During a recent council meeting, officials discussed the pressing issues surrounding the region's recycling program, particularly focusing on the challenges posed by glass and plastics. The conversation was sparked by a Wall Street Journal article highlighting the shortcomings of plastics recycling, which has been largely influenced by the petroleum industry.

The council is grappling with the direction of the recycling program, with some members advocating for the removal of glass from the single-stream recycling system. Currently, the county has implemented purple bins for glass recycling, but the town of Leesburg faces obstacles in establishing similar facilities due to budget constraints and maintenance responsibilities.

Vice Mayor Steinberg emphasized the need to confront the reality of plastic recycling failures, referencing recommendations from the Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) to modify the recycling program. The discussion revealed that while there is a market for recycled materials, the financial implications of recycling versus landfill disposal are significant. The cost of recycling at the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) is approximately $110 per ton, compared to $57 per ton for landfill disposal.

Council members expressed concerns about the environmental impact of maintaining a recycling program that may not be effective, particularly regarding the weight and volume of plastics. The meeting underscored the necessity for clear direction from the council on how to proceed with the recycling program, as officials seek to balance environmental responsibilities with fiscal realities.