HomeMy WebLinkAbout#06 - City Recycling ReceptaclesSTAFF REPORT
DATE:
09/05/2023
Consent
TO: City Council
AGENDA ITEM: City Recycling Receptacles
FROM: Adam Swanepoel, Assistant Public Works Director
REVIEWED BY: Marty Power, Public Works Director Kristina Handt City Administrator
BACKGROUND: In an effort to help clean up the city parks and encourage recycling throughout the city, staff has an opportunity to update the trash bins at Lions Park, VFW field and the down town area.
Over the years, 55 gallon blue barrels have served as our garbage containers throughout our park system. It wasn’t until the last four years these containers began being changed out to a more modern style trash
can which helped keep out rain water and other unwanted items. These cans improve the curb appeal of the areas, however they do not promote or allow for any recycling or separation of items.
Although the city does not have community recycling program, the public works facility does have separate garbage and recyclable bins for daily operations. With this option, bags could be separated by staff after collection.
Issue before City Council: Would City Council like to see the trash receptacles at Lions Park, VFW Field and the downtown updated to include recycling?
PROPOSAL DETAILS/ANALYSIS: Washington County offers a municipal recycling grant program to assist cities and townships with recycling program expenses. Grant funding levels are dependent on municipality household counts and the desired
recycling program activities.
As part of the Washington County Municipal Recycling Grant, the city would be looking at updating 15
recycling cans throughout the two parks and downtown area. Clean River Recycling Solutions is a vendor Washington County has worked with to design and create these style bins all over the county. The bins would be a single unit with two separate containers for collection. One side designated for disposal of
garbage and the other for recyclable items. Recyclables would need to be in a clear bag, which would make separation by staff easy to identify.
Staff along with Washington County have identified these areas as a high use of recyclable materials. Allowing the opportunity to users to sort materials such as garbage and recycling help promote recycling throughout our community.
FISCAL IMPACT: The cost of purchasing 15 bins for the two parks and downtown area is $22,500. This grant allows for 100% reimbursement of those funds after delivery.
OPTIONS:
• Approve the Recycling Grant
• Deny the Recycling Grant
• Table for future discussion RECOMMENDATION: “Motion to approve the 2023 Grant Agreement for Municipal Recycling Grant Distribution between the
City of Lake Elmo and Washington County.” ATTACHMENTS:
• Trash Bin Receptacles