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Ames council awards five‑year curbside recycling contract; approves $7.75 monthly fee on utility bills
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Summary
Council voted to award a five‑year residential curbside recycling contract to Aspen Waste Systems of Iowa and to amend the municipal code to add a $7.75/month fee per eligible household effective July 1. Staff explained program design, cart distribution, opt‑out and accessibility provisions; public commenters largely supported the program while some raised participation and cart‑size concerns.
The Ames City Council voted to award a five‑year contract for citywide curbside recycling to Aspen Waste Systems of Iowa and approved a municipal code amendment to assess a $7.75 monthly fee to all eligible households effective July 1.
Public works staff summarized the program design: Aspen would furnish and deliver 96‑gallon carts to nearly 14,000 eligible residences, begin service in July, and the city would own the carts after the five‑year contract. Staff said the fee structure — billed on utility statements and assessed whether or not a household uses the cart — is intended to stabilize contractor revenue and support program administration and education. “That structure… was structured so that the cost for the carts are incorporated there in the contract and then the city would assume ownership of those carts after the 5 years,” staff said.
Staff told council the $7.75/month figure reflects competitive RFP pricing and financial modeling that accounts for hauling, processing and program administration. They explained that allowing full opt‑out of the fee would raise price risk for participants and could increase per‑household costs. Staff also committed to house‑side service on request for mobility‑impaired residents and explained options for residents who wish to stop curbside trash service.
Public comment included a mix of support and constructive concerns. Andrew Giles urged the council to consider higher collection frequency and innovative program design; Caitlin Lian and Jeri Neal both spoke in favor of the citywide program as a means to increase diversion and reduce landfill reliance. Council members asked about cart size, options for additional carts, late‑setout fees and programs to offset costs for low‑income residents; a suggestion to explore a donation or subsidy program (similar to Project Share) was raised.
Councilmember (speaker 10) moved alternative 1 to approve the contract award and the resolution; roll call votes approved the contract award resolution and a separate motion approved the municipal code amendment (appendix F) to incorporate the recycling fee. Council also approved a second motion implementing the fee and contract structure.
Details: the program will use a uniform 96‑gallon cart for all eligible curbside customers, with optional additional carts available for $5/month each and a $15 late set‑out service fee. Staff said educational outreach and a postcard mailer will precede cart delivery in June.