Yesterday, the city’s Resource Conservation Coordinator Lena Stevens asked for resident feedback on future glass recycling options on The Decatur Minute.  (Need to get caught up on this issue? We’ve summarized it a couple of weeks back HERE.)

First, here’s the current situation, as summarized by Ms. Stevens…

Current Recycling Program
Cost: Annual Sanitation Fee $250

• The Annual Solid Waste Fee covers the cost of offering co-mingled curbside residential recycling service in addition to household trash and waste, yard debris and other sanitation services.

• Glass is mixed in with other recyclables and collected at the curb. This will no longer be an option after June 30, 2016

And here are our future options…

Option 1- Continue to Offer Residents the Convenience of Recycling Glass at Home by Separating Glass from Other Materials
Cost: Annual Increase of $25-$35

• Resident separates glass from other recyclables and places it on the curb in its own container during normal collection day.

Option 2- Glass is Not Recycled and Goes to Landfill
Cost: Annual Increase of $10-15

• Resident places glass in pay-as-you-throw garbage bags and the City of Decatur takes it to the landfill.

• Currently glass makes up about 20% of most residents’ recycling.

• Cost estimate includes $5 increase in Annual Solid Waste Fee and cost to the resident for purchase of additional pay-as-you-throw bags.

The city would like you to provide your feedback on which option you prefer over on Open City Hall.  Go and let your opinion be heard!