Riley County directs staff to draft five-year recycling contract after debate over subsidy

The Riley County Commission instructed staff to prepare an updated five-year recycling contract with Bison Ridge Recycling after hearing from the vendor and staff about processing costs and subsidies.

Staff explained the county has historically subsidized certain recycling streams — notably glass — because those markets do not cover processing costs. Greg Wilson, representing the local recycler, described decades of family ownership and said the operation processes metals, paper, cardboard, plastic and glass and that some of those materials require ongoing county support.

Wilson told the commission: “You will not find another location that does those other materials that is not subsidized in some way as far as I guess.” Commissioners debated whether subsidizing glass recycling was appropriate. One commissioner said subsidizing the service so residents can recycle glass merely “makes people feel good,” while others noted local access and continuity of service if subsidy were removed.

After discussion, a motion directing staff to prepare a five‑year recycling services contract with Bison Ridge Recycling was moved, seconded and carried with one recorded vote of opposition.

Commissioners said staff should return the proposed contract for review and that the new agreement should include clear performance expectations and reporting so the county can track net costs by material type.