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Creekide reports lower contamination, higher compost sales and flags large wood‑waste surge
Summary
Creekide staff told the council the source‑separated organics contamination rate fell in 2025 after outreach work, bagged-soil sales rose, and an unexpected 2,300‑ton increase in wood waste has prompted staff to consider a tip fee for non‑residents or commercial haulers.
Creekide staff presented an in-depth 2025 year‑end operations and financial review to the Hutchinson City Council on June 9, reporting improved compost-quality metrics and robust sales, while flagging a sharp increase in wood-waste volumes that may require new fees or operational changes.
The presenter explained that the city's outreach and the addition of a public‑outreach coordinator in 2023 helped reduce contamination in organics carts and that the compost program's "composted right" campaign continues to raise capture rates. The presentation showed total incoming materials at roughly 15,000 tons in 2025, with slightly over 8,000 tons originating locally. Sales of bagged products and bulk compost rose; staff projected 1.5 million bags sold in 2026 and reported strong shipments already in the season.
On finances, Creekide reported a net operating loss of about $53,000 for 2025 but said this reflected non‑cash depreciation (approximately $172,000); removing depreciation, staff characterized the fund as having healthy cash flow. The compost fund has contributed transfers to the general fund over time; staff noted a $120,000 annual transfer currently budgeted.
A central operational concern was a notable increase in wood waste in 2025—roughly 2,300 more tons than 2024—driven in part by Emerald Ash Borer removals and because Creekide does not charge for commercial drop-offs. Staff said the facility may begin a tip fee for non‑residents or commercial loads and could implement ID checks or other measures to reduce large commercial dumps that strain processing capacity. Council discussed that charging a fee could curb nonlocal commercial dumping and create revenue to offset processing costs.
Staff described recent capital investments and improvements, including a vac stack to remove film plastic, a cold‑storage expansion for bagging lines, and programmable-logic-controller upgrades to the bagging equipment. Staff also noted plans to explore co‑packing partners to expand distribution and to plan for a truck‑scale relocation and office expansion in 2027.
Council did not take a final vote on any fee changes at the meeting; staff will continue analysis and bring proposals back to council if recommended.
