Brunswick: It’s time for our recycling rate to change
letter to the editor
To the Editor:
I would like to thank Brunswick City Council for sincerely soliciting opinions and concerns regarding the proposed recycling options. During the June 14 and June 20 meetings, Service Director Paul Barnett carefully and clearly presented detailed information about the options being considered. Because he has successfully implemented similar recycling programs in Akron and other cities, Mr. Barnett spoke with experience and authority. During the question and answer period, he was able to allay the concerns of some of those present.
In brief, the three options are:
1) Continue having no curbside recycling. There has been a less than two percent recycling rate.
2) Continue with the current trash pick-up option, but add curbside recycling. The city would provide wheeled recycle bins for residents to use in addition to their other trash. The trash pickup fee would increase slightly by about $2 per month.
3) The city would provide both a wheeled trash bin and a wheeled recycle bin. Although there are requirements to use only the two bins, exceptions are also provided. The cost is slightly less than option 2.
Mr. Barnett conservatively estimates that our city’s recycle rate would increase to over 18 percent for options 2 or 3. Nearby cities with similar systems actually have rates much higher. He noted that his cost estimates are also conservative, considering the cost of recycling materials in the current market. Such costs vary widely, depending on such things as China’s economy.
Regardless of the economics, recycling is the right thing to do. There are numerous reasons including:
• Recycling reduces landfill volume, a limited resource
• Recycling saves water and energy, also limited resources
• Recycling enables us to use oil for other purposes and preserves our trees and forests
• Recycling provides a way for all citizens to participate in conservation efforts
I have lived in several other cities, some in other states. Recycling works, and if done right, it works well. Now a proud resident of Brunswick for nearly 13 years, I love it here, despite the shameful recycling rate. I have kids and grandkids who will inherit this planet. For their sake, and that of all future generations, it’s time for our recycling rate to change.
By implementing a curbside option, our city would be able to significantly contribute to a more ethical use of our country’s limited resources. I strongly urge all residents to contact city council to let them know that the current 1 percent recycle rate is unacceptable. I also urge city council to do the right thing and choose option 2 or 3.
Dan Horvath
Brunswick
I would like to thank Brunswick City Council for sincerely soliciting opinions and concerns regarding the proposed recycling options. During the June 14 and June 20 meetings, Service Director Paul Barnett carefully and clearly presented detailed information about the options being considered. Because he has successfully implemented similar recycling programs in Akron and other cities, Mr. Barnett spoke with experience and authority. During the question and answer period, he was able to allay the concerns of some of those present.
In brief, the three options are:
1) Continue having no curbside recycling. There has been a less than two percent recycling rate.
2) Continue with the current trash pick-up option, but add curbside recycling. The city would provide wheeled recycle bins for residents to use in addition to their other trash. The trash pickup fee would increase slightly by about $2 per month.
3) The city would provide both a wheeled trash bin and a wheeled recycle bin. Although there are requirements to use only the two bins, exceptions are also provided. The cost is slightly less than option 2.
Mr. Barnett conservatively estimates that our city’s recycle rate would increase to over 18 percent for options 2 or 3. Nearby cities with similar systems actually have rates much higher. He noted that his cost estimates are also conservative, considering the cost of recycling materials in the current market. Such costs vary widely, depending on such things as China’s economy.
Regardless of the economics, recycling is the right thing to do. There are numerous reasons including:
• Recycling reduces landfill volume, a limited resource
• Recycling saves water and energy, also limited resources
• Recycling enables us to use oil for other purposes and preserves our trees and forests
• Recycling provides a way for all citizens to participate in conservation efforts
I have lived in several other cities, some in other states. Recycling works, and if done right, it works well. Now a proud resident of Brunswick for nearly 13 years, I love it here, despite the shameful recycling rate. I have kids and grandkids who will inherit this planet. For their sake, and that of all future generations, it’s time for our recycling rate to change.
By implementing a curbside option, our city would be able to significantly contribute to a more ethical use of our country’s limited resources. I strongly urge all residents to contact city council to let them know that the current 1 percent recycle rate is unacceptable. I also urge city council to do the right thing and choose option 2 or 3.
Dan Horvath
Brunswick
