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Shorewood reports 96% recycling rate as city prepares RFP for new contract
Summary
Shorewood officials said the city recycled 96% of eligible material in 2024 and will issue an RFP for solid-waste and recycling services after the current five-year contract with Republic Services ends; councilmembers pressed staff on low organics participation and recommended resident feedback before finalizing requirements.
Communications and Recycling Coordinator Wilson told the Shorewood City Council on Feb. 10 that the city recorded a 96% recycling rate in 2024 and is preparing a request for proposals to replace the current Republic Services contract, which expires at the end of the year. The council heard that the new contract would begin Jan. 1, 2026.
The short-term timeline and program details drove most of the discussion. Wilson said the existing contract is a five-year agreement and identified organics drop-off locations, contract fees and outreach work undertaken in 2024. He told the council the city would begin preparing an RFP for a new vendor this year and that staff will seek resident input before the RFP is released.
"We had a ninety-six percent recycling rate in 2024," Wilson said. He added that Republic Services had recommended removing padlocks from organics containers during winter months to reduce access problems but that locks historically were used to prevent contamination because the containers can look like standard dumpsters.
Councilmember Gorham asked how Shorewood compares to neighboring cities on organics participation; Wilson said he did not have a direct comparison and that convenience appears to be the major barrier — residents must drive to drop-off points and contend with padlocks and winter access. Councilmember DiGruttolo urged staff to gather resident feedback before issuing the RFP, noting complaints about stringent provider rules. Councilmember Sanschagrin asked whether the proposed Vantage survey would be used; Wilson said Vantage had built a survey draft but it had not been distributed and some questions needed revision to avoid leading respondents.
Why it matters: the council must balance service costs, resident participation and contamination control when drafting the new contract. A different vendor or service design could change collection frequency, drop-off rules, fees or organics access for residents.
What’s next: staff said they will solicit resident input (including at the Recycling Committee meeting open to the public), refine survey materials, and include public feedback in the RFP scope. The council did not take a formal vote on the recycling program at the Feb. 10 meeting.
