County weighs whether to keep Staples Plaza recycling site after repeated contamination and theft

Andrew, the county recycling coordinator, told commissioners the Staples Plaza drop‑off site has been repeatedly contaminated with boxes, trash and mixed materials that make loads unsaleable for processors. "Last Monday, I think we picked up 30 bags of trash from this site," Andrew said, describing staff time spent cleaning the location and a recent theft of the trash cans.

Staff said they issued an RFP to Bergmeier, which can accept commingled plastic, and proposed giving the site "one more shot" with outreach, signage and a digital message board. Commissioners discussed cameras and possible fines but staff said enforcement options are limited because the plaza is private property; if contamination continues, the county may remove plastic collection from the site to avoid turning recyclable material into landfill waste.

Short‑term options include outreach to the plaza owners, renewed public messaging, and temporary changes to collection (removing plastic) while monitoring contamination levels. Staff noted the site remains popular, particularly among elderly residents for local access to recycling, and urged trying remedial steps before removing service.