Committee signs Clean Sweep contract, accepts grant funding for 2027 collection

Buffalo County's Recycling Committee confirmed that the county has signed a contract and accepted grant funding to support the 2027 Clean Sweep program. Recycling Coordinator Richard Bauer said he had explored a self-collection option with La Crosse County's household hazardous materials program but, after consulting with staff familiar with past years, concluded the county should contract with Veolia to reduce liability risk. The grant awards noted in the minutes were $3,830.49 for agricultural materials and $12,709.80 for household hazardous waste.

Bauer told the committee he had discussed the self-collection option with a colleague named Tony and said liability concerns weighed in favor of an established contractor. The committee did not vote against alternatives; minutes show the contract and grant funding were in place for next year's Clean Sweep and staff were directed to proceed with planning under the signed contract.