Subject:
Title
Resolution repealing Resolution No. 05-59 and terminating the Municipal Recycling Reimbursement Grant program.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval of the resolution repealing Resolution No. 05-59, thereby terminating the Municipal Recycling Reimbursement Grant (MRG) program effective October 1, 2026.
• Resolution 05-59 established the MRG program with the primary goal of seed funding for municipalities within the County to establish residential curbside recycling programs.
• The total annual grant funding available is $500,000.00.
• Maximum funding available to each municipality is based on population.
• MRG Program funds are reimbursable based on whether acceptance criteria are met.
• Between Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 and FY25, the County reimbursed municipalities over $1.57 million for operating expenses, including invoices for contractor services for residential recycling collection and processing.
• The Solid Waste Department continues to work with Solid Waste Technical Management Committee to develop alternative solid waste diversion programs.
• Funding for this grant program is included in the current-year budget of the Solid Waste Department in the Solid Waste Revenue and Operating Fund.
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Strategic Priorities:
Smart Service Delivery
4.4 Pursue continuous improvement.
Summary:
Summary
The MRG Program began in 2005 with the main goal of assisting and seed funding Pinellas County municipalities in starting residential curbside recycling programs. More than two decades later, all municipalities have established curbside recycling programs that are ingrained in the culture of our communities. The way the MRG Program funds are utilized has shifted; most of the funds now supplement municipalities' operating budgets. Repealing the existing resolution allows the County to focus on programs that better advance the County’s long-term, integrated solid waste management and diversion goals, in line with the Solid Waste Master Plan's vision of ‘Zero Waste to Landfill by 2050’.
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Background Information:
Resolution No. 05-59 established the MRG Program, which is funded through the solid waste operating budget. Its original purpose was to help municipalities launch curbside recycling programs. The program reimburses municipalities for expenses directly related to and in support of recycling, including equipment purchases, personnel payroll, operating costs, and products made from recycled content.
In recent fiscal years, most expenditures were for operating cost reimbursements. Between FY21 and FY25, the County reimbursed municipalities over $1.57 million for operating expenses, including invoices for contractor services for residential recycling collection and processing.
Pinellas County Solid Waste (SW) seeks to shift investment away from maintenance to the advancement of waste diversion programs that will benefit our future generations. This supports SW’s vision of ‘Zero Waste to Landfill by 2050’ as outlined in the Solid Waste Master Plan. After careful development and evaluation of alternative programs, and in consultation with municipal partners and the Solid Waste Technical Management Committee, SW recommends terminating the MRG Program in FY27. Repealing Resolution 05 59 frees up funds that can be reallocated in the budget to support future programs that better contribute to the improvement or expansion of waste diversion programs and align with the County’s vision.
Fiscal Impact:
Repeal of the MRG Program will make these funds available for alternate waste diversion programs, such as a safety ad campaign for the disposal of rechargeable batteries in the amount of $93,000. The repeal of the MRG program will reduce the Solid Waste Department’s FY27 Operating Budget by $407,000.00.
Staff Member Responsible:
Paul Sacco, Director, Solid Waste
Partners:
Pinellas County municipalities
Solid Waste Technical Management Committee
Attachments:
Resolution 26-__ A Resolution of the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners Repealing Resolution No. 05-59 and Terminating the Municipal Recycling Reimbursement Grant Program
Resolution 05-59 A Resolution of the Board of County Commissioners of Pinellas County creating a Municipal Recycling Reimbursement Grant Program