Of?ce of the Mayor William R. Wild - Mayor . 36300 Warren Road - Westland. Michigan 48185 . CITYOF (734)467?3200 - Fax (734)422-1230 - mayorsofc@cityofwestland.c0m An All AMERICAN City February 22, 2019 Dear Valued Westland Resident: The City has recently been notified of a substantial increase to the cost of recycling. Due to extreme global changes in the recycling market, the facility where the recycling materials are taken has increased the rate it charges the City from $18 per ton to $80 per ton. This would translate to an additional $310,000 in costs on an annual basis. This increase is almost 4 times more than what they were charging previously. This charge became effective this month. Many communities in the area, including Westland, have been notified of this increase to the cost of recycling. Due to this sudden and substantial increase in the cost and budget constraints, the City must look for alternative, more cost-effective, places to take the recycled materials. During this transition period the City will, unfortunately, need to take the recycling to the landfill. This transition started on February 20, 2019. The cost at the landfill is substantially less at $28 per ton. We believe this will be a temporary solution so we are asking residents not to change the way they recycle. We ask that you continue to use the blue bin for recycled materials. For the past 10 years, the City of Westland has prided itself on an outstanding recycling program. During that time the city has recycled almost 50,000 tons (100,000,000 pounds) of material. We are asking for patience from the residents while the City researches and obtains an alternate, more cost?effective, site for recycling. Attached to this letter are some frequently asked questions. Please call my office at (734)467?3200 if you have any questions. Sincerely, William R. Wil Mayor a Foityofwestland .?cityofwestland Recycling and Rubbish Pickup As a resident what do ineed to change? Residents do not need to change anything. We are asking that you continue to put your recyclables in the blue bin and the regular trash in the black bin. Do my days changefor garbage or recycling? The days remain the same as they are now. There will be no changes to the pickup schedules. Why is the City taking recycling to the landfill? The recycling markets have changed dramatically. The demand for recycled materials has dropped because China is no longer accepting recycling from the United States and other countries. Because of this change, the City was recently notified of a substantial increase to the cost of recycling. Does this affect surrounding communities? Yes, the recycling is a worldwide issue. How each community decides to deal with it will be up to them. How long will the City take the recycling to the landfill? The City views this as a short term measure. We will keep researching alternatives until we find one that is, both, cost effective accepts the materials. Can residents put rubbish in the recycling bin? No, the City is asking that you keep the recycling materials in the blue bin and rubbish in the black bin. We believe this is short term measure and we do not want residents to change what they currently do. Did anything change regarding compost pickup? No, everything is the same for compost pickup. Did the placement of recycling and rubbish bins change? No, place your bins in the easement behind the curb. Make sure the bins are separated by at least 3 feet. Did special pickup procedures change? No, please continue to call if you have special pickups. There is no cost. Call DPS at (734)728-1770 to schedule a special pickup. Can lstill lease an extra garbage bin? Yes. The City supplies one garbage bin free of charge, if you need an extra bin the cost is $60 per year. Please call DPS at (734)728-1770. Can I still order an additional recycling bin? No, not at this time. Who do I call ifmy rubbish or recycle bin was damaged by the garbage hauler? Contact our DPS department at (734)728-1770. Who do I call if I have additional questions? Call the Mayor?s office (734)467?3200.