County weighs recycling options
Staff reporter
Even though state grant money has not been specifically ear-marked, Marion County Commission decided Monday to continue pursuing information for a grant application for countywide recycling.
Marion County Transfer Station Director Rollin Schmidt told the commission that e-waste (computer and office equipment) would have a priority with five pilot projects being selected. Unfortunately Marion County probably wouldn't qualify. Schmidt said the state had not yet announced grant funds for recycling.
"We need to continue to look into recycling options," said commissioner Bob Hein.
Commissioner Dan Holub who has researched options with Schmidt said the county was looking at purchasing two trailers for recycling materials which could be transported to McPherson. A baler for cardboard also was an option.
Schmidt said Butler and Chase counties use 40-yard trailers and when the trailers are full of recyclables, they are dumped. Recyclable items then would not be transported to the landfill which would save the county tipping fees.
Commission chairman Randy Dallke asked if recycling would be cheaper than hauling to the landfill. Schmidt said there were other issues besides money. He continued that the state may require counties to reduce the amount of refuse taken to landfills. It also has been implied that fines may be imposed on those counties that do not reduce waste.
The market for recyclable materials changes which makes it difficult to determine if money can be made or if the county could at least break even with recycling.
Shredding paper also is an option some entities are considering to reduce waste, Schmidt said.
In the end, the commission instructed Schmidt to continue an application for a grant because eventually recycling will be necessary — with or without a grant.
