Is the City Losing Money on Recycling, Composting?
Commission looks at changes in recycling services down the road.
During a recent meeting of the Devils Lake City Commission the conversation and discussion turned to the community’s recycling and composting services.
At the July 25 special meeting of the commission budgets were the topic of discussion as Lisa Crosby from the Lake Region Heritage Center and the Devils Lake Art Center brought the 2025 budget before the commission for consideration. Maddie Cummings, director of the Lake Region Public Library brought their request for the fiscal year ahead, as well. The Devils Lake Regional Airport was next on the list to present their proposed budget, and like those before them, reminded the commissioners that costs, expenses continue to rise while sources of revenue apart from the city remain a challenge. Then it was time to discuss the city’s water and sewer budgets.
A great deal of time went to discussing recycling services and the recent loss in markets for recyclables. Presently the only item that continues to have a viable market is cardboard recycling. Other sources have closed, like the papermill that used to take bales of recycled paper to be recycled. Fewer newsprint items have meant the amount of recycled products have also declined.
With the loss of markets for recyclables, the downturn in some items available for recycling added to the fact that a few abuse the system by not following the rules and contaminate what is collected – one individual reported that several pounds of dog or cat (animal) feces, another time it was baby diapers, were included in the recycling bins contrary to the rules – therefore the city must make a decision about continuing to offer this service on into the future.
Just stop any given day and open one of the bins – like the plastic recycling bin, for example. It is clearly marked what “can” and “cannot” be dumped: It’s obvious, there are clear signs for each bin but inside you often see large garbage bags filled with items to be recycled, tin or alluminum cans, paper products, plastic bottles, glass bottles and so on.
The signs:
1. The Tin & Aluminum Drop Off accepts tin food cans, aluminum cans only. Preparation: Flatten cans to save space, rinse clean, remove labels, do not put in plastic bags. Not acceptable: Tin Foil.
2. The Paper Drop Off accepts newspapers, office paper and shredded paper. Preparation: do not put in plastic bags. Not acceptable: Gift wrapping paper, wax coated paper, glossy paper (magazines & catalogs), hard cover books.
3. Plastic Drop Off accepts narrow neck bottles, milk jugs, small plastic containers. Preparation: rinse clean, remove labels and covers, do not put in plastic bags. Not acceptable: plastic bags, large containers, plastic wrap, toys.
4. Glass Drop Off accepts clear and colored glass jars and bottles. Preparation: rinse clean, remove labels and covers, do not put in plastic bags. Not acceptable: window glass, ceramic vases.
5. Tree Branch Drop Off accepts tree branches only. Preparation: cut branches into small pieces. Not acceptable: lumber, wood scraps, plastic bags.
6. Grass & Leaves Drop Off accepts grass, leaves and garden waste. Preparation: place grass/leaves or garden waste in designated pile. Not acceptable: Plastic bags or boxes.
7. Cardboard Drop Off accepts empty corrugated cardboard boxes, fiber board boxes, food boxes, gift boxes and shoe boxes. Preparation: Flatten boxes to save space. Not acceptable: boxes with any type of waste (like pizza boxes) or packing material. Taking boxes for your own use is allowed.
Each sign also says, “Call 662-7624 for disposal options for out of town residents. $500.00 fine for misuse – 24/7 video surveillance.”
The majority of the people who recycle, however, do follow the rules, according to Mike Grafsgaard, the Public Works Director, who was at the commission meeting with Corey Erickson, Sanitation Supervisor, and Joel Myhro the Utilities Supervisor.
Erickson stated that the trees and branches they get at the recycling center are burned and used for training local firefighters. That helps the community out in a big way, financially.
Further discussion centered around the future of curbside recycling, self-supporting recycling, what possible future markets will be available for recycled items, whether the “big pickup” should be once a year or continue to be twice a year, going to an automated system and should there be a fee involved with recycling.
No decisions were made on these ideas or changes, but it was mentioned that in the next year or two the city might need to consider some of these changes and issues discussed.
To listen to this meeting go to www.dvlnd.com and click on City Commission Agendas & Minutes for Devils Lake, ND. Videos: Special City Commission Meeting 7/25/2024.
