The County has expressed an interest in seeing over the next several years the development of three (3) or four (4) recycling centers that would serve not just the residents of the community it is located in but also all Anoka County residents.  While no municipalities within the county have been specifically identified, Ramsey has been mentioned as a potentially desirable location for one of these recycling centers.

The Recycling Enhancement Grant program funding can be used to assist in developing plans for a recycling center.  If the City would pursue this funding, it would be to develop plans for a recycling center that are non-site specific.  The plans would focus more on space needs, maneuverability, traffic flow, equipment needs, etc.  Ideally, these plans could potentially become a template for other communities as well.

Should the City ever pursue a recycling center in the future (to be clear, this is not currently in the CIP nor has it been formally discussed), the plan development component would be complete if the City is successful with it's grant proposal.  Ideally, the facility would accept items that are more difficult to recycle such as mattresses, boxsprings and  construction/demolition debris, as well as items such as appliances, electronics, motor oil, and standard curbside materials.  There could also potentially be an opportunity to offer yard waste disposal as well. 

Considering that there is no matching component from the City for a project up to $50,000.00, City Staff would recommend applying for grant funding to develop plans for a non-site specific recycling center.