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St. Clair to offer optional second garbage cart; city declines higher-cost mixed recycling
Summary
After debate, the board agreed to offer residents an optional second 96-gallon trash cart at $10 per month (paid to the vendor) starting Jan. 1; staff advised against raising rates to support single-stream recycling because nearest facilities are distant and would add an estimated $4 — per month to bills.
The Board of Aldermen voted to allow residents an optional second trash cart provided by the contracted vendor and discussed broader recycling options on Dec. 1, 2025.
Administrator Wilkey reviewed the city's current trash contract with the vendor identified in the transcript as "Swinger," saying the service has generally been positive but that some residents requested additional capacity or recycling choices. He told the board the city provides a 96-gallon tote as standard; the senior rate includes a smaller 35-gallon tote, and weekly recycling and yard-waste pickup are included at the current contract price. Wilkey said residents may request a second trash can for $10 per month, paid directly to the vendor, and staff will make that option available beginning Jan. 1.
Wilkey explained that single-stream (mixed) recycling is not available locally because nearby facilities that accept it are distant; hauling to St. Louis-level facilities would raise residential rates by an estimated $4 to $7 per month, which staff recommended against imposing on residents. He also noted vendors had warned the city that contaminated recycling often ends up in landfills.
Staff proposed a guarded 20-yard roll-off container for cardboard near the park maintenance shed as a low-cost option; multiple board members expressed concern about contamination, extra parks cleanup burden and enforcement, calling the container option likely to fail without extensive monitoring. Several board members said they favored offering the second cart first and monitoring results before pursuing roll-off containers or higher-cost recycling options.
The board did not take a formal roll-call vote on a permanent rate change; the action recorded was to offer the optional second cart through the vendor and monitor usage and contamination issues, with staff to report back if additional steps are needed.
Residents seeking the second cart must pay the vendor directly and sign up beginning Jan. 1; staff will prepare outreach materials to inform the public.
