IRON MOUNTAIN — A curbside recycling program under consideration in Iron Mountain drew comments of support from citizens Monday, although some had reservations about the cost.

If the city acquires recycling carts, and has mandatory recycling, the cost per household would be about $6.35 per month for bi-weekly collection through GFL Environmental Inc., according to City Manager Jordan Stanchina.

Michigan’s benchmark recycling standards require that 90% of single-family dwellings in urban areas have access to curbside recycling by Jan. 1, but Stanchina described that as “a soft deadline.” The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy appears satisfied with the city’s plan to introduce a program sometime next year, he said.

An EGLE grant with an application deadline of Jan. 28 would pay 80% of the cost for wheeled carts acquired by the city. The council Monday sought views on whether a mandatory or voluntary program would be best for curbside pickups.

“The law’s coming either way,” Dawn Smith told the council. Curbside recycling, she added, makes Iron Mountain more competitive.

Dani Revord said it’s past time for the city to have such a program, which will help “attract and retain young people.”

Richard Page, however, said a voluntary program prevents non-participants from subsidizing everyone else.

Mandatory recycling is “more extra money we have to pay out,” David Aronson said.

Kate Pearson, one of the majority who spoke in favor of a mandatory program, suggested residents be asked to sponsor recycling carts for those who find the monthly cost too difficult. She also said she’d be willing to lead classes on the benefits of recycling.

About 10 people spoke, including some who complained too many residents keep their carts at the curb for days and days at a time.

The city’s expense for landfill tipping fees is currently about $250,000 annually and the cost of waste tonnage is more than double that of recycling, according to Stanchina. It’s hoped that maximizing waste diversion from landfills will push the city’s disposal costs low enough to better offset the cost for recycling collections, he said.

GFL Environmental has provided automated garbage pickup in the city since August 2023. If curbside recycling is offered, GFL will allow recyclables to be placed in one capped container, without separation. By purchasing carts, as opposed to having them provided through GFL, the projected savings to the city in collection costs is 95 cents per customer per month, Stanchina said.

Under a voluntary program, at least 1,000 of the city’s customers will need to participate to qualify for the lowest pricing, he said. Norway and Kingsford have jointly opted for a voluntary plan but have so far fallen far short of getting 1,000 signed on, he noted.

Council member Kyle Blomquist pointed out that Iron Mountain customers who now pay for additional garbage carts should be able to discontinue that if curbside recycling is offered.

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Jim Anderson can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85226, or janderson@ironmountaindailynews.com.