1A, Residential Curbside Recycling - Contract Discussion

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this will become a bigger issue in the coming years. Eureka recently conducted a pilot program in St. Paul to collect organics curbside, and hopes to include organics collection as a regular service in the next 2-3 years. RecyclinLy Bins and Carts Recycling bin ownership is another issue that can come up when reviewing recycling contract proposals. Currently residents own the bins that are used for recycling pick up. The City initially purchased the bins and provided one bin to every household. Additional bins may be purchased by residents for $6 each. If the City chooses to go out for an RFP and switch haulers it is likely that the result will be a single-stream collection. As part of any planning for single- stream recycling, the City will need to make a decision about whether to purchase carts for residents or to require the hauler to provide carts. Carts are considerably more expensive than bins, and having a hauler provide them will impact the cost of the proposal that is submitted. Furthermore, it will give that provider a cost advantage in the future over other providers because they will have already made the capital investment of purchasing the carts. On the other hand, if the City purchases the carts it will require a substantial upfront investment from the City. In addition,the City would be required to store the carts. On the other hand, providers in the future would compete on a more equal footing in terms of collection costs. Customer Service and Education The level of customer service offered to residents is a factor that is difficult to measure, but important nonetheless to the City's experience of a recycling service provider. Seeking a provider that offers in-person customer service to residents to answer their questions and address issues in a timely manner is important. Further, a provider that has respect for the City's streets, cleans up spills in a timely and effective manner, and follows the City's rules in terms of pick-up times are all items that should be considered when selecting a hauler. Staff is interested in seeing an expansion of educational materials offered by the recycling provider. This may include participation in the making of videos to be played on the City's cable channel, newsletter articles, or direct mailings to residents. While Arden Hills has one of the highest participation rates in the County, Staff would be interested in working with a provider to offer recycling incentives and to educate people on additional types of materials that may be recyclable. Discussion Staff has spoken with Eureka to discuss the contract and a possible RFP process. Eureka is interested in maintaining its relationship with the City and has suggested a 3-5 year contract extension. Staff feels that if a contract extension were to proceed that it should be for 2-3 years in order to allow time for any changes in collection of plastics and organics to be worked out P:IPlanninglRecycling&Garbage 12012109-24-12-Work Session-Memo-Recycling Contract Discussion.doc Page 5 of 7