Council approves $2 hike to curbside recycling fee to buy cardboard bins

Indiana Borough Council on April 7 approved Resolution 20265, raising the monthly curbside recycling fee from $1 to $3 to fund purchase of curbside cardboard recycling containers and to expand curbside recycling service.

Council members said the fee increase will finance additional recycling containers and help the borough capture a greater share of recyclable cardboard that is currently taken to the recycling center. Administration committee members told council the borough retains a larger share of revenue when residents place recyclables in curbside bins rather than dropping material at the recycling center, and that the new revenue stream will be used to buy containers and support the curbside program.

Several council members urged caution about timing, noting the percentage increase is substantial even though the dollar amount is small, and suggested delaying the change temporarily if other revenue or program changes—such as adding cardboard-drop-off containers or targeting commercial recyclers—materialize. Council members also said expanded participation could allow future rate reductions.

The motion to adopt Resolution 20265, amending the borough fee schedule to reflect the new $3 monthly recycling fee, was moved from committee and adopted by roll call: eight yes, zero no. The resolution text as introduced appears in the meeting record as Resolution 20265.

The measure takes effect as provided in the borough's normal fee-adoption procedures; the transcript did not specify an exact effective date. Council staff said the additional revenue will be dedicated to recycling program expenses and the purchase of curbside cardboard containers.