Recycling in Eastern Iowa: Questions and answers

Q: What is happening to recycling costs?

A: A new two-year recycling contract between Cedar Rapids/Linn County Solid Waste Agency, which serves the communities in Linn County, and Republic Services, Inc., its recycling processor, is expected to be finalized in June. The contract is expected to increase the tipping fee 88 percent for recycling, up from $34.50 to $65 per ton effective July 1.

Q: How does it affect communities?

A: The agency had subsidized the $34.50 per ton for those that also dumped waste at the landfill, and will continue to subsidize $34.50 if communities sign an affidavit stating they will continue to offer curbside recycling. The agency no longer can subsidize the full amount, leaving a $30.50 gap that must be absorbed by communities, haulers or residents, according to the agency. Those that don't use the landfill would pay the full $65.

Q: How much is the bill for Cedar Rapids residents expected to increase?

A: The 41,000 curbside recycling customers should see a 39 cent or 9 percent increase, up from $4.29 per month to $4.68 per month.

See also: Is recycling in Iowa worth the cost?

Q; How much recycling do Linn County residents create?

A: 7.23 pounds per house per week.

Q: What is the cost per pound of recycling?

A: 3.25 cents per pound.

Q: Why is the price being charged by Republic increasing 88 percent?

A: Several reasons: The recyclables market has plummeted. Foreign importers of recycling commodities such as plastics and paper largely have stopped buying. Oil prices are down, making it more costly to ship loads and cheaper to make new plastic than reuse old material. Plastic also is thinner, requiring more quantity to make the commodity usable.