Recycling in Walton County

Beach Fanatic

Jan 23, '08 · 1:43 PM18,415

This is from the WZEP news about the recent BCC meeting:
"Commissioner Meadows asked about providing a survey asking the public if they want a curb side recycling program. It could cost residents $5 a month. She says the current blue bag program is not working like they expected."

Didn't I just read that the county transferred money out of the landfill account for the Sheriff or the jail, something like that :confused:

I would like to have curbside recycling, but I don't particularly see why I should have to pay for it. It's my understanding trash pickup is paid for with the discretionary one-cent sales tax. Maybe Walton GOP or someone else can enlighten me? Is the sales tax collection inadequate, or is some of the money being used for something else? Is recycling that big of a money loser? :idontno:

Replies

130

SoWal Expert

Jan 24, '08 · 7:50 PM#27

We had a regular garbage truck and a separate recycling truck. They both came on the same days and you put your recyclables in a separate standardized "recycling bin" issued by the city. First bin was free or nominal fee, replacement was $40.

Since this was back when I was in middle school, I am sure they have made advancements/improvements in the system.

There has to be a similar community somewhere w/ an effective recycling program that we can copy.

Beach Fanatic

Jan 24, '08 · 8:36 PM#28

I don't have a problem with the current system. I have my choice of two different recycling bin locations just on my way to the library.

I would love to have more recycling trailer locations. Maybe we could talk Publix into adding them at their locations? I know I would be more likely to make a recycling run if I could do it at the same time as buying food. Anyone else think this is a workable idea? What would be the best way to suggest it, through the county of Publix first?

so, fast forward about 18 years to Walton County. not quite there yet. but we will be... I feel confident!

Me too! We will get there!!!!

SoWal Guide

Jan 24, '08 · 9:13 PM#29

I would love to have more recycling trailer locations. Maybe we could talk Publix into adding them at their locations? I know I would be more likely to make a recycling run if I could do it at the same time as buying food. Anyone else think this is a workable idea? What would be the best way to suggest it, through the county of Publix first?

oh savvy - I hate to sound like a big lazy bum, but I don't want to haul my recycling. I will if I must. I want curbside. :wave:

needs to get out more

Jan 24, '08 · 9:18 PM#30

oh savvy - I hate to sound like a big lazy bum, but I don't want to haul my recycling. I will if I must. I want curbside.

the trailer closest to you is at Bay. what is happening with your recycling currently?

Beach Fanatic

Jan 24, '08 · 9:20 PM#31

I would love to have more recycling trailer locations. Maybe we could talk Publix into adding them at their locations? I know I would be more likely to make a recycling run if I could do it at the same time as buying food. Anyone else think this is a workable idea? What would be the best way to suggest it, through the county of Publix first.

I have a feeling they may have to be on county land. There used to be one at the old Cano Square (I've forgotten what they call the post office shopping center now). Anyway, that one really got full every week. I have a post office box, so that one was handy! They also used to have one at Butler Elementary. They "temporarily" moved it to the courthouse annex when they were doing the expansion at the school, and never moved it back.

This is the location list from the county website (obviously not updated):

South Walton Courthouse Annex, Bay Elementary School, 393 Fire Station, Butler Elementary School, Miramar Beach Fire Station, WaterColor Fire Station, and Inlet Beach Fire Station. Zone 3 District 5 Yard on Community Way (between J.D. Miller Road and the South Walton Courthouse Annex)

I agree with you that more recycling trailers would be a terrific low cost option!

SoWal Expert

Jan 24, '08 · 9:25 PM#32

oh savvy - I hate to sound like a big lazy bum, but I don't want to haul my recycling. I will if I must. I want curbside.

Ditto, even though it takes me weeks to generate enough recycling to fill a blue bag.

My guess is that many more folks will recycle if they can toss something in a special container than if they have to schlep it to a trailer.

The amount of glass and aluminum that could be recycled by the tourists boggles the mind!

