participating cities, but that the district cannot use that money on existing programs and must receive a formal letter of award before implementation.

Why it matters: Clinton is one of several municipalities in Davis County that has not yet implemented districtwide curbside recycling. Bringing the question to council for formal resolutions would let the city weigh rollout costs, resident opt‑out rules and monthly utility billing adjustments before authorizing a program.

Key details: Lee told the council the recycling partnership grant covers most of the upfront rollout incentive; the district expects to pay 90% of the $15 per‑cart incentive up front and the remaining 10% after a year of reporting. The district indicated a separate EPA organics award could cover 100% of green‑waste carts for participating cities but that Wasatch must await a formal award letter (expected to be delayed until April). City Manager Trevor Cahoon told the council the city estimates about 7,100 households could qualify for carts and that the city has fund balance options to buy carts up front.

Council action: Council Member Adam Larson moved to bring the recycling/green‑waste program forward for further discussion and resolution drafting; Council Member Chris Danson seconded and the council approved the motion by unanimous voice vote. The council did not adopt a final resolution tonight.

Costs and operations: Staff and the hauler (Robinson Waste) would both charge fees: Lee said Wasatch expects a roughly $2 per‑household processing charge for organics if a household keeps the green cart, and the hauler would charge a separate collection fee. City staff estimated a retail cart price of about $60 each and discussed options to purchase carts from reserves or finance them through the hauler and amortize the cost against user fees.

Next steps: Staff will prepare draft resolutions and budget projections for council consideration and public outreach ahead of any formal rollout.

Quote: "If they have an opt out option, then they feel more of that freedom," Mayor Marie Doherty said in describing resident feedback that favors voluntary programs.

The council is expected to review formal resolutions and budget impacts in a future meeting before any program launches.