This item is for discussion only and does not require formal Council action at this time; however, staff will seek policy direction from Council regarding the future of the cardboard collection and recycling program.

At the request of City Council, this work session will provide an overview of the City’s curbside cardboard collection and recycling program, including program utilization, operational challenges, and associated costs. Staff will present information regarding the financial impacts of the program, potential cost savings if the program is discontinued, and alternative service options that may better align with customer usage and operational efficiency. No formal action is required at this time; however, staff will seek policy direction from Council regarding the future of the cardboard collection and recycling program.

The City’s curbside cardboard collection and recycling program commenced in September 2023 as an additional residential solid waste service intended to provide customers with a convenient option for recycling corrugated cardboard materials. The program was implemented in response to community and Council interest in expanded recycling opportunities and is currently provided as part of the City’s residential solid waste services.

Currently, approximately 4,000 customers per month utilize the program. As the program has matured, staff has continued to evaluate participation levels, operational impacts, processing costs, contamination issues, equipment and staffing requirements, and the overall financial sustainability of the service within the Solid Waste Fund.

During this work session, staff will present information regarding the current operational costs and challenges associated with the cardboard collection and recycling program and estimated cost savings if the program were discontinued.  Staff will also discuss potential alternative service models and associated costs that may better align with customer utilization and operational efficiency.

The cardboard collection program is currently authorized under Article 21-200 of the Billings Municipal Code. If the City Council desires to discontinue the program, amendments to the Municipal Code would be required.

The full operational and financial impacts of the current cardboard collection and recycling program are still being evaluated. Staff will present estimated program costs, potential cost savings associated with discontinuation, and the fiscal impacts of alternative service options during the Council work session.

Council may provide direction to staff to continue the current cardboard collection and recycling program, pursue discontinuation of the program, discontinue the program and implement alternative service options, or defer further discussion to a future date.