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Knox County recycling coordinator Matt Bacher outlines spring cleanups, compost events and outreach
Summary
Matt Bacher of Knox County Recycling and Litter Prevention reported on spring cleanup efforts, a free 'Scooper Saturday' compost loading event at 7425 Fayette Road, partnerships with Green Machine and Republic Services, and efforts to address illegal dumping and recycling access in Centerburg and surrounding townships.
Matt Bacher, Knox County Recycling and Litter Prevention coordinator, updated the Board on spring programming and outreach on May 19. He highlighted a free Scooper Saturday event at the county compost facility (7425 Fayette Road, 8 a.m.–noon) to load compost for residents and businesses, and he urged attendees to plan around peak event times because of long lines.
Bacher described a busy spring season that included river and community cleanups, guided hikes, a ceremonial tree planting and volunteer recruitment: ‘‘Volunteer numbers in Knox County [are] strong right now,’’ he said. He credited Republic Services for donating trash supplies for events and noted Green Machine provides loading equipment at the compost site. Bacher also said he has worked with local villages and townships on bin sites and site improvements after an annual bin survey flagged sites (Centerburg and Liberty Township among them).
Bacher said Centerburg is exploring curbside recycling options; he warned that removing public drop‑off bins can push material to landfills or illegal dumping if alternatives are not provided. He also noted an uptick in illegal dumping in some townships and that the department is coordinating with trustees to seek site improvements and grants.
On communications, Bacher said printed recycling guides are being updated and will be printed once operational changes are finalized to avoid reprinting waste. He encouraged community groups to invite him to speak at meetings and highlighted upcoming educational programming through the Ohio Association of Litter Prevention and Recycling Professionals.
Next steps: Bacher said the department will proceed with scheduled cleanup events and outreach and continue work with municipalities on site improvements; he encouraged residents to attend the Scooper Saturday loading event and consult the county for site‑improvement support.
