While the biofuel plant rezoning vote may have had the most long-term implications, recycling was most on the minds of the council members Tuesday night at its first April regularly scheduled meeting.
Recent changes in the industry brought on by the nation of China no longer accepting certain types of plastics has created chaos for small recycling operations such as the City of Wellington’s. Waste Connections recently informed the city it will be charging $120 per ton for recyclables effectively immediately. With 275-300 tons of material collected by the city annually, that cost adds as much as $36,000 to the Sanitation operating costs.
Wellington Director of Public Works Jeremy Jones updated the council on possible changes that would help alleviate higher trash rates or scrapping of the program altogether. But it all comes down to citizens and their ability to sort recyclables.
“The only method that is going to get rebates or at least break even is to go back to separating each material and keeping them clean,” Jones said. “Sorting would be the most sustainable, environmentally friendly and financially responsible method, but I strongly recommend City staff not taking the responsibility.”
(Read more: Sumner NewsCow)