Hauler could scrap Sandusky's recycling centers

SANDUSKY — A company could discard Sandusky's two free public recycling centers by as soon as Oct. 15.Representatives of Republic Services, the business hauling away reusable materials on Cement Avenue near Lions Park and First Street near Kiwanis Park, recently told officials they can't keep making collections at no cost to city taxpayers.They recently gave officials an ultimatum: pony up roughly $100,000 a year to keep the service or they'll exercise an opt-out clause in a contract to pull these bins.If the latter happens, it'll leave upward of 10,000 residents depending on these bins — especially those renting and/or leasing space who don't directly deal with hauling companies — without a recycling option. The bins are open to residents only and not commercial entities.During Monday's public meeting, officials began brainstorming aloud about the alternatives they could explore. They didn't make any decisions.But what was definitive: None spoke positively about the situation."I'm concerned (without the bins) this is going to cause more illegal dumping," city commissioner Dave Waddington said. "I'm also concerned about filling up the landfill. This is a red flag."Added commissioner Dick Brady: "This is a disappointment to every commissioner here and should be to every resident in the city."Outlining the optionsA number of factors have contributed to the rising costs of recycling. One reason involves more stringent rules coming from China, which accepts waste from the U.S.If China can't take the materials, then local companies, such as Republic, must dispose of these materials at their own expense or simply refuse to offer services, such as what could happen with recycling in Sandusky.Another consideration, as explained by city manager Eric Wobser: "The resale market for recycled goods has dropped. Recycling is struggling. The cost of commodities is down. With the issue of the market and commodities, Republic just said they can't afford to continue providing this service."While Republic representatives threatened to remove the bins by possibly mid-October, their contract with Sandusky's government runs through late April.Wobser promised to immediately address the recycling problem."We will make it a priority to resolve the issue," Wobser said. "If we are unable to get them to continue the service, we will have to look at other long-term options to provide recycling to residents."Friendly chatterThe Register recently asked its Facebook friends for their opinions on possibly losing both of the public recycling centers in Sandusky. Here are some of those responses:• Alexis Alexander: These facilities make it easier for me to recycle, since I don't have to drop off during certain business hours. It'd be fine as long as we have an equally efficient alternative.• Veronica Gibson My waste removal service only picks up recycling twice a month, and we generate a lot of it. Sometimes making a trip to the recycling centers is the only way to get the excess out of my house.• Linda Herrmann: I use the one by Cedar Point all the time. I have for years. I would be very disappointed if it got closed. But I can see why that would close it. People are pigs and put garbage and any other thing that they want to get rid of. They spoil it for the rest of us.• Sara Coursin: The city needs to get a contract with Rumpke. Problem solved and lowers everyone's trash and recycling bills. Tiffin residents pay less than $60 a quarter for both trash and recycling.Reach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOuriel.Republic Services recently informed Sandusky officials they could remove the bins at each public recycling center — on Cement Avenue near Lions Park and First Street near Kiwanis Park, pictured — because of various reasons related to expenses.