County recycling could begin by the first of the year
Staff writer
Marion County Commission finally committed to a recycling program.
At Monday’s meeting, the commission gave transfer station manager Rollin Schmidt the go-ahead to contact Sonoco Hutchinson Mill regarding a contract for recycling.
The paper mill had presented a contract to the county several months ago. Schmidt recently verified that the agreement still was valid.
Commissioner Dan Holub said he wanted to commit now so equipment could be in place at the transfer station by January.
Schmidt said he believed the county could meet the required minimum tonnage. His main concern was the labor involved with the recycling program with items needing to be separated.
The recycling company will provide boxes at the transfer station for as many different recyclable items as the county wanted — cardboard, mixed paper, plastic, glass, and aluminum.
The largest volume that will be collected would be cardboard and paper.
Schmidt also expressed concerns about how the company would pick up the recyclables at the transfer station but Schmidt said he supported the program and was glad the commission had made a decision.
Schmidt also reported that a contract had been received from Butler County regarding the county taking its trash to the landfill near El Dorado.
When Marion County Attorney Susan Robson finishes the review of the documents, they will be presented to the commission, Schmidt said.
The contract is similar to the one the county had with Hamm Quarries.
Commissioner Randy Dallke asked Schmidt to submit bids for new and used trucks that could pull trash trailers.
In other department business:
- Schmidt reported all fall mobile pickups had been completed throughout the county.
- The annual household hazardous waste permit had been approved by the state.