The Wayland City Council Monday night voted to renew its contract for recycling services for one year.
The city has participated in the Allegan County Recycling program, contracting with Republic Services for curbside recycling every other week at a cost of $25 per household. However, in the last couple of years, costs have exceeded revenue.
The city picks up the difference between revenues from residential fees and costs of operating the program, but City Manager Mike Selden said the city’s bill is expected to grow to $8,500 this year.
Allegan County Recycling Coordinator Ben Williams two weeks ago told the council a county-wide fee increase probably will be on the 2016 election ballot, bumping the annual fee to $36 per household and eliminating the opt-out clause.
Williams said the fee increase of $11 annually could not be applied before 2017, so the current proposal that was tabled only covers the agreement for next year.
“We have had this program for 25 years and believe it works well,” Williams said. “If you don’t collect that $25 per household (in 2016), I’d have to pull the (curbside recycling) carts.”
Councilwoman Jennifer Antel said, “I’d hate to terminate recycling on such short notice. And a large number of people then would start throwing things away.”
Councilwoman Tracy Bivins added, “A lot of people have told me they wouldn’t mind paying $36 a year (for curbside recycling services).”
PHOTO: Ben Williams
