Earlier this year the Carbon County Commissioners terminated the County’s “Blue Bin” recycling program. Under the program, county residents were able to recycle paper, cardboard, glass, tin, and plastics #1 and #2 to blue bins at various locations around the county.
The program was geared to township residents. Most of the boroughs in the county had their own recycling programs, and some borough residents resented paying for a service they didn’t use. The economic downturn that began in 2008 reduced the price for recycled goods, so the program faced financial difficulties. Carbon County also projected a large budget deficit for 2013. These factors led the Commissioners to eliminate the Blue Bin program.
The townships have tried various ways to continue to recycle. Financial inducements to reduce the waste stream include a reduction in “tipping fees.” There are also self-evident environmental reasons to recycle as much waste as possible.
On Tuesday night I spoke to the Lower Towamensing Supervisors, urging them to sponsor a recycling conference where some of the issues could be discussed in a non-threatening, non-judgmental way. The Supervisors were amenable to sponsoring such a conference, and we already have two possible speakers lined up. We need to do more work, but I’ll keep you posted on this issue.
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