In July of last year we reported on the Take it to the Curb campaign launched by Clark County Solid Waste Management. At that time, Director Chuck Bauer had presented information to township trustees at their quarterly meeting. The concept is to bring recycling to the curb in all political subdivisions with a “small change” that would have a “big impact”.

In 2012 a study was done which showed that a person in Clark County only recycled about 11 pounds of their trash as part of a curbside program as compared to much higher rates in other counties.

A plan was devised which would offer incentives to political subdivisions in the county for those willing to move toward a curbside recycling program.

We contacted Bauer for an update regarding progress after the presentation and notification to area government boards. Bauer reported that letters were sent to all political subdivisions in the fall alerting them to the program which was followed by an e-mail in December. In the letter, the boards were notified of the unrestricted grant amounts that may be available to them for participating in the program.

The formula used according to Bauer took into consideration the population of the various political subdivisions. The program is incentive based so that the governing boards would look at the higher recycling options.

The program is designed to limit a community to one contracted trash hauler who would provide curbside recycling. The amounts were based on 2009 population numbers. In the case of Donnelsville, the best contract could lead to $2,820 in grant funds while Bethel Township could see $74,928.

The Village of Enon could realize $25,340 and Mad River Township could receive $90,230. This is the second highest amount offered to any city or township in the county with the City of Springfield listed at $99,296.

In our original interview, Bauer explained that the average cost today for month trash service is $20 per household. He suggested that by using just one hauler who offered the recycling program, the cost could be reduced within the contract language to as little as $12 - $15 per month. Information on how the program works is located on Facebook at take2curb.

Businesses would not be part of the contract services if a political subdivision were to enter into a contract for a single hauler.

During our interview, we asked Bauer if any of the political subdivisions have agreed to go through the process of seeking bids. He stated that he had hoped that townships and other government boards would invite him to a meeting to have a conversation about the program. The grant funds are unrestricted and can be used for any purpose if a political subdivision puts together a program for every residence in their community with curbside recycling.

When asked what would be involved in the process, Bauer explained that a governing board would contact his office and open a discussion which would involve a panel of citizens and community discussions on the topic Clark County Solid Waste Management would assist the board in opening the bid process and looking at contract language. His hope is that in 2016 the discussions he has had with officials will lead at least one community to go through the entire process even if at the end they elect not to move to a single hauler/recycling contract. Bauer stated “no one is expecting political subdivisions to go to contract without input”.

Currently residents in our area can take their recycle items to either the Main Street location or to Home Road where there is a recycle station. This location serves about 60,000 people in Clark County which includes the City of Springfield and is always very busy. The Clark County Solid Waste Management offices on W. Main Street also offer recycling of electronics and household waste such as paint for a fee in addition to the paper, plastic, glass and cardboard dumpsters which are free.

Bauer explained that recycling is a cost to haulers and that is why some do not offer the curbside program. Currently New Carlisle and Tremont City have single haulers. In the case of New Carlisle, the city bids the contract on a regular basis and will be opening bids this year.