Shawnee County Commissioners today approved a project that is going to cost millions and Shawnee County Solid Waste customers will see an increase of $4 in service fees each month.
"If you are a Shawnee County Solid Waste customer, then you'll get the $4 fee once we start curbside recycling," said Steve Bolton, Shawnee County Solid Waste director.
Some customers may not be happy they're obligated to pay the $4 fee but others are happy to see the new service put into action.
Waste Management is building the $8 million recycling facility out at the County's landfill, while Shawnee County Solid Waste is spending $2 - $3 million on equipment including custom-built recycling trucks and bins.
"Waste Management is going to build out at the Rolling Meadows Recycling disposal facility they already currently run that's out on Hwy 75,"
Shawnee County Solid Waste Director Steve Bolton celebrated the Commission's approval today of this project that has been years in the making.
"Thank you! Thank you very much!" said Bolton after asking commissioners whether it was OK for him to do a fist pump in honor of the moment.
"As recycling increases, the amount of trash decreases. And land is such a precious commodity these days that we need to keep active landfills open for as long as we can keep them open," Bolton said.
Curbside recycling and fees for these customers are set to begin in early 2013 and pickup will come twice a month.
Waste Management plans to hire about 18 - 20 new employees to work at the new recycling facility when operations begin near the start of 2013.
