Henderson Extension Office Plays Important Role with Curbside Recycling Program

Recycling is an important part of government service but often, it comes at a cost.  Many municipalities incur expenses above the income produced from sale of collected recycled products.  Henderson County recycling program has struggled from its inception with financial feasibility of keeping curbside recycling service.  Costs are anticipated to double in 2018 and several local officials were considering eliminating the service.

In the spring of 2017, a local city commissioner contacted the Henderson County Extension office to ask for help identifying the current situation, barriers, and to develop new models regarding our curbside recycling program. With the help of the mayor, commissioners, and Extension, we were able to identify 9 local people that were knowledgeable and willing to serve on an advisory/working committee. Members included local municipality managers, former recycle coordinator, two local residents interested in recycling, two local residents that do not currently recycle, president of the high school environmental club, and an Extension Agent.

Meeting monthly, the committee visited three other municipal recycling facilities, identified current conditions/costs in Henderson, conducted a review of current research, and conducted an informal survey of local residents to identify the local interest with keeping the recycling program. 

Very early in the committee’s work, it became apparent that recycling user rates were low in Henderson. Several variable were identified as the cause; education, lack of available containers, inconsistent weekly pickups, etc. 

By early 2018, the committee presented a comprehensive report to the city commissioners with recommendations including three alternative models and a long term community educational program. Extension offers more than just agriculture expertise. The faith that local leaders have in Henderson County Extension and the services they offer to the community is clear. 

In 2019, the city commissioners adopted a funding model to continue curbside recycling.  Since its adoption, the recycling committee has monitored the program and designed a community education program to help residents and leaders in the community better understand the dynamics that affect recycling efforts. 

As of early 2022, we have increased our participation rates by 12%, held our cost of operation to levels similar to 2018, and increased our tonnage or recycled materials by 11%.  In addition, the volunteers have held educational programs in several elementary schools, set up recycling centers at community events, and are currently working with a local paper mill on a partnership to utilize the materials collected.