New County Recycling Center Aims to Double Recycling Rate

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Rome and Floyd County residents will move into a new recycling centre with almost double the capacity of the existing one. The new recycling center at 412, Lavender Drive promises much more efficient operation. It was decided to close down the existing facility at 405 Watters St. in North Rome due to its inability to handle increasing volume of materials. The new recycling center is slated to open this summer.

According to Michael Skeen, Floyd County Public Works Director, the new facility is set up in a place away from the general public. It will have two sorting lines as compared with the single sorting line in the old facility. The installation of ultra modern equipment will ensure more efficient operation and less labor.

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Estimates suggest that only nearly one-third of Rome residents currently participate in the curbside recycling program. The County aims to double that rate, which in turn would enhance the recycling operations and divert more materials out of the Walker Mountain landfill. The collection of more recyclables including plastic, aluminum and paper could generate more revenue for the recycling center.

The County had not been involved in any major effort to educate residents on the need for promoting recycling for the past several years, mainly because the old center was almost running at full capacity. With the opening of the new facility with additional capabilities, it plans to launch a comprehensive campaign to educate people on recycling benefits, what to recycle and how to recycle. Further, all efforts will be made to ensure recycling participation of city and county schools.

Upon opening of the new facility, the 405 Watters St. recycling center could be put up for sale. There are proposals to continue maintaining the site as a drop-off location and also to develop it as a recycling education center.