Mayors hear recycling proposal

The Regional Board of Mayors is looking at some type of recycling program for the area.

The idea of starting a recycling program is not new for the mayors, who are still trying to figure out how to pay for it.

The group heard a proposal from Sunrise Disposal Monday that would limit product to cardboard and aluminum, both easily sellable and possibly able to pay their own way. Most items that are considered recyclable don’t pay their way.

Start small, and do what’s doable, seemed to be the message.

Sunrise would supply bins and place them in strategic places. But the mayors were forewarned that the idea isn’t a slam dunk. Sunrise said a bi-weekly collection wouldn’t be expensive but could require full participation to be successful.

It was pointed out to the mayors that there is a tendency for people to toss their garbage in the bins, contaminating the items collected inside.

While there was some interest in trying something, there didn’t appear to be much enthusiasm because no decision was made to pursue recycling.

Sunrise stated that a three-bin compartmentalized container would cost about $13,117. Collection bins in every home would cost over $52,000.

Transfer station Manager Randy Gumm pointed out that while glass is collected in some parts of Grant County, they just grind it up and it still goes in the landfill.