Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Solid Waste Recycling topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
County staff outlines recycling operations, bale thresholds and modest revenue from recyclables
Summary
Solid Waste staff described what materials Oconee County accepts at its recycling centers, how the materials recovery facility (MRF) processes bales, minimum pickup thresholds for recyclers, and projected revenue from recycling for the current budget year.
County solid waste staff described Oconee County—s recycling operations and said the county expects modest revenue from recyclable materials this budget year.
A staff member explained recycling varies by site but typically the county accepts motor oil, cardboard, plastics 1, 2 and 5 (with some separation between types), brown/clear/green glass, scrap metal and appliances. The county also reuses certain construction materials: "we recycle block, brick, and mortar for the recycling yard," the staff member said. Hearing aids and eyeglasses were also mentioned as accepted items.
Staff described the county Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), a large building behind the Solid Waste office where materials are separated into bunkers and then baled. "A plastic company won't come by for 2 tons. You'll have to have a minimum of, like, 22 tons," the staff member said, adding the county's new baler can fill a truck with roughly 20 tons. The system reduces on-site storage needs for large plastic bales and allows the county to ship fuller truckloads.
On revenue, the staff member said: "In this year's budget, I believe we're looking at about 285, dollars 295,000 in recycling sales." They added that metal prices are low because of tariffs and the county is stockpiling aluminum under cover.
The committee briefly discussed a roadside litter situation reported near the county—s River Road on SC-123 near the Georgia line, and staff said litter control would be notified. That matter was recorded as a separate service request rather than an operational policy change.
No policy changes or funding transfers were approved during the meeting. Staff will continue operations under current recycling procedures and pricing arrangements.
