Memorandum

To adopt Resolution 26-93 approving the recycling fee and budget for 2027 and authorizing staff to apply for SCORE funding from Ramsey County.

Staff prepared the annual curbside recycling budget and determined the annual recycling fee for city residential properties in accordance with the joint power agreement between Ramsey County and the City of Shoreview. The recycling fee is provided to Ramsey County and included on the 2027 Ramsey County property tax statements. Additionally, staff will complete the application to Ramsey County for funding from the state's Select Committee on Recycling and the Environment (SCORE) which is used in conjunction with recycling fees to fund the city's recycling program. 

Shoreview charges for recycling services as the primary source of funding for the city's curbside recycling program. The city holds a joint powers agreement (JPA) with Ramsey County for collecting recycling fees. Counties have the authority to collect charges for solid waste management services pursuant to Minnesota statutes sections 473.811 and 400.08. The JPA allows the city to charge for the recycling services through the county's waste management service charge. 

The following procedures are followed under the joint powers agreement:

- The city determines the residential count of housing units and provides the information to the Ramsey County Department of Property Taxation.

- The city determines its curbside recycling budget, calculates the per parcel charge, and reports the charge to the Department of Property Taxation. 

- Ramsey County places the charge on the property tax statements mailed to property owners. Funds are collected and distributed to the city on tax settlement dates.

Recycling expenses for 2027 are proposed in the amount of $1,516,415 as compared with expenses from last year of $1,454,106. Expenses associated with the recycling budget include contractual fees for weekly curbside recycling, the cleanup day event, cart replacement, and staff time. The budget reflects the SCORE grant allocation of funds, which is used to fund the recycling program in addition to fees collected. Recycling carts are owned by the city and the budget includes funding for future replacement. Residents can choose from three recycling cart sizes and are allowed multiple carts at no additional cost. The current contract with Republic Services, which began in 2024, includes a 4.5 percent annual increase in the cost for recycling collection services. The 2027 recycling fee is proposed at $115 which equates to $2.21 per week. This is an increase of five dollars for the year from last year's fee of $110.

In partnership with Ramsey County, the recycling program includes other services available to residents such as yard waste collection sites, a direct customer service call line, business recycling, event recycling containers, and events such as fix-it clinics. The Ramsey County Environmental Center opened in 2025 and offers free drop-off for items such as household hazardous waste, electronics, scrap metal, food scraps, and more. The new Food Scraps Pickup Program started in Shoreview this summer and provides an opportunity for residents to recycle food scraps from home for free.

Staff recommends the city council adopt Resolution No. 26-93, approving the proposed 2027 recycling budget in the amount of $1,516,415 and a recycling fee of $115 that will be collected on 2027 residential property tax statements as per the JPA with Ramsey County. Furthermore, staff recommends the city council authorize staff complete and submit the application requesting SCORE funding from Ramsey County.