The Garbage Grapevine is a bimonthly newsletter about solid waste and recycling in the ECICOG Solid Waste Comprehensive Planning Area.

This newsletter is sponsored by the Solid Waste Commissions in Benton, Iowa, Jones, and Tama Counties .

RECYCLING COST CHANGE
Ownership change at the largest recycling company in the region and weak international markets for materials are influencing the cost of recycling. After Republic Services took ownership of City Carton Recycling facilities, there have been news stories about the future cost of recycling materials. To obtain the most accurate estimate of recycling costs contact your community's hauler. Material volume and type, hauler, and other specific factors may affect the final cost to your community.  
SWAP GRANT AMOUNT REDUCED
In April, a reduced grant amount will be offered through the DNR's Solid Waste Alternatives Program (SWAP). Local governments, non-profit organizations, and businesses may apply for any amount, but only $10,000 is eligible as a grant. Amounts beyond $10,000 will be eligible for 0% or 3% financing. Through a competitive process, the program provides funding for waste reduction projects. The most recent SWAP projects funded in this area include bio-solids storage in Shellsburg and Urbana and developing new recycling programs at the Benton and Tama County landfills. If you're interested, please contact Alicia Presto at 319-365-9941 ext. 121 or alicia.presto@ecicog.org.
NEED HELP WITH YOUR HAULER CONTRACT?
If your community is interested in negotiating a new contract with your waste and/or recycling hauler, contact Jennifer Fencl at 319-365-9941 ext. 131 or jennifer.fencl@ecicog.org. Through sponsorship by your local Solid Waste Commission, ECICOG provides waste and recycling contract assistance to communities in the region. With ECICOG's assistance, communities have improved the terms of their contracts to reflect specific needs and current pricing practices in the hauling industry.