FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Figure 1:  Commingled recyclables waiting to be separated and processed.

 

 

DATE:           July 8, 2010

CONTACT: Renee Yohnk, Recycling Coordinator, 726-7999

SUBJECT:    City of Chippewa Falls’ Residential Recycling Program

 

 

Do you have an opinion on the City of Chippewa Falls’ Recycling Program?  The City Council’s Recycling Committee needs your input.  The committee will hold an informational meeting on July 14, 2010, at 7 p.m. at the City Hall in the Council Chambers to collect input from residents on the recycling options and costs.

 

The City of Chippewa Falls’ current recycling contract will expire at the end of this year.  “We need to make a decision on August 3rd,” explains Mike Dahlby, Chairman of the Committee.  “The decision will impact all residents.  Without their input, the committee can only make their best guess as to what residents would prefer.”

 

One option is to remain with the City’s current recycling program where one hauler is contracted to provide curbside recycling service to all residents.  The other option is to allow residents to choose a garbage hauler, who would then be required to pick up recyclables at the same time.  Doing nothing is not an option because recycling is required by law.

 

Each option has advantages and disadvantages.  Main points to consider include program effectiveness, convenience for residents, and costs to the City and residents.  The cost of the recycling program will impact the 2011 budget, which is already a work in progress.

 

The Committee has worked with Renee Yohnk, Chippewa County Recycling Coordinator, to research the issue.  The City contracts administrative services from the County for the recycling program.  As part of their process, the committee has researched other municipal recycling programs and met with industry experts from Normacycle, Tambornino Sanitation, Veolia, Waste Management and Express Disposal.

 

“The industry’s perspective on recycling trends is clear and consistent.  The industry is moving toward more commingling of recycling and more automated technology.  They have also warned that changes to recycling programs have proven to be surprisingly contentious.” explains Yohnk.  “The committee is doing a great job but more citizen input is much needed.”

 

In addition to the informational meeting, the City is hosting an online survey at www.surveymonkey.com/s/3HGS39Y.  Residents are asked to complete the survey between July 8 and July 26, 2010.  Hard copies of the survey are available at City Hall and the library.

 

Publish in the Chippewa Herald:

July 10, 2010