In a statement Friday regarding its request for proposals (RFP) for a new contract, the county said that Elise Jones had recused herself from any discussions or planning connected to the recycling contract or the new RFP.

Eco-Cycle has operated the Boulder County Recycling Center, as it's known, using a cost-plus contract, but that arrangement has become too expensive and burdensome, according to Boulder County Administrative Services Director Jana Petersen.

"Our current contract leads to duplication of efforts, not only in reviewing expenses but also in other administrative work such as billing, maintenance, and other issues," Petersen said in the statement. "That duplication of effort is something we cannot afford at a time when the prices we receive for most of the materials we sell from the recycling center are relatively low."