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Cardboard and mixed-waste fees climb; district says it may refuse unbaled material
Summary
District staff warned that cardboard prices rose above $100 per ton and non-recyclable loose material disposal fees jumped to $210 per ton, forcing stricter acceptance rules and cutting revenue for the district.
Staff reported a sharp change in commodity markets and disposal charges that is squeezing district revenues.
"Cardboard is up over $100 a ton now," the staff member said, adding that non-recyclable loose material now carries a $210-per-ton charge. The presenter contrasted that with past prices: "And again, it was $60 and now it's 210." As a result, staff said the district will decline materials it cannot bale because the disposal fee makes acceptance uneconomic.
The speaker described recent problems with contaminated loads from some vendors and buyers, adding that the district previously received better returns from partners (e.g., Harrison Steel) but stopped using some outlets because loads became too dirty and time-consuming. The district is seeking ways to collect more clean material and maintain revenue from scrap and recyclables.
The board did not change acceptance policy at the meeting but acknowledged the financial pressure and asked staff to pursue additional collection opportunities where feasible.
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