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Commissioners debate next steps after county recycling center closure, propose task force
Summary
After the county closed its public recycling center March 1, commissioners discussed lost revenue and diverted materials (commissioners cited roughly 240,000–245,000 pounds now going to landfill and an estimated $150,000 annual shortfall), and proposed a task force to explore lower‑cost recycling options and equipment disposition.
Todd, the county's resource management presenter, told commissioners the county closed the public recycling center on March 1 and completed packaging and shipment of remaining materials. He also said staff surveyed community needs and may coordinate with cities to find alternatives.
One commissioner described the scale of material previously recycled and the financial impact: "240,000 pounds of material now going straight to the landfill... The $150,000 of lost revenue... wasn't a good course of action given the financial constraints that we're experiencing," the commissioner said, arguing for exploring alternatives before ruling out a resumed program.
Commissioners proposed forming a task force that would include county staff and citizens to evaluate lower‑cost or cooperative recycling options; they also discussed selling equipment that is no longer needed and the grant obligations tied to items such as the forklift. Staff said some equipment carries grant obligations but other pieces have no attached obligations and could be transferred or sold.
Next steps: commissioners agreed to assemble a task force to investigate options and to consider prompt sale or transfer of idle equipment; staff will continue outreach to municipalities and potential partners.
