Letter: Were all options considered before recycling was ended in Johnson County?

Letter to the editor:

The decision by Johnson County to end its recycling program is disappointing. For decades we have been told, sometimes mandated, by various governments to “reduce, reuse and recycle.”

In Johnson County we can apparently replace the word “recycle” with “landfill.” I have now seen three newspaper articles about it but it is still not entirely clear to me why the program abruptly ended. The cost of a new provider contract has been cited. Was none of this looming cost considered a year ago? I always favor lower taxes so the thought that any branch of government actually stops something because of high cost is refreshing. However, other factors seem to be in play as well, such as dumping trash at drop off sites and material “contamination.”

I have used drop off sites in three states and I found the site in Franklin to be the best: comprehensive, easy to use and spotless every time I was there so thanks to those customers who used it and/or the county for keeping it clean. However, what exactly is contamination? Are we allowed to recycle an engine oil plastic bottle along with a water bottle? Is yesterday’s pizza box just as recyclable as yesterday’s newspaper? Is a household cleaner container made of paper with metal ends recyclable? Is the plastic wrap on some packages recyclable?

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There does not seem to be any consistency across recycling programs for what is accepted. Just what is recyclable and avoids “contamination” in Johnson County?

“Overwhelming” demand for recycling services has also been cited for the program ending. This is a bit ironic given the continued pronouncements that the U.S. recycling participation rate is too low and we do not recycle enough. It sounds like Johnson County was given the “go away” price for its new recycling contract. I don’t expect the county to solve the technical and geo-political issues related to the recycling industry. However, I would like to know what has been investigated as alternatives to closing up shop.

The most recent newspaper article describing plans for a monitored site at Johnson County Park is a non-starter for me. I will not drive that far to drop off my recyclables. If I did, someone would accuse me of emitting greenhouse gases in excess of any benefit from recycling my goods. The most recent description of the proposed site almost sounds like it will be the Fort Knox of drop off sites.

Everyone, including me, wants single stream recycling. Is that part of the problem with the voluntary drop off in Johnson County? Has the county tried to directly engage private industry that is closer to the product and bypass the traditional haulers? There is a metal recycling yard a few blocks from the recycling office in Franklin. Were they, or other similar businesses in the area, asked if they could place a dumpster someplace for the public to drop off metal cans? There are several “donation” paper recycling bins in the county. Can their locations be published? Have the container owners been asked if there could be a similar program for cardboard?

There is more than one plastic molding company located in Franklin. They obviously have contacts in the plastic supply chain. Have they been asked if they can help create and support a plastic recycling program? Has the Recycling District worked with other governments in Johnson County or other counties to explore some type of cooperative program that would get everyone a better price?

Perhaps all of these, and more, have been investigated. Perhaps not. The only thing I have seen is the reference to a monitored site. In the absence of any further quantitative information it feels like taxes have been paid in anticipation of receiving a service that has ended. Oh, and sadly, my trash can is fuller than it used to be.

Jeff Finley

Franklin