City officials have announced plans for major solid waste upgrades funded by a nearly $5 million EPA SWIFR grant.
Public Works Director Mike Theis said the grant will help expand landfill capacity, reduce recycling costs, replace aging equipment, and support community recycling education. The funding will also launch a new commercial recycling program aimed at improving material quality and doubling recycling rates, with expanded services for businesses and large apartment complexes.
The grant follows the council’s approval of a $3.45 monthly increase to residential waste service rates, which took effect this month. Theis said rising wages and the unexpectedly high cost of constructing Cell 15—completed late last year at nearly double its projected price—were key factors in the rate hike.
Looking ahead, the city is evaluating options to expand the landfill onto adjacent land.
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