LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Little Rock Board of Directors approved a contract extension with Waste Management, which will bring glass recycling back to the city along with an increase in fees.
The unanimous decision to extend the contract with Waste Management of Arkansas came after the city Board of Directors meeting on April 2. The contract was approved for an additional three years, until March 31, 2027.
Little Rock residents have not had the ability to put glass into their recycling carts since 2019.
The recycling fee rates will jump from $5.25 to $5.99 per month. Then in April 2025, the rate will jump to $6.31, and then $6.64 in April 2026.
In addition to glass recycling, residents will also be able to recycle plastic clamshell containers marked with a "1." These containers are typically used with fruits and other food items.
Jamie Vernon, a manager with Waste Management who was present at the board meeting, said the new equipment will be installed in the next 10 to 12 weeks.
After the unanimous vote, Mayor Frank Scott Jr. said it was a "big day for sustainability."