Mounds View’s New Proposed System
for Collecting Trash & Recycling

The Goal: A more efficient and transparent system to deliver lower prices, less noise and fewer large trucks

The city of Mounds View seeks to address several challenges with its current trash collection system, called an Open Collection system. Under this system, an unlimited number of haulers can obtain a license and directly contract with a resident to provide services.

Currently, there are five licensed haulers collecting trash and recyclable materials in the city. As a result, a steady flow of large trucks are crisscrossing neighborhoods, creating noise and air pollution and wearing down city streets.

With no established service rates, residents are charged different rates for the same services, sometimes even by the same hauler. Residents are often charged additional fees that are unclear.

Lowering Costs
for Residents

If Mounds View voters approve an Organized Collection system on November 5, the city will move forward next spring under a negotiated contract with Lakeshore Recycling Systems (LRS). Under the negotiated contract with LRS, standard weekly service for a 95-gallon bin will be $81.17 per quarter, including bi-weekly recycling and taxes, during the first year of service. Some residents are currently paying double for the same service.

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  • City Would Lead Negotiations

    The city is proposing an Organized Collection system, which would allow the city to represent residents in negotiations for trash and recycling services. This would put the city in a direct position to ensure fair pricing and hold haulers accountable for service quality. Pricing will be clear and more affordable for most residents, with no confusing fees.

    After reviewing seven competitive bids, the city council chose Lakeshore Recycling Systems (LRS) because they concluded that LRS would provide the best range of services for residents at the lowest average cost. Under the proposed Organized Collection system, the city would be divided into four zones, each with a designated collection day (Mon-Thurs), reducing truck traffic in neighborhoods.

  • Residents Have the Final Say

    During the upcoming November election, Mounds View residents will decide whether the city will implement Organized Collection. If approved, the new system will begin in April 2025 under the contract terms negotiated with Lakeshore Recycling Systems (LRS). This will give the city enough time to plan for the change and avoid a rollout during the winter months.

    Because this is an important community decision, the city has created this website for residents to learn more about the proposed Organized Collection system, how collections and pricing would change if approved, voting information and how to submit questions to the city.

The city of Mounds View is proposing a new trash collection system to provide reliable and affordable services for most residents while protecting the city’s $35 million investment in street infrastructure and reducing negative environmental impacts on our community.