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Resident questions Fulton recycling rate increase; council says higher processing costs drove change
Summary
A Fulton resident questioned recent curbside recycling fee increases, saying notice was insufficient. Council members responded that recycling processing now costs roughly $145 per ton—about three times landfill disposal—and that the adjusted cart fee covers the elective curbside service.
Laurie Whitlow of 801 Mokane Road told the City of Fulton Council on Feb. 24 that she was concerned about the recent curbside recycling rate increase and that "notice to residents was insufficient." The comment appeared during the public comment portion of the council's regular meeting.
Council members addressed her concern during the council reports portion of the meeting. Councilman Mike West said the recycling program began with grant support but that market conditions and processing costs changed, and "current recycling costs are approximately $145 per ton compared to $45 per ton for landfill disposal." He said the adjusted cart fee was intended to cover curbside collection costs. Councilwoman Lauren Nelson noted that the cart rate had remained $2.00 for roughly 15 years despite rising costs, that participation in curbside recycling is elective, and that notice was posted through utility billing statements, the City website and social media.
City officials also said glass collection and aluminum can recycling remain available to residents and that staff continue to explore alternatives given challenging recycling markets. No formal action was taken at the Feb. 24 meeting to change the new fee; council members described the increase as intended to make the curbside program self-sustaining rather than subsidized by other utility revenues.
The city did not state an effective date for the fee change at the meeting. Council members stressed that residents who do not wish to participate may opt out and that alternative drop-off or recycling options remain available through other local programs.
