Company ends recycling services in Erie County

PERKINS TWP. — The area's predominant trash-hauling business scrapped its residential curbside recycling program, leaving local political subdivision leaders scrambling to find alternative solutions. Beginning on Wednesday, Nov. 1, Republic Services stopped collecting reusable items — like glass, plastics and paper products — from homes across Erie County. Officials overseeing governments said they were caught off guard when learning about these developments in October. Take Perkins Township for example. "The township had no advance notice of those changes," township administrator Gary Boyle said. "The township has received calls from residents expressing their concerns about increased costs and the loss of recycling services." Boyle said it's possible his government could host meetings in which residents provide public input "with respect to interest in recycling and whether there might be other possible recycling options for residents, such as a recycling station being established in the township. Seeking that public input will take some time." The Register both emailed and called Republic, but the company failed to respond to messages. Erie County's government operates what's known as a solid waste district, which manages and oversees trash- and recycling-related services. Officials representing the district noted Republic stopped offering recycling services due to cost. For now, while they work to address the situation, officials encourage county residents to visit the following recycling drop-off locations: • Groton Township — at the services building, 9414 Portland Road, Castalia • Margaretta Township — at the road department building, 316 E. Lucas St., Castalia • Milan Township — at the Erie County landfill, 10102 Hoover Road, Milan • Sandusky — at the services center, 1024 Cement Ave.; Note: This location is only for Sandusky residents.