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Senior Planner Anderson explained that it is illegal for a hauler collecting recyclables to bring <br />these recyclables to a landfill. He noted the exception to this is when the materials are <br />contaminated. He added that if someone's recycling bin appears to be over filled with trash and <br />non-recyclables, ACE will notify the resident and let them know that they cannot pick up the <br />recycling until the contaminants are removed. He said they also have cameras that watch <br />everything go into the hopper of the truck, so they are able to identify some larger possible <br />contaminants. He noted that when the materials get to the material recovery center there would not <br />be a good way to collect data on tonnage and contaminates as the materials from Ramsey are mixed <br />in with all other haulers who are bringing these materials to the facility. <br /> <br />Councilmember Specht shared that they were given a presentation a while ago about how they <br />need to get residents to be more thoughtful on what they are putting in their recycling as it is harder <br />to recycle now because of contamination. He noted that it may be worth doing some more <br />education around recycling to get this point across to residents. He said he would not look to end <br />the recycling contract early and that it will be a good discussion when the contract expires. <br /> <br />Senior Planner Anderson stated that the message around recycling has shifted Statewide since <br />China implemented their program on not taking contaminated recycling. He noted that this has <br />changed recycling significantly. <br /> <br />Councilmember Olson asked if there is any feel or gauge for how the City does with the recycling <br />and contaminants. <br /> <br />Senior Planner Anderson said he does not have numbers on this, but he can try to get this <br />information from ACE. He explained that they are meeting and exceeding their tonnage goals and <br />have been for the last 20 years. He stated the residents are proud of their ability to recycle as they <br />have strong participation numbers, 90% and higher, in the recycling program. <br /> <br />City Administrator Hagen stated that if they were to look at moving away from having a City <br />contracted recycling hauler then they should look at this early on in next year. He asked the Council <br />if they would like to continue with the contracted service with ACE or look at getting other <br />proposals. <br /> <br />Councilmember Howell said it is worth looking at other options or what it would look like to move <br />to open hauling for both garbage and recycling. <br /> <br />Senior Planner Anderson shared that in a few years there may be mandatory curbside recycling of <br />organics as this is something that the County just relayed from the State. He noted that if they get <br />to this point there could be countless trucks picking up trash and recycling providing these services. <br /> <br />Mayor Kuzma asked how many trucks they currently have on the roads with existing services. <br /> <br />City Administrator Hagen explained that they have open garbage hauling with around 10 licenses <br />and only one contract for recycling. <br /> <br />City Council Work Session / March 26, 2024 <br />Page 4 of 9 <br /> <br />