J’ville investigates feasibility of curbside recycling

The city of Jacksonville is investigating the feasibility of setting up curbside recycling within the city. Republic Services, which currently provides regular trash pickup, would also gather the recyclables.

A recycling bin had been placed at the city’s public works department headquarters at 1220 S. Bolton St., but was removed due to misuse and abuse of the container, according to City Manager Greg Smith.

The bin was set up to take most recycling materials, including paper, cardboard, most types of plastics, aluminum and tin. The site featured parking and an unloading area along Tena Street.

Some would just throw the recycling on the ground, according to Smith.

“People were putting in weight benches and literally just household trash,” he said. “So we removed that container and moved it back up to the landfill.”

Due to the fact that there are people within the city who used the container properly and were obviously interested in recycling, the city determined to investigate whether there would be enough interest in curbside recycling.

“We wanted to offer that as an opportunity,” Smith stated, although he noted the program would be completely voluntary and the city was making no one participate.

Information about the possible curbside program has been available on the city website and Facebook page and flyers have been mailed to residential addresses. Smith believes the city will have a rough estimate of the interest in the program within the next couple of weeks.

Although not all details have been worked out yet, according to Smith, if the program moves forward it is likely participants would receive a 96-gallon container for recyclables. Curbside recycling would include the same items as the recycling bin; paper, cardboard, plastics, aluminum and tin. Participants would be able to place all recyclables into the same bin without needing to sort them out at the household level.

For curbside recycling to be feasible, approximately 100-150 residents would need to sign up for the voluntary recycling program. To express interest, in curbside recycling, one need only email a name and service address to recycling@jacksonvilletx.org. While voluntary, there will be a fee to participate. The cost of the program will be approximately $12 per month.

Jacksonville residents can still carry recyclable materials to the recycling bin at Royal Oaks Landfill, 440 Heath Lane.