Seward County council debates future of recycling center amid financial losses

In the heart of Seward, Nebraska, the city council convened to address a pressing issue that has been quietly accumulating like the recyclables at the local center: the sustainability and future of the city's recycling program. Under the fluorescent lights of city hall, council members and city officials gathered to discuss the challenges facing the recycling center, which has become a regional hub for waste management amid dwindling markets for recyclables.

Street Superintendent Bob Myers and his team have been closely monitoring the recycling center's operations, revealing a troubling trend: the center is heavily subsidizing recycling efforts for neighboring counties, particularly Butler and York, which have closed their own facilities. This influx of materials, especially corrugated cardboard, has strained Seward's resources, leading to increased operational costs without any financial return. In April alone, the city incurred a $2,000 bill from First Star Fiber for processing recyclables, a stark contrast to the profitable recycling days of the past.

The council's discussions highlighted the growing complexity of managing the center. With reduced hours and ongoing issues of improper disposal by users, the council is contemplating significant changes. Suggestions included limiting access to Seward County residents only, a move aimed at curbing the influx of out-of-county users who have been taking advantage of the service. However, this proposal raises legal concerns about potential discrimination, prompting the need for careful consideration.

As the conversation unfolded, council members expressed a shared sentiment: the recycling program, once a community pride point, may no longer serve its intended purpose. With curbside recycling options now available from local haulers, the necessity of maintaining the center is under scrutiny. The council is weighing the option of phasing out the service altogether or significantly reducing its operational hours to align with when staff can monitor the site.

The meeting concluded with a consensus to explore a draft policy that would clarify who can use the recycling center and under what conditions. As Seward navigates these challenges, the future of its recycling program hangs in the balance, reflecting broader trends in waste management and community responsibility. The council's next steps will be crucial in determining whether the city can adapt to the changing landscape of recycling or if it will need to rethink its approach entirely.