Environmental Quality Commission Meeting Date: October 21, 2026
To: Environmental Quality Commission
From: Sara Pabich, Sustainability Coordinator
Title
Update: Residential Curbside Composting and Organics Recycling Program
Body
Action Requested:
The Environmental Quality Commission (EQC) is requested to receive an update regarding recent City Council actions related to the proposed Residential Curbside Composting and Organics Recycling Program.
Summary Report:
On October 6, 2026, City Council was requested to authorize the request for proposals for Residential Curbside Compost/Organic Recycling Program. Motion passed 5-2 (Yes = Ness, Holmes, Sokup, Zweifel; No = Beumer and Dahlen).
On October 6, 2026, City Council was requested to authorize staff to apply to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Statewide Organics Management Grant. Motion passed 6-1 (Yes = Ness, Holmes, Sokup, Dahlen Zweifel; No = Beumer).
At the August 3, 2026, Council meeting, a motion was made by Council Member Ness, seconded by Council Member Sokup, “to direct staff to prepare bids, timelines and other relevant information for a universal residential curbside organic recycling program for further Council review and consideration of release for proposals.” Motion passed 5-1 (Yes = Ness, Holmes, Sokup, Dahlen, Zweifel; No = Beumer; Absent = Peterson-White).
Consistent with that direction, staff has prepared a proposed Request for Proposals for residential curbside organics recycling collection services. Key elements of the proposed RFP include:
A five-year residential collection contract
Anticipated service beginning June 1, 2027, allowing approximately six months for contractor preparation following contract award
Initial collection focused on food scraps
A required 5-gallon container option, with containers no larger than 10 gallons
Contractor education and contamination reduction requirements
Participation tracking and reporting requirements
Evaluation of proposals based on q...
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