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Port Townsend council approves single‑stream recycling and extends collection contract to 2035
Summary
Council approved the first amendment to the city’s comprehensive collection contract to move to single‑stream recycling in line with county processing changes, introduce monthly glass carts and extend the contract five years to help amortize equipment costs.
Port Townsend’s City Council on May 11 approved the first amendment to the city’s comprehensive garbage, recyclables and yard‑debris collection contract to implement single‑stream recycling consistent with Jefferson County processing changes and to extend the contract by five years (to 2035) to amortize capital equipment costs.
Staff summarized the contract revision: single‑stream collection for plastics, glass and paper (with glass collected monthly in a 35‑gallon cart), continuation of scheduled yard‑debris and solid‑waste services, and pass‑through cost provisions. Staff said the county shifted to single‑stream on April 1 and the city’s amendment aligns local curbside collection with county processing to reduce haul trips and improve efficiency.
Council asked operational questions about glass carts, separation at county sorting and whether cardboard would still be diverted to the mill. Staff said crews will attempt separation where practical and that the county’s sortation and downstream markets will determine final processing. To recover bin and equipment costs, staff proposed a contract extension to 2035. Council moved and approved the amendment.
Next steps: Public‑works staff will implement operational changes, coordinate communications to residents about new collection guidelines and finalize contract documents.
