Kingman staff say paid city recycling program may end June 2026; free drop-off days planned in April

City of Kingman staff told the Clean City Commission on March 19 that the citys paid recycling program is not financially sustainable and staff will recommend the program end in June 2026, subject to a council vote in May.

"So basically, what that means is that everybody would have to pay for that," Eddie, the commissions staff liaison, said, describing rising operation and market costs. He added, "So it's recommended that the last day for recycling will be June 2026. Right now, it's just tentative. It'll come back to council in May, and then there'll actually be a vote on that to see whether or not it does go away."

Eddie told commissioners the paid drop-off program had 265 paying customers overall since it started, averaging roughly 50 paying customers per month; he said 191 of those customers come from inside the city. Staff noted community-survey results showed limited resident interest in a paid program and that sustaining it long-term would require adjusting solid-waste rates citywide.

While the future of the paid program is pending the council vote, staff said the recycling drop-off center will host free recycling days planned for April 9 6, 9 and 11 (staff will issue PSAs). Eddie said the center will remain open until further notice as the issue returns to council in May.

Commissioners asked operational questions about equipment and costs. When asked how a program closure would affect a recently purchased baler, Eddie said staff had not finalized plans: "If they choose to go away, then we will just sell the baler... and accept our losses." No final decision about equipment or disposition was announced.

What happens next: Staff will present the recommendation to the City Council in May, when council members will consider the proposal and any related rate adjustments. The Clean City Commission will publicize the free recycling days and continue outreach while the council evaluates the recommendation.