Surprise to throw out recycling while trying to adjust to market
Aug 13, 2019, 4:45 AM | Updated: Aug 21, 2019, 12:27 pm
(Creative Commons)
PHOENIX — The city of Surprise has decided to temporarily end its recycling program amid growing expenses it cannot absorb.
The program, which began in 2004, will end on Aug. 19 because of an extra $215,000 incurred in expenses since December 2017, according to a press release.
The city will divert its recyclables to the landfill as it researches cost-effective solutions so that increased recycling operational expenses are not necessary.
“While we evaluate cost-effective solutions, we want residents to continue the practice of placing the correct recycling items in the blue bin, so that when we find a solution people will have never changed their habit of separating recyclables from trash,” Surprise Public Works Director Mike Gent said in the release.
There’s no estimated time for when the recycling program will be restarted, according to the release.
Beginning August 19, the city of Surprise will temporarily divert recyclable materials to the landfill as it researches cost-effective solutions to mitigate the impacts of increased recycling operational costs. Learn how this impacts you: https://t.co/P5mfOmYIFY pic.twitter.com/agzB9Q2qil
— City of Surprise (@AZSurprise) August 12, 2019
Surprise residents are encouraged to continue throwing recyclable items in the blue trash container during the temporary closure.
The city’s recycling drop-off location will also be closed during the closure.