Beach Fanatic

Jan 24, '08 · 10:14 PM#33

A couple of points-

The curbside recycling in Memphis is a different day, different truck. No problem with mixing, no sifting by convicts. I'd hope Walco could do the same.

The Walton Sun article said that Cindy Meadows had visited the dump and that she found the blue bags were breaking open in the garbage truck. Not a big surprise.

Beach Fanatic

Jan 24, '08 · 10:20 PM#34

oh savvy - I hate to sound like a big lazy bum, but I don't want to haul my recycling. I will if I must. I want curbside.

Oh I understand. I just can't seem to find one close enough, or that is around what I do around town that I will realistically make it to....

This is the location list from the county website (obviously not updated):

South Walton Courthouse Annex, Bay Elementary School, 393 Fire Station, Butler Elementary School, Miramar Beach Fire Station, WaterColor Fire Station, and Inlet Beach Fire Station. Zone 3 District 5 Yard on Community Way (between J.D. Miller Road and the South Walton Courthouse Annex)

I agree with you that more recycling trailers would be a terrific low cost option!

Am I blind? I mean I just got new glasses. :bang:

I have NEVER noticed one there. :idontno:

SoWal Expert

Jan 24, '08 · 10:24 PM#35

The Walton Sun article said that Cindy Meadows had visited the dump and that she found the blue bags were breaking open in the garbage truck. Not a big surprise.

Especially after seeing the severe beating my trash cans get every garbage day! :bang:

needs to get out more

Jan 24, '08 · 10:37 PM#36

Am I blind? I mean I just got new glasses. I have NEVER noticed one there.

it's actually behind the publix in the WC employee parking lot on the south side

Edited Jan 24, '08 · 10:45 PM

Beach Fanatic

Jan 24, '08 · 10:42 PM#37

it's actually behind the publix in the WC emp;oyee parking lot on the south side

Thank you! :wave:

Had no idea that was there. It makes me really happy to have one so much closer!

SoWal Expert

Jan 25, '08 · 12:57 AM#38

Trailers are good, but tourists in rental units are not going to use them. Curbside is needed.

Beach Fanatic

Jan 25, '08 · 7:58 PM#39

Trailers are good, but tourists in rental units are not going to use them. Curbside is needed.

I'll agree with that - but me recycling is better than me not recycling. Gotta start somehwere... :wave:

SoWal Expert

Jan 25, '08 · 8:48 PM#40

it's actually behind the publix in the WC employee parking lot on the south side

And there is one across the street from Bay Elementary, and one at the SoWal Annex. Add that to the one at Publix and the one by French Laundry, and I really don't have an excuse. I drive past at least one of these places once a day or more. I bet most locals do too!

SoWal Expert

Jan 25, '08 · 9:16 PM#41

I'll agree with that - but me recycling is better than me not recycling. Gotta start somehwere...

Absolutely. We each have to start somewhere, but we need to think about the many renters who really don't have much input in local recycling management. I wonder how much more garbage is produced in the high rental season compared to the off-season. I bet it would come close to doubling, if not more, or off season garbage. Including the renters is vital, and yes, locals are, too.

needs to get out more

Jan 25, '08 · 9:28 PM#42

the bummer is that the rental units will be the last ones to actually get on board with a recycling program. Educating renters, having room attendants recycle, having owners of rental units provide for recycling bins, etc is going to be a long way off. sad but true.

SoWal Expert

Jan 25, '08 · 11:31 PM#43

I'm not sure about that. Many visitors to our beach, already recycle at home. Whatever system we take, it needs to be kept simple so that all tourists feel confident in knowing the procedure for recycling. Even guests who do not recycle at home due to lack of recycling programs, may take interest in the good behavior when at the beach.

Beach Fanatic

Jan 26, '08 · 12:08 PM#44

Absolutely. We each have to start somewhere, but we need to think about the many renters who really don't have much input in local recycling management. I wonder how much more garbage is produced in the high rental season compared to the off-season. I bet it would come close to doubling, if not more, or off season garbage. Including the renters is vital, and yes, locals are, too.

