Residents urge expanded recycling, community composting and local processing of hard‑to‑recycle materials

Residents told staff they want more convenient options and education for recycling, composting and electronics disposal. Nihar described a school program that converts hard‑to‑recycle plastics into building blocks for housing through an organization called ByFusion; participants urged town support for local drop‑off sites so Oro Valley residents could access the program without traveling into Tucson.

Keith Mermin and others proposed local compost drop‑off sites or partnerships with community gardens to accept kitchen and yard scraps for processing and return this compost to the community. Several participants noted existing community garden and compost programs in Tucson and suggested the town pursue similar partnerships rather than creating new processing facilities from scratch.

Residents also raised a need for more convenient electronics recycling and hazardous‑waste events in Oro Valley. Rosa Daley and others said many items (small appliances, TVs, batteries) are difficult to recycle and often require travel or fees; speakers asked the town to explore collection events or municipal drop‑off options. Participants recommended education and programs to reduce single‑use plastics (restaurants and takeout packaging), and Sustainable Tucson’s planned “skip the stuff” outreach was mentioned as a potential partner.

Malini Sims said staff will record chat comments and incorporate suggestions into draft plan language and noted the working group will see draft goals and policies at upcoming meetings.