Hopkinsville council repeals curbside recycling ordinance after heated debate

Hopkinsville City Council on Aug. 19 voted to repeal section 93.06 of the Hopkinsville Code of Ordinances — the city's curbside recycling ordinance — with the ordinance set to take effect Sept. 30, 2025.

The vote followed more than an hour of public comment and council discussion about years of operating losses, low resident participation and possible alternatives including outsourcing the service or making participation mandatory. A motion to postpone final action and require a 60-day study failed, and the repeal passed on second reading.

Council members and staff said the solid waste enterprise has operated the curbside program at a substantial deficit and that participation never reached break-even levels. A council speaker summarized the financial shortfall this way: "We are losing $238,000 a year." Resident Betty Howard, who spoke during public comment, told the council, "I strongly oppose the repealing of the curbside program," and urged the body to delay action so residents could provide input.

Council member Travis moved to defer the second reading for 60…