Agenda - Council - 09/26/2023 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Due to the day to day changes in the recycling world, there needs to be a greater emphasis on the basic tenets of recycling, which would be to focus on fiber (paper and cardboard), aluminum and steel/tin cans, glass, and plastic containers, tubs, bottles and lids that have a # 1 or #2 stamped on them (essentially back to the basics of recycling). Education continues to be important to avoid the 'wish -cycling' mentality. Wish -cycling is the thought (or hope) that by placing a material or product in the recycling cart, somebody will find a way to recycle it. This is leading to excessive contamination of the recycling stream. The recycling motto has now shifted to 'when in doubt, throw it out'. Staff experimented with a'curbside recycling event' for bulky items (e.g. appliances, electronics, mattresses) in July of 2023. This seemed to be well received by the community as ninety-five (95) households utilized the program this year. Staff does intend to offer this same style of event in 2024. Alternatives Alternative 1: Enter into the Residential Recycling Agreement to receive $69,350.00 in SCORE funds from Anoka County. The funds will assist the City with efforts to meet the 2024 tonnage goal established by Anoka County. Staff supports this alternative. Alternative 2: Do not enter into the Residential Recycling Agreement with the County. By not executing this agreement with the County, the City would not receive any SCORE funding for 2024. A portion of the Senior Planner position is funded through this allocation (duties related to managing the recycling program), as are all recycling related activities, including the spring and fall recycling events. Staff does not support this option. Funding Source: Ramsey's recycling program and related staff time are funded with SCORE funds received from Anoka County annually and recorded under the Recycling Enterprise Fund. Recommendation: Staff recommends adopting Resolution #23-234 authorizing the Mayor and City Administrator, on behalf of the City, to sign the Agreement for Residential Recycling Program with Anoka County. Action: Motion to adopt Resolution #23-234 to enter into a Residential Recycling Agreement with Anoka County to receive SCORE funds for 2024. Recycling Agreement Resolution #23-234 Attachments Form Review Inbox Reviewed By Date Brian Hagen Brian Hagen 09/21/2023 11:14 AM Form Started By: Chris Anderson Started On: 09/19/2023 01:07 PM Final Approval Date: 09/21/2023