Holyoke, MA to Reimpose Dual-Stream Recycling Collection

SEATTLE (Waste Advantage): The Department of Public Works plans to revert to dual-stream recycling collection, as the City Council discovered that the department violated a city ordinance by instituting a single-stream collection model. Councilors Joseph McGiverin and David Bartley raised concerns about effective waste management strategies and how trash and recyclables are processed. The Finance Committee invited the newly hired DPW director, Carl Rossi, and the Public Works Board chair, Mary Monahan, for a “friendly” discussion.

Rossi explained that historically, Holyoke separated paper, plastics, cans and glass in dual-stream recycling. However, due to trucking and personnel issues, Holyoke temporarily shifted to the single-stream collection model, where all recyclables were tossed into one container and collected by one truck. The switch occurred before Rossi’s tenure began with the DPW.

Rossi said that although single-stream collection was easier for residents, it generated less revenue, cost more in the short and long term and created a dirtier product. He presented three options to the committee.

•          The first was to continue with the costlier single-stream plan, costing about $25,000 annually and requiring amending the recycling ordinance.
•          The second option calls for formalizing single-stream collections, forgoing the new recycling trucks priced at $265,000 each, and reducing revenues paid to the city.
•          The third option was for Holyoke to return to dual-stream recycling in the coming months, properly using the new recycling trucks, producing higher revenues and reducing disposable costs.

The Public Works Board settled on the dual-stream model, which falls under a current ordinance. In response, the DPW signed a 13-month contract with the Springfield Material Recycling Facility, realigning with established regional recycling programs.

Courtesy: www.wasteadvantagemag.com