In a recent City Council meeting held on July 5, 2023, the topic of curbside recycling systems took center stage. The council, in its ongoing efforts to improve waste management and promote environmental sustainability, is considering the implementation of these systems in Manzanita.
The council discussed three types of recycling systems: one for paper, one for plastics, one for metal, and one for glass. Interestingly, in Oregon, everything but glass can be put into one cart together, and the same truck picks it up. This is due to the presence of different resins in plastics, which can be sorted more efficiently by machinery if it’s just plastic coming through.
The size of the cart needed for these systems depends on the frequency of collection. The council is considering a dual-stream system, which is a happy medium between single-stream and multi-stream systems. It’s good for weekly or under weekly collection, and it reduces the contamination levels in the materials.
The discussion was initiated by David McCall, the solid waste manager for Tillamook County. David, who has experience in the waste industry, believes that the Recycling Modernization Act, passed in 2021, represents a major change in how recycling will be handled.
The Recycling Modernization Act stipulates that by 2025, recycling will be available everywhere. The Environmental Quality Commission is set to vote on a list of recyclables in September, which will determine what materials will be accepted in all recycling systems in Oregon.
Tillamook County is expected to receive between three and a half and four million dollars worth of infrastructure investment. This investment will support the implementation of the recycling system, among other things.
The council is also working on determining the affordability of the system for the residents of Manzanita. They are trying to find a balance where the system is affordable but not too expensive.
While the timeline for the implementation of curbside recycling in Manzanita is not yet clear, the council’s active discussions and considerations indicate that progress is being made. However, these are ongoing efforts, and the timeline may be subject to change based on various factors, including the results of the Environmental Quality Commission’s vote and the progress of infrastructure development.
The council’s discussion on curbside recycling systems is a significant step towards improving waste management in Manzanita. While there may be challenges along the way, the potential environmental benefits of these systems make them a worthwhile pursuit. As the city moves forward with these plans, residents can look forward to playing a more active role in promoting environmental sustainability through their recycling efforts.
Watch the rest of the meeting here:
