COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Michelle Ruiz, Interim Director of Utilities
DATE: August 4, 2026
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Approving an Agreement with Tempus for Electronic Waste Processing and Recycling
Description:
The City Council will consider adopting a Resolution approving an agreement with Tempus for Electronic Waste Processing and Recycling.
Environmental Notice: The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Adopt a Resolution approving an agreement with Tempus for Ele ctronic Waste Processing and Recycling; and
2. Authorize the City Manager , or designee, to execute agreement and any future modifications or extensions consistent with the terms of the agreement, or cancelling the agreement, if determined to be in the City’s best interest.
BACKGROUND:
The City operates an electronic waste (E -Waste) recycling program at the Santa Maria Regional Landfill (SMRL) Recycling Park to provide the community with a convenient and safe option for disposing of electronic materials.
The City currently contracts with Tempus to provide collection containers, transportation, processing, and reporting services for the program, which costs the SMRL approximately $11,000 annually. Tempus has proposed a new, no-cost multi-year agreement that would continue existing E -Waste collection and processing services , while providing compensation to the City for eligible E-Waste materials.
If approved, the City will terminate the existing contract coinciding with implementation of the new agreement.
DISCUSSION:
Under the terms of the proposed agreement (Attachment B) , Tempus will continue providing collection containers, transportation, processing, and reporting services necessary to support E-Waste operations, at no cost to the City. Hauling fees of $300 per 2 container pickup would be eliminated and instead Tempus would provide compensation to the SMRL for eligible E-Waste materials accepted under the agreement.
The proposed agreement presents a unique opportunity to maintain the City's existing E- Waste recycling program, while generating revenue from materials currently collected and recycled through the program.
Alternatives
The City Council may:
1. Direct staff to negotiate alternative terms. This is not recommended because although the agreement is currently in draft form, it is substantially complete and reflects terms that are financially and operationally advantageous to the City.
Additional revisions are not anticipated to provide further benefit and would delay implementation of the improved arrangement.
2. Decline to appr ove the agreement and continue operating under the existing service arrangement. This is not recommended because the current arrangement costs the City approximately $11,000 annually in hauling costs and does not provide compensation for eligible E‑ Waste materials.
Fiscal Considerations
The proposed agreement is expected to generate a positive fiscal impact by eliminating current hauling costs and providing revenue from eligible E ‑ Waste materials collected through the Recycling Park. If this agreement had been in place during 2025, the City would have recognized approximately $65,000 in revenue. Actual revenues will vary based on material volumes and market conditions; however, the proposed agreement helps to offset the costs of operating and administering the SMRL’s E ‑ Waste recycling program.
Impact on the Community
This arrangement allows the City to maintain existing public service without reducing service levels or increasing costs for SMRL customers. E-Waste is currently accepted at no charge, and the proposed agreement does not change existing disposal operations.
ATTACHMENT(S)
A. Resolution
B. Agreement-Electronic Waste Processing and Recycling