A year ago, and again during this year's fiscal budget process, curbside recycling was brought up by residents. It was posed as a question during one of the candidate forums during the town's recent election cycle, too.
Christiansburg hoohawed about getting on board the VML's Go Green initiative, but nothing more tangible than turning out lights has been discussed. Meanwhile, every time residents visit a beach community or friends and family elsewhere, household recycling seems to be the norm. Many of us work in places that provide for this, or already spend time and money on sorting, storing and transporting household recyclables.
Over in Blacksburg, we see a curbside recycling program established in the early 90's with that town council taking immediate, extensive and tangible action on environmental sustainability programs. That council is even engaged with local merchants and community members to expand recycling in the downtown business district.
An editorial in the Roanoke Times sums up the Christiansburg situation very nicely. New council member follows through on what he's heard citizens asking for, mayor places matter on unlit, back burner. This means at least another fiscal cycle or two will elapse before town leaders get serious about recycling -- which is, after all, only one small aspect of how we determine quality of life or environmental sustainability. Talking about supporting an area elementary school's interest in recycling is pablum and a facade for anything meaningful.
In the meantime, mark Tuesday, January 6th on your calendar. Town council will hold a public hearing to receive feedback on curbside recycling, even before it has identified any actions or proposed any plans on which to comment. So, read the links here, and form your own opinion. Then share it with Christiansburg Town Council.