Recycling Department Adjusts Crew to Maintain Operations Amid Staffing Shortages

The Coffey County government meeting on August 5, 2025, focused on pressing issues within the recycling department, particularly staffing shortages and operational challenges. The discussion highlighted that the recycling department has been operating with two fewer staff members for the past two months, which has strained resources and affected service delivery.

The department head explained that to maintain recycling operations, staff had to be reassigned from other duties, specifically weed spraying on county roads. This adjustment was necessary to ensure that recycling pickups for businesses and residences could continue as scheduled. The department is set to regain full staffing with the addition of two new employees, which will help alleviate the current workload and improve efficiency.

Additionally, the topic of recycling materials was addressed, particularly the ongoing exclusion of plastic grocery bags from the recycling program. The department head noted that while these bags have not been accepted for some time, local groups have been working to collect and transport them to designated deposit sites. This initiative reflects community efforts to manage recycling challenges despite the limitations of the current program.

The meeting underscored the importance of addressing staffing and operational issues within the recycling department to enhance service delivery and community engagement in recycling efforts. The addition of new staff members is expected to significantly improve the department's capacity to meet its responsibilities.