I think baby steps in the right direction - are better than no steps. I just am very happy that people are seriously talking about this, and what can be done to make the system better. I would love it if we as a group, could brainstorm a little and start some sort of Sowal mission.

Does anyone have any ideas on what a good baby step could be?

SoWal Expert

Jan 26, '08 · 12:14 PM#45

I think a good first step would be to research what other similar communities do in their recycling programs so we aren't reinventing the wheel.

Also, we should get a good handle on what is going on with the current trash/recycling monies in the budget shell game.

Quick question (as it's on today's to-do list):
Are the blue bags a complete non-entity now? Do I have to take it to the trailer instead of putting it in the blue bag & in the trash can if I want it recycled?

Edited Jan 26, '08 · 12:25 PM

SoWal Expert

Jan 26, '08 · 12:21 PM#46

I think baby steps in the right direction - are better than no steps. I just am very happy that people are seriously talking about this, and what can be done to make the system better. I would love it if we as a group, could brainstorm a little and start some sort of Sowal mission.

Does anyone have any ideas on what a good baby step could be?

I think the "baby step" was the blue bag program.

The next logical step is a real recycling program, with a recycling bin for each household, and a recycling truck that runs on different days than regular garbage pickup. I have lived in places where it was a regular city service, and places where you had to pay and add it on to your garbage pickup.

Beach FanaticAuthor

Jan 26, '08 · 1:18 PM#47

Also, we should get a good handle on what is going on with the current trash/recycling monies in the budget shell game.

I think finding this out is the next logical step, and may well determine what choices exist for a real recycling program. I really think the money is probably there, somewhere there, that is.

I agree with SJ that the tourists might just get on board, at least that is if the rental agencies don't resist. Lots of people come here from somewhere that has recycling. It isn't exactly a new concept. :bang:

I have had people on the beach tell me they are surprised we don't already have it.

Any volunteers to try to untangle the trash budget?

Beach Fanatic

Jan 26, '08 · 3:07 PM#48

I'm not sure about that. Many visitors to our beach, already recycle at home. Whatever system we take, it needs to be kept simple so that all tourists feel confident in knowing the procedure for recycling. Even guests who do not recycle at home due to lack of recycling programs, may take interest in the good behavior when at the beach.

And that is a perfect win/win situation!

SWGB

Jan 26, '08 · 3:16 PM#49

Some areas could take a large step in the right direction and require recycling. Places like WaterColor/Watersound/Seacrest could all band together and thru the HOA's require recycling. I know Seacrest already has there staff go around and pull out and put away trash cans. Is this a futile idea? :idontno:

Beach Fanatic

Jan 26, '08 · 3:18 PM#50

I think finding this out is the next logical step, and may well determine what choices exist for a real recycling program. I really think the money is probably there, somewhere there, that is.

I agree with SJ that the tourists might just get on board, at least that is if the rental agencies don't resist. Lots of people come here from somewhere that has recycling. It isn't exactly a new concept. I have had people on the beach tell me they are surprised we don't already have it.

Any volunteers to try to untangle the trash budget?

Thanks for the idea. How would one get a hold of this information to begin with?

I'm a little out of my element with this, but willing to learn. :wave:

Beach Fanatic

Jan 26, '08 · 3:22 PM#51

Some areas could take a large step in the right direction and require recycling. Places like WaterColor/Watersound/Seacrest could all band together and thru the HOA's require recycling. I know Seacrest already has there staff go around and pull out and put away trash cans. Is this a futile idea?

It would be a good start contacting the HOA's in the area! Do you have a directory of them? Maybe emails?

I will draft a letter and post it here for honest feedback and input. (Please note may not get to this for a couple days, of course if someone else wants to give it a go, it won't hurt my feelings. :roll