1. Recycling Program Consolidation in Wisconsin: A Decision-Making Guide
Prepared for the Bureau of Waste and Materials Management Department of Natural Resources by:
Jon Alfuth
Andrew Evenson
Sylvia Fredericks
Kristina Krull
Jennifer Vandermeuse

2. Introduction
Consolidation is the start of a legal agreement such that one new or existing responsible unit of government provides some or all the recycling services previously provided by two or more responsible units of government.

3. Data Overview ● DNR database of RU cost figures
● Personal interviews with experts and RU staff
● Statewide survey to RU staff

4. Presentation Outline ● Overview ● Goals of the consolidating
● Changes to the mandate and grant
● Goals of the consolidating
● Why consider consolidation?
● Decision Guide
● Phase One – Services
● Phase Two – Level of Government
● Phase Three – How
● Examples of County Consolidation
● Recommendations and Conclusion
● Recommendations for DNR
● Recommendations for RUs
● Conclusions

5. Governor Walker’s Budget Proposal
● Eliminate the recycling mandates
● Retain landfill bans
● Eliminate state grant
● Legislature
● Retain grant funding
● Retain mandate
● Conclusion
Economic hardship due to a reduction in state grants is likely.

6. Goals of Consolidation
● Efficiency
● Costs
● Economies of Scale
● Equity
● Equity of Services
● Equity of Costs
● Equity of Staff Knowledge and Time
● Feasibility
● Ease of Implementation
● Barriers
● Aids

8. Ranges of RU Cost per Ton of Recycled Material Collected, 2008

9. Ranges of RU Cost per Ton of Recycled Material Collected, 2008

10. Presentation Outline ● Overview ● Goals of the consolidating
● Changes to the mandate and grant
● Goals of the consolidating
● Why consider consolidation?
● Decision Guide
● Phase One – Services
● Phase Two – Level of Government
● Phase Three – How
● Examples of County Consolidation
● Recommendations and Conclusion
● Recommendations for DNR
● Recommendations for RUs
● Conclusions

11. Flow Chart of the Consolidation Guide
Administration Education Operations Other Services
Inter-County County Sub-County
Resolution Inter-Government Agreement
Phase One: What
Phase Two: Where
Phase Three: How

12. Phase One: What Services to Consolidate?
● Operations (e.g., curbside pickup)
● Education (how/where to recycle)
● Administration of programs
● Other (e.g., electronics recycling)

13. Phase Two: At What Geographic Level to Consolidate?
● Inter-county (across county lines)
● County (at the county level)
● Sub-county (within counties/between municipalities)

14. Phase Three: How to Legally Consolidate?
● Resolution
● Inter-government Agreement

15. Examples of County Consolidation
● Waukesha
● Eau Claire
● St. Croix
● Outagamie

16. Examples of County Consolidation
2009 Facts
County
Eau Claire
Outagamie
St. Croix
Waukesha
Population served
101,069
193,270
70,365
273,701
State grant per person
$7.43
$4.38
$4.10
$5.22
Cost per ton
$231.90
$120.03
$89.56
$138.66
Collection and drop-off services
Private; organized by households
Private; organized by county
Private; organized by municipalities
Recycled material processing
Organized by private companies
County operates facility with two other counties
Organized by municipalities
County operates facility with private company

17. Presentation Outline ● Overview ● Goals of the consolidating
● Changes to the mandate and grant
● Goals of the consolidating
● Why consider consolidation?
● Decision Guide
● Phase One – Services
● Phase Two – Level of Government
● Phase Three – How
● Examples of County Consolidation
● Recommendations and Conclusion
● Recommendations for DNR
● Recommendations for RUs
● Conclusions

18. Recommendations DNR ● Facilitate consolidation
● Provide data when unavailable at local level

19. Recommendations Responsible Units ● Consider goals, including costs
● Communicate with other RUs

20. Conclusion ● Consolidation could increase efficiency and equity
● Survey indicates it is feasible politically
● DNR should actively assist RUs
● All RUs should explore potential for savings from consolidation

21. Questions?

22. For further information
Contact the La Follette School’s publications office at or
The full report and this presentation can be found here:
Thank you!