County Recycling Ends This Week, But Fees Still Increase Sharply

County residents have a final chance to recycle their scrap aluminum and steel beverage and food containers this week before the service ends and fees rise sharply under a new county waste-hauling contract. Those receiving services through city contracts are unaffected by the change.

Despite the reduction in services, the new collection and disposal fee for county residents rose almost $120 this year, with more increases baked in. Last year's assessment of $144.50 became $264.13 for the new year beginning October 1 and will rise to a projected $320.66 over the next five years.

News file photo

The familiar yellow-topped recycling carts that have been in use across Polk County in recent years will be obsolete after this week as the county ends recycling. The carts will now be allowed for use as yard waste containers. City residents who recycle will be able to enjoy continuing service.

Cardboard and other waste paper was also captured by the program, which had cut glass products from its list as unprofitable.

The waste-recycling program, created three decades ago, was intended to separate the reusable resources before they ended up in the county's huge landfill. The effort has added years of life to that facility, but county officials determined that the effort wasn't worth it.

Residents who find their waste receptacles overflowing with the added recyclables may purchase a second 65-gallon rolling container for $67. The yellow-topped carts formerly used for recycling are now to be used for yard waste. Both containers will be emptied weekly, though collection schedules are changing for many residents.

Hauling contractors will also offer opportunities to dispose of up to four additional bags of trash four times a year.

The new charges are in addition to rising ad valorum tax charges based upon increased property values and assessments. To soften that blow, the Polk County Commission voted to reduce the county's ad valorum tax rate by one percent. Many homeowners will see higher property tax bills despite that adjustment.