During the FY 2008-2009 Town of Christiansburg budget process, residents' fees solid waste disposal were increased. The increased costs to the town have been subsidized to keep fees low - maybe a good idea, maybe not.
The bottom line is that throwing stuff away costs money.
It's Been Easy Not Being GreenOur Town Council, Planning Commission and Town Manager hardly come across as environmental activists. When the Planning Commission was discussing a metal recycling facility on Depot Street (near the Historic Cambria district), neither the Commission members nor the Town Manager thought about potentially dangerous runoff from engines, radiators, etc. into Crab Creek.
An audience member had to point that risk out. (The permit was ultimately denied.)
During the campaign season, incumbent candidates Barber and Huppert, along with Jim VanHoozier, felt that
existing recycling efforts were enough. ("What recycling efforts?" you ask...)
While dispairing over
whether or not to raise residents' solid waste disposal fees, recycling - to reduce tipping costs and generate a little revenue - never came up.
Let's TalkIt's time. The Montgomery Regional Solid Waste Authority (MRSWA), just outside the Christiansburg town limits, runs top-notch recycling programs. "Buy back" prices (for aluminum, copper, etc.) are posted on their
web site, as are disposal fees. It's not a long stretch to figure out that recycling is a good idea.
Small towns all over the country have done the math and decided in favor of curb-side recycling programs. ("What curbs?" you ask...)
Hopkinton, Massachusetts posts data from 2003 - 2007 regarding tonnage, cost and relative percentages.
If you'd prefer your examples closer to home,
Berryville, Virginia voted in May 2008 to start recycling July 1.
Berryville's home page links to a download of detailed information and instructions.
Don't Take My Word For ItCheck alternate sources. Go visit MRSWA. Ask our Town Manager about recycling options. Did you know he's on the board of MRSWA?