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Local recycling program leaves much to be desired

EDITOR:

I have received my winter tax bills and discovered I will be paying approximately $40 the first year (increasing each year as taxes raise) to subsidize the recycling program at the landfill. I believe the majority is against most subsidies, especially when used for a “losing” entity.

I do recycle, but it would be cheaper to pay a dumping dee at the landfill three or four times a year.

Since I am being taxed to run the recycling business, I would expect them to accept all recyclables, not just nit-pick what they want. When they stopped accepting glass, Mr. Pyle stated that only $800 profit was made on glass for the year. At least it was a profit compared to what is said they are losing now. In the recent Daily Press article, Mr. Pyle said that glass will not be recycled because of cross contamination.

Are you telling me that there is no cross contamination of glass in that heap of trash that is sorted through each day? Could it be that since glass is one of the heavier recyclables, it is more economical to put it in the landfill via a dumping fee?

Mr. Pyle states that he would like to see some of the new tax used toward education on recycling.

We were just told one reason recycling is losing money is because the prices went down due partly to oversupply. So we educate people to recycle more which increases supply, lowering prices, so the next time around they will request a higher millage to run recycling.

Let’s face it, the “feel-good, save the planet” recycling business is break even at best.

As with any losing business and sports teams, they either go out of business or replace the one in charge.

This recycling tax is another example of low-information voters falling for the scare tactics. Just can’t wait to see the tax I’ll be paying on the new jail.

Brad Poehlman

Bark River

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