Committee forwards $242,823.65 appropriation, contract to build new Russellville recycling drop-off site

The finance committee on March 10 voted to forward to the full council a contract and appropriation to construct a public recycling drop-off facility at 1801 South Knoxville.

Staff said the recommended contractor is Hard Rock Construction Incorporated and that the appropriation ordinance is for $242,823.65 from Fund 27 (economic development capital fund). "This will be a lighted facility with automatic gates, cameras connected to Russellville Police Department, concrete roll-off pads, some blacktop for parking and drive access, and signage," staff said. The facility is designed as walk-up recycling with separate openings for mixed containers and for paper/cardboard.

Staff estimated first-year hauling/delivery costs to Green Source at about $12,000 (roughly $150 per load). Ace Epic Glass will pick up glass at no charge, staff said. The city will partner with Arkansas Tech University on a recycling‑education campaign timed to the city's Earth Day event.

Staff said the site will be monitored by cameras linked to the police department to capture license plates and faces when necessary to investigate illegal dumping. Committee members asked about operating costs, glass sorting requirements (staff said mixed glass is acceptable), and how the project complements curbside recycling (staff noted curbside service covers only single‑family homes and that roughly 40% of residents lack curbside collection).

After discussion the committee forwarded items 2 and 2A to the full council with a recommendation of approval.