Twin Falls Debates Future of Residential Recycling Program

City council weighs options as contamination issues plague current service.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:08am

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A vibrant, silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeated icon of a recycling bin in a grid pattern, using a neon color palette and heavy black outlines to create a modern, eye-catching pop art representation of the recycling debate in Twin Falls.A bold, pop art-inspired illustration captures the ongoing debate over Twin Falls' residential recycling program and the need for innovative solutions to address contamination issues.Twin Falls Today

The city of Twin Falls, Idaho, is considering the future of its residential recycling program as it negotiates a new contract with service provider PSI Environmental Services. Concerns over contamination and non-recyclable items being placed in bins have led the council to debate whether to terminate the program or explore alternative options.

Why it matters

Recycling programs play a crucial role in reducing waste and promoting sustainability, but contamination issues can undermine their effectiveness and increase costs for municipalities. Twin Falls' decision will impact the city's environmental footprint and the services available to residents.

The details

According to Chelsea Ross, the city's utility billing manager, residents often mix motor oil and other liquids with their recycling, making entire loads unrecyclable. This practice not only increases costs but also undermines the environmental benefits of recycling. The council is considering four options, two of which include recycling and two that do not. Jace Melugin, the site manager for PSI Environmental Services, confirms the company's long-standing partnership with the city and its commitment to bridging the recycling gap in the Magic Valley area.

  • The city's current recycling program with PSI Environmental Services will continue until the end of 2026.
  • The council will make a final decision on the program's future after the current contract expires.

The players

Chelsea Ross

The city's utility billing manager who highlights the issue of contamination in the recycling program.

Jace Melugin

The site manager for PSI Environmental Services, the company that has provided residential trash collection in Twin Falls since 2006.

PSI Environmental Services

The company that has provided residential trash collection in Twin Falls since 2006 and is now negotiating a new contract with the city, including options for the recycling program.

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What they’re saying

“Residents often mix motor oil and other liquids with their recycling, making it unrecyclable. This practice not only increases costs but also undermines the environmental benefits of recycling.”

— Chelsea Ross, Utility Billing Manager

“We have a long-standing partnership with the city and are committed to bridging the recycling gap in the Magic Valley area.”

— Jace Melugin, Site Manager

What’s next

The city's current recycling program with PSI Environmental Services will continue until the end of 2026, after which the council will make a final decision on the program's future.

The takeaway

Twin Falls' decision on the future of its residential recycling program will have significant implications for the city's environmental impact and the services available to its residents. The council must balance the challenges of contamination with the importance of promoting sustainability and providing cost-effective solutions.