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Curbside recycling pickups to increase?
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Published: October 28, 2009
Following the state's recent ban on the disposal of certain plastics in landfills, many Mooresville residents were left wondering whether the town will expand its limited recycling program to include curbside pickup for all residents.
According to John Yvars, Mooresville's sanitation superintendent, the town is in the planning stages for doing just that.
"I know that we are looking to expand our current (recycling) program," he said Tuesday. "To what degree – in other words, the whole town or just a portion of it – that has yet to be decided." Mooresville currently offers free curbside recycling in limited areas as a pilot program.
Noting that the town will begin its budget process for the 2010-11 fiscal year this winter, Yvars said officials will need to decide whether or not the town has the funds for manpower, equipment and other financial needs that an expanded recycling program would require.
Assistant Town Manager Erskine Smith said Tuesday that providing curbside recyclable pickups throughout town is something the tow board of commissioners would like to do. However, he said money will be the determining factor.
"Ideally, they'd like to expand it if they can afford it," he said of the commissioners. "I think it's going to be one of those things they'll look at for the capital budget for next year."
Additionally, the town will also have to wait for the Mecklenburg County recycling station – which the town uses for its pilot program -- to expand its services. That facility, said Yvars, plans to renovate and include the acceptance of mixed recyclables – items such as aluminum, plastic and paper, all recycled into one container and sorted at the plant.
That new facility, he noted, is slated to open next July 1.
In the meanwhile, Mooresville residents outside the pilot program area will need to continue taking their recyclables to the county transfer station on N.C. 150 near U.S. 21.
Among the recyclables not allowed to place in the garbage are plastics, aluminum and corrugated cardboard.
Smith said the town remains diligent in promoting the transfer station's services and "making people aware" that it is a more environmentally-friendly option than disposing recyclables with other household trash.
Mentioning Troutman's placement of recycling bins throughout town for residential use, Smith said that remains a "good idea in principle," but may not work as well once implemented.
Yvars agreed. "Those facilities, if they aren't manned, become dumping grounds," he said. "You get some illegal dumping or contamination of the recyclables and that's not fair to those who are doing the right thing."
Although placing recycling containers around town remains an option, there are no immediate plans for that, Yvars and Smith said.
"I feel our best option is to work toward providing the curbside service and doing so in the most cost effective manner," Yvars said. "I think we'll get high participation in Mooresville."
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