Midland Looking At Expanding Recycling Program 06/20/12

CBS 7 News
Robert Guaderrama
rguaderrama@cbs7.com
June 20, 2012

Midland, TX – City services in one west Texas town are stretched as more people flock to the area and with that growth comes a higher demand for going green. But overflowing recycle bins is very discouraging for those who are trying to be responsible. The idea of a curb side recycling program is one that city officials have been considering for over a year. With full recycling centers and a growing population adding stress to the landfill, now might be the time for more recycling options.

More people are going green in the tall city but Midlanders looking to recycle are finding recycling bins are filled to capacity.

"I was surprised about that it may have been a busy weekend, people are recycling more but usually the bins aren't full," said Morris Williams, Midland Director of Solid Waste.

But avid recycler Don Bateman says this is usually the case, turning people away.

"I came to drop off some boxes and papers and they're all full," said Don Bateman, Midlander.

Bateman says the situation is discouraging to residents.

"Then you're only choice is to put them in the dumpsters and they go to the landfill," said Bateman.

"A lot of this stuff is going to the landfills when it can be used to make other things, having it wasted and taking up space in the landfill," said Michele Bernes, Owner, Green Daisies.

Michele Bernes is the owner of Green Daises, a local curbside recycling service. about a year ago city officials considered using green daisies and another company for a curbside pilot program but it never happened.

"They didn't seem to have the equipment to really do a big pilot program," said Williams.

But Solid Waste Director Morris Williams says with more trash and more people who want to be recycle, the City has to come up with a solution.

"We're still looking at doing a pilot program, it doesn't have to be privatized, we may do it in house, we're doing the best we can with what we have but we are working at making this recycling program better," said Williams.

We spoke with several council members who say that they would like to see a pilot program to gather data and asses the potential savings to the landfill. They agree more recycling is needed for the future of the tall city.