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City to buy recycling baler in $180,000 sanitation‑fund purchase; staff says revenue could rise to ~$80k/year
Summary
Council approved a $180,000 appropriation from sanitation fund balance to buy a recycling baler; Public Works estimates improved bale quality could raise annual recycling revenue from roughly $12k–$20k to about $80k and reduce transport trips and greenhouse‑gas emissions.
Harrisonburg City Council approved a $180,000 supplemental appropriation from the sanitation fund on Oct. 14 to purchase a recycling baler that will densify plastics, paper and aluminum for higher market value.
Tom Hartman of Public Works told council the baler will create roughly 1,000‑pound bales of #1 and #2 plastics, mixed paper, cardboard and aluminum; once about 20 bales are accumulated the city would load a single trailer for market, reducing the number of low‑value trips to processors. Hartman said the change could boost annual revenue from the current $12,000–$20,000 range to "just a little bit over $80,000," while improving product quality and lowering transport emissions.
Council members praised the efficiencies and the alignment with sustainability goals. Staff said the baler can be run within current staffing levels for one to two hours per day based on existing volumes; if volumes grow, staff acknowledged operations and staffing would scale accordingly. The appropriation was approved by unanimous roll call; funds will come from the sanitation fund balance.
