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County plans compactor upgrades at busiest sites to reduce recycling trucking
Summary
The county plans to replace aging compactors at busy recycling sites (WMA, Red Granite); staff said compaction reduces trucking volume about three-to-one and expects compactor investments at the busiest site to pay for themselves in roughly a year, while noting safety and ADA improvements.
County solid-waste staff asked the board to approve compactors at busy sites to reduce trucking costs, improve safety and make sites more accessible.
Staff said many existing compactors are nearing 19 years of service and that two sites (WMA and Red Granite) were top priorities. Compaction reduces trucking volume and frequency; staff estimated a roughly 3:1 compaction advantage and said WMA compactors could pay for themselves within about a year in reduced trucking costs. Staff also noted safety and accessibility benefits: compacted sites reduce the need for employees to climb steps and handle materials in icy conditions and would improve ADA access at some sites.
Commissioners asked about refurbishment versus replacement; staff said refurbished units may save up to a third of new cost but often leave fatigue-worn parts and that new units provide longer-term reliability. The department will proceed with purchases and bring cost/ROI numbers for the board to review.
Next steps: replace aging compactors in stages, begin at the busiest sites and provide a follow-up report on trucking-cost savings and expected payback timing.
