Volunteer recycling group asks City of Lapeer for help finding new drop‑off site

Pat Lederle, president of Lapeer County Drop Off Recycling, told the City Commission on Oct. 6 that the volunteer nonprofit is seeking a new site after a longtime partner withdrew permission to operate there.

“Their board informed us that we would not be able to operate there any longer, citing concerns over customer safety and potential liabilities,” Lederle said. He said the group serves roughly 800 to 1,000 families across the county and estimates that since 2012 about 67,386 cars have come through its events.

Lederle said the organization previously partnered with a facility in Troy and Habitat for Humanity north of town and has been in discussions with city staff, including City Manager Mike Womack, to identify potential sites. He asked commissioners and other local stakeholders for ideas and indicated volunteers have been contacting development authorities, churches, schools and county officials.

Angela Claire, the group's secretary, said she maintains the volunteer group’s operational data and that the program averages about 314 cars on an event Saturday; she also noted the program recently added plastic film collection and regularly handles large volumes of material.

Commissioners did not vote on any action. Lederle was given three minutes for public comment; the commission indicated he could finish at the end of the public‑comment period.

The commission did not make a formal commitment on a site; Lederle said the group would continue outreach to city and county officials and other partners.

Background: Lapeer County Drop Off Recycling is an all‑volunteer organization described by Lederle as operating roughly 12–15 years and serving the city and surrounding townships.