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Cottage Grove council to consider glass-recycling options after franchise changes; rate increase possible
Summary
Cottage Grove staff outlined options after Cottage Grove Garbage proposed a change in collection methods; including glass recycling would require equipment and staffing and could raise residential rates by about 8%. Council directed staff to return with an ordinance or resolution and rate options.
City staff and the garbage franchise operator briefed the council on proposed changes to recycling collection and the question of whether to continue curbside glass collection.
Under a new operational model the franchise is moving to automated roll carts for co-mingled recycling. Staff said that adding glass collection as part of curbside service would require the franchise to invest in additional equipment and staffing that the operator estimates would translate to roughly an 8 percent increase in rates. One staff member estimated the capital cost in the range of $120,000; the state’s uniform recycling list does not mandate glass collection, so including glass is elective.
Councilors discussed options including (1) amending the franchise/ordinance to follow the uniform statewide recycling list (which omits glass); (2) approving a resolution to increase rates and require glass collection; or (3) facilitating business/community collection solutions and continued transfer-station drop-off for glass. Tim, the franchise representative, noted economics and low curbside glass tonnage as concerns; staff said some downtown restaurants are exploring consolidated approaches.
City counsel and staff indicated they would return with a draft ordinance and an option for first reading; council voted to direct staff to prepare the ordinance/resolution for a subsequent meeting. One councilor signaled support for a rate increase if necessary; others asked staff to explore alternatives and discuss the issue further in an upcoming citywide cleanup study session.
No rate change was adopted at this meeting; staff will return with formal documents and cost estimates for council consideration.
