During the recent Midway City Council meeting, discussions centered on the local recycling program, highlighting both its successes and challenges. Council members and residents expressed concerns about the reliability of waste collection services, particularly regarding missed pickups and the handling of recyclable materials.
A representative from the waste management company acknowledged that while the program is not perfect, efforts are being made to improve service reliability. They noted that approximately 0.5% of pickups may be missed, which, while a small percentage, still affects residents. The representative emphasized the importance of using specific bags for recycling, which help maintain low contamination rates and reduce the carbon footprint of the program. However, they recognized that this requirement can be inconvenient for some residents.
The discussion also touched on the operational challenges faced by the waste management company, particularly during a rapid expansion phase that saw them grow from five to thirty states in just 18 months. This growth led to service disruptions in the Midway area, but the company has since stabilized its operations and is focusing on improving service quality.
Concerns were raised about the use of trailers for waste collection, with residents reporting issues of materials spilling during transport. The representative assured the council that measures would be taken to ensure trailers are properly secured and that enforcement of these standards would be prioritized.
Overall, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to addressing community concerns about waste management and recycling, with a focus on enhancing service reliability and environmental sustainability. As the council continues to engage with residents and the waste management company, the goal remains to create a more efficient and effective recycling program that meets the needs of the Midway community.