Comments on: Is this recycling program a scam, or what?

By: Geoff

Geoff — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 20:30:24 +0000

The 500 minimum will ensure that OEMA can operate the service not at a loss. They are also the same company that operates the regular weekly curbside trash service. Yes, they will only service those who have paid the fee as they will be the only ones to recieve the special recycling poly carts. I know many other cities have an additional fee for recycling but if there was an attempt to make this a mandatory fee there would be an uproar.

The $5 monthly fee will be added to the monthly city utility bill, which already includes water, sewer, and trash.

While it’s not the best system, it’s a start. As far as the free saturday morning drop off service, i don’t know if it will be continued, however, recycling can be dropped at the OEMA offices M-F, 8-5, which has proven more convenient than Saturdays for some of us.

By: Rena

Rena — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 03:14:42 +0000

Thanks for your info, Dyrinda. The only recycling pickup would be at those households paying the fee. No wonder it’s high per household — what a wasteful, inefficient system.

By: Dyrinda

Dyrinda — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 00:35:20 +0000

This arrangement isn’t too out of line; the main difference is that an outside party takes of ER’s waste needs, whereas a lot of other cities fold that into a municipal department. There’s an extra fee figured in either way. The containers cost money and so does the extra manpower and equipment.

I’ve gotten familiar with this because Mustang is looking to add curbside recycling. Surveys are supposed to go out with utility bills in the coming months asking residents if they’re willing to foot a $3 a month fee for curbside recycling.

Residents turned it down four years ago, but since then a volunteer recycling program has gained a foothold and has been getting the word out about recycling. One the organizers told me she’d love to be put out of business by this. It would be a real step forward, she says.

What’s interesting about the ER proposal is this minimum signup. Will they only service homes that voluntarily sign up? Or does the fee go into effect the moment the magic 500 is hit? Knowing how city politics normally goes down in my old stomping grounds (workwise), I imagine the latter will result in torches and pitchforks.

I wouldn’t blame them. ER utility bills are already among the highest in the county.

Keep us up to date!