Clinton Council authorizes citywide recycling rollout with 60-day opt-out and customer-service cost cut

The Clinton City Council on April 28 authorized staff to develop a citywide recycling program coordinated with Wasatch Integrated Waste Management (WIWM), approving an amended motion that establishes a 60-day opt-out period, makes participation mandatory for residents who do not opt out during that window, and removes additional customer-service staffing costs from the program budget.

City Manager Trevor Cahoon outlined program options and said the proposal aims to expand recycling services while allowing flexibility through opt-out provisions. Preston Lee of Wasatch Integrated Waste Management said implementation planning targets a rollout by Sept. 1, 2026, and that new residents would be enrolled as part of standard service integration. Collette West (WIWM) described planned mailed and digital outreach to inform residents. Lance Allen of Robinson Waste Management discussed operational considerations and noted that phased and bulk cart procurement could improve cost efficiency.

Council discussion centered on affordability and service levels. Councilmember Adam Larsen requested additional cost comparisons specifically evaluating scenarios with and without dedicated customer-service staffing; Cahoon said customer-service expenses accounted for about $0.47 per household and could be removed to lower costs. Councilmember Chris Danson moved to authorize staff to proceed; the motion was amended to include the 60-day opt-out, mandatory participation for those who do not opt out, and removal of additional customer-service staffing costs. The amended motion passed unanimously.

Staff was directed to move forward with implementation planning; officials said procurement and outreach are next steps toward the targeted September rollout.