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Four million dollar upgrade at Lexington recycling center includes a return to paper collection

Ribbon Cutting for Lexington Recycling Center Upgrades 04-07-22
Stu Johnson
Ribbon Cutting for Lexington Recycling Center Upgrades 04-07-22

Four million dollar upgrade at Lexington recycling center includes a return to paper collection

The Door-to-door collection of clean paper to recycle is again running in Lexington. A return to putting paper in blue Rosie containers comes at a time when the city’s recycling operation is benefitting from new equipment.

Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton pushed the button to start up the sorting of recyclables. The downtown facility has undergone a $4.2 million upgrade. Collection of paper was suspended three years ago when markets dried up due to paper quality. Now the new equipment allows for improved sorting of paper and producing better quality paper. Gorton said a new item is now in the mix.

“We have installed equipment that allows us to be able to recycle cartons for the first time ever,” said Gorton.

Also, new equipment allows for sorting out glass earlier in the process to reduce equipment damage. Environmental Quality and Public Works Commissioner Nancy Albright said officials are optimistic there will be a lot fewer breakdowns.

The city will continue to pick up paper recyclables at the seven yellow bins scattered around Lexington. That collection will be re-evaluated down the road. Also, Albright said number one and two plastic bottles, jars, and jugs can now be put in the curbside Rosie with caps on.

Lexington Environmental Quality & Public Works is a financial sponsor of WEKU.

Stu has been reporting for WEKU for more than 35 years. His primary beat is Lexington/Fayette government.
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