Lexington city officials are working to resume door to door collection of recyclable paper products. The city suspended paper collection through the Rosie program more than a year ago due to changing market demands.
During a city council committee meeting last week, Environmental Quality and Public Works Commissioner Nancy Albright said an equipment upgrade could open up opportunities for paper pickups over time. “That will allow us to not only better sort paper and get a cleaner product from the Rosie that we then will have even better time and hopefully ready to turn on full collection of the Rosies again,” said Albright.
Albright said the city may also be able to implement collection of cartons, like those containing milk or juice, at that time.
For several months now, seven bins placed around Lexington have been available for paper drop-offs.
Lexington’s city-coordinated recycling has faced a number of challenges in recent times. Equipment failures along with changing market demands have led to shutdowns at the city’s recycling center. One council member would like to see a completely different approach.
The downtown facility is currently operating with plans to invest in future equipment upgrades.
During the committee meeting, Council Member Richard Moloney said he was on board when there was talk of the city becoming a “zero waste.” community. Moloney cited Sevierville Tennessee’s composting operation as a unique program. “And I think it’s feasible for us to do something like that and I’m not trying to throw a wrench in it, but I just don’t we need to continue to go this approach. I’m glad you’re doing the band aide approach, but we need to start going beyond our call,” explained Moloney.
Albright told committee members Sevierville deals with one-third to one-half the tonnage of Lexington when it comes to waste and the Tennessee town does divert some garbage to a landfill. ?
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