SISW Recycling Minutes 2005-3-16

MINUTES OF STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE RECYCLING IN THE WOOD RIVER VALLEY March 16, 2005 The February 18 meeting was reviewed. The issues with the curbside collection of plastics have been cleared up, and the group thanked Clear Creek Disposal for all their work on this issue.

Three scenarios for the future of recycling in Blaine County were presented. These three scenarios will be used in future meetings to help participants identify the costs and benefits of any changes to the program.

The first scenario, a “Scaled-Back” program, would take recycling back to the basics in Blaine County, collecting cardboard, newspaper, magazines, glass, tin cans and aluminum cans.

The second scenario keeps all the current commodities in the recycling program (cardboard, newspaper, magazines, glass, tin cans, aluminum cans, office and mixed papers, and #1 & #2 plastic bottles).

The third scenario would keep all current commodities, and involve purchasing more advanced equipment to facilitate the possibility of additional commodities.

The buyback program at the BCRRC was also reviewed. Purchasing materials from commercial collectors and the public costs BCRRC between $17,000 and $25,000 annually. Changing pricing levels and/or the frequency of payments made to collectors to encourage keeping materials going through BCRRC instead of other recycling companies in Twin Falls was discussed.

Participants were encouraged to think over the pros and cons of each of the recycling scenarios and the buyback program for discussion at the next meeting.

Jeff Jones with Ascenté Financial was introduced to the group. Jeff is working on a proposal to manage the BCRRC for the County. He will continue to attend the meetings from this point forward.

The next meeting date was scheduled for either April 27th or 29th at 9:00 a.m., depending on which date will work better for the group.