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Committee approves recycling fund reauthorization; members press for targeted help with illegal-dumping costs and worn trash cans
Summary
DPW recycling coordinator said mattress-disposal fees and sales have risen while hazardous-waste disposal costs have climbed because of illegal dumping; the committee reauthorized the recycling revolving fund (up to $300,000) and asked staff to explore targeted assistance programs and vendor negotiations on bin replacement costs.
Recycling Coordinator Nelson Silva told the committee mattress-removal fees (about $25'3 per item) and sales of trash bags and barrels have produced significant revenue, but illegal dumping and hazardous-waste disposal pushed expenditures higher this year. Silva said the department paid roughly $64,000 so far for hazardous-waste disposal and that the recycling revolving balance was about $200,000 before the requested reauthorization.
Councilors asked if the revolving fund could underwrite a targeted bin-replacement program for elderly or low-income households and whether vendors could supply lids or reduced-price replacements instead of full units. Silva said he is open to a program design and that the department already receives some new recycling barrels annually from the waste hauler under contract.
The committee voted to forward the recycling fund reauthorization (expenditure limit $300,000) to the full council with a favorable recommendation and encouraged staff to return with eligibility criteria and a plan for a pilot bin-replacement or hardship assistance program.
