South Weber Council directs staff to continue negotiations on citywide recycling program

The South Weber City Council on Jan. 28 voted to continue negotiations with Robinson Waste to develop a citywide recycling program that could reduce the city’s landfill tipping fees if participation targets are met.

Councilwoman Angie Petty, who led the discussion, said the Wasatch Integrated Waste Management District’s new pricing favors cities with recycling programs and that a high participation rate "would provide up to a 15% discount" off the current $7.20-per-can monthly tipping fee. Petty "strongly recommended starting the Recycling Program by July 1, 2025." The council discussed three rollout models: mandatory citywide service, opt-out distribution, or opt-in enrollment. The Recycling Partnership offers a $15-per-can reimbursement to cities that own the cans and implement a qualifying program by September 2025.

Councilman Joel Dills warned that "unless the program is mandated, he does not think there will be an 80% participation rate," a threshold staff said is needed for the full diversion discount. Councilman Wayne Winsor and others requested additional cost comparisons and public outreach plans; the Municipal Utilities Committee recommended negotiating with Robinson Waste and either purchasing cans directly or arranging a purchase plan through the hauler. The council voted by voice to continue negotiations and asked staff to return with detailed cost scenarios, participation projections, and a proposed implementation timeline.