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Commission urges more monitoring after trash found at Middletown recycling center
Summary
Commission members heard complaints that regular trash and plastic bags are being left in the single‑stream recycling center and voted to push for increased monitoring, camera review and a dedicated staff presence to reduce contamination.
The Middletown Resource Recycling Advisory Commission heard reports that regular trash and plastic bags are being placed in single‑stream recycling containers, and members said the town needs more on‑site monitoring.
Kim, the commission staff lead, told the meeting that a resident reported bringing trash to the recycling center and leaving it in a bulky‑waste pile. "We don't take trash, regular trash, to the recycling center," Kim said, adding that staff have seen contamination in the containers and plan stepped‑up monitoring.
Members discussed whether contamination is accidental — for example residents bagging material incorrectly — or intentional. Kim said the site has recently installed cameras but that the images may not capture license plates. "There are cameras there," Kim said, "but I'm not sure they can actually get the license plates."
The commission agreed to advocate for another staff person at the recycling center to improve supervision and to schedule spot checks. Members also discussed asking on‑site attendants about what they observe and collecting better records when bags contain nonrecyclable waste.
The commission asked staff to bring back a monitoring plan with proposed staffing or scheduling changes and options for clearer signage and outreach to reduce contamination.
