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Recology seeks 2.1% recycling rate increase; council probes processing and contamination controls
Summary
Recology Northern Oregon proposed a 2.1% increase to curbside recycling collection rates (about $0.20 per month per customer) to keep pace with costs and equipment needs. Recology described local operations, processing partners and education efforts to reduce contamination in recycling streams.
Representatives of Recology Northern Oregon presented a rate-review request to the commission, seeking a 2.1% increase in recycling collection costs for the year. Dan Blue, Recology's government relations manager, said the requested adjustment would equate to about $0.20 a month for Warrenton customers and aligns with recent CPI changes.
Katie Harsh (operations manager) described local operations based in Warrenton and noted fleet age and equipment replacement as primary cost drivers; the fleet on the North Coast averages about 16 years. Blue said the company sends disposal loads to regional landfills (examples cited: Cowlitz; Coffin Butte for valley loads) and that the Recycling Modernization Act (effective July 1) is intended to shift some processing costs to manufacturers. Commissioners asked about customer counts (locally over 2,000 accounts), recycling market uncertainty and education efforts; Recology said it sends printed guides, advertises locally and runs school programs to reduce contamination and will mark bins that are contaminated and contact habitual offenders.
