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Vigo County waste district reports higher cleanup tonnage, eyes local yard-waste grinding
Summary
At its Nov. 20 meeting the Vigo County Solid Waste Management District reported 116 tons collected in 2025 versus 97 tons in 2024, growth in recycling and e-waste volumes, and plans to use a local grinder for large yard waste to support composting and reduce outsourcing.
At its Nov. 20, 2025 meeting the Vigo County Solid Waste Management District heard a director's report showing increased cleanup and recycling volumes and new operational plans for yard-waste processing. Karen, the district director, said the district collected 116 tons in 2025 compared with 97 tons in 2024, an increase of 18 tons.
Karen told the board city cleanups in October accounted for about 40 tons that are counted separately from district cleanups. She said recycling totals are about 40 tons higher than last year across sites including street departments and the south recycling location. "We ended up doing a 116 tons versus 97 tons in 2024," Karen said. She added that e-waste totals are expected to be at least 20 tons higher once a new e-waste contractor finishes counting three or four outstanding loads.
The director described operational changes meant to improve processing. Yard-waste disposal currently operates by appointment; the district recorded four appointments on the meeting day and said it expects roughly 320 vehicle visits for waste disposal this year. Karen outlined plans to contract with a local grinding provider to process larger yard-waste items locally so the material can be reused in the district's compost operations rather than being sent to an out-of-town contractor.
Staff also described volunteer-supported cleanups and the district's practice of supplying gloves and grabbers. Karen noted one enforcement follow-up: staff found a group that left materials at Woodrow Wilson school dumpsters, thanked them for placing items neatly but reminded them that dumping at the school dumpsters was not permitted.
District staff flagged near-term operational tasks: final counting from the e-waste provider, potential budget line transfers in December to close the fiscal year, and outreach for holiday recycling reminders. The board asked staff to circulate reminders and to include the information in the district newsletter.
The director framed district finances as fee-supported: "Through tipping fees, we are not, taxpayer funded," Karen said, noting an increase in tipping and shipping fees compared with the prior year. The report concluded with no formal board vote on operational items; staff said they would return with more details on the proposed local grinding arrangement.
