Recycling fees get first hike in 20 years

VW independent/submitted information

The New Year will ring in a small increase in curbside recycling fees in Van Wert County — the first time the fee has been increased in more than two decades. Van Wert County Board of Commissioners approved the change November 13.

“The last time fees were raised, the price of a stamp was 29 cents and a gallon of gas was $1.11,” said Todd Wolfrum, chairman of the Board of Commissioners. “The actual cost of curbside recycling service in the county is closer to $40 per household, so we are still keeping it below market cost and providing a valuable service.”

The new annual fee will be $35.60 — about nine cents more per week.

Since 1994, inflation has increased 60 percent, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics, and, while the Solid Waste Management District (SWMD) hasn’t increased its prices to keep up, its costs have risen correspondingly. The price of a trash truck is over $164,000, and the fuel used to run has averaged $3.40 a gallon, compared to the $1.20 a gallon for diesel fuel in 1994. Even the price of the blue recycling bins has jumped since 2000, when they were $4.50 apiece. Today, each bin costs $7.97.

“George has done a fantastic job of finding market outlets for all kinds of recyclable materials — stuff that most of us don’t even know is recyclable,” said Commissioner Thad Lichtensteiger. “He takes waste oil, a couple different kinds of paint … he even has established a little mini-library for old books that people wish to discard.”

“Many people in our area may not realize that the Recycling Center and SWMD also generate revenue for the county by selling the items people put in their recycling bins for pick up, or take to the recycling sites in the villages or townships,” added Commissioner Stan Owens. “Things like rigid polystyrene and plastics are in demand in secondary markets, and there are growing opportunities as the technology and uses for recycled materials expand. The Van Wert Solid Waste Management District, under George Brake’s leadership, has helped our small community create a thriving program with a global market.”

For more information about Recycling Services in Van Wert County or to schedule a tour for community or school groups, contact the Center at 419.238.7767.