Title
Discussion and Possible Request of the Environmental Sustainability Board to Evaluate Expanding Recycling Services
Recommended Action
I move that Council direct the Environmental Sustainability Board to _________________________.
Body
This item is to discuss if and how to possibly expand recycling services in the County and was requested by Councilor Melanee Hand. Attachment A is a presentation that will frame the discussion. Since the Environmental Sustainability Board advises Council on such matters, the ESB 2026 Work Plan is shown in Attachment B and would, if revised, provide a mechanism for Council to ask for an evaluation of expanding recycling services. As further context, Attachment C contains the current service agreement with Waste Connections of Albuquerque which states,
"The commingled, recyclable material County will deliver, at its discretion, to Contractor will include, but is not limited to the following:
1. Paper products in a form deemed acceptable by the County, including but not limited to, newspaper and inserts, shredded office paper (in clear bags), paper board, cereal and cracker boxes, milk boxes, juice boxes, corrugated cardboard, brown paper bags, junk mail, paper board, shredded office paper, magazines, catalogs, cardboard egg cartons, phone books, paperback books, hard back books as well as Sorted Office Paper (SOP) of Grades 1 and 2 by the standards established by the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries as well as all other paper products deemed acceptable by the County.
2. Plastic products in a form acceptable by the County including but not limited to plastic products coded 1 thru 7 by the standards adopted by the Society of Plastics Industry (AKA Plastics Industry Association), including but not limited to, polyethylene terephthalate plastic bottles, and high density polyethylene containers as well as rigid plastic toys.
3. Metal products in a form acceptable to the County, including but not limited to, aluminum foil, metal pots and pans, cans, metal containers as well as small electronic devices and chords."
Recently, ESB heard a presentation from a business that provides plastic collection and recycling services. Attachment D is the presentation from Ridwell. Finally, Attachment E contains comments from ESB Chair David Hampton and Staff Liaison on expanding recycling services that may contribute to the conversation.
Attachments
A - Councilor Hand Presentation on Expanding Single-Use Plastic Recycling
B - 2026 Environmental Sustainability Board Work Plan
C - AGR25-14 Waste Connections of Albuquerque LLC
D - Ridwell Presentation
E - ESB and Staff Liaison Comments on Expanding Recycling Services