8/9/2005

Five communities to begin recycling
By Bob Lassahn

In April John Tustin, director of Worcester County Public Works, appeared before the county commissioners to request permission to solicit proposals on a curbside recycling pilot project in five communities of West Ocean City. The six-month project was originally projected to run from July to December 2005 but the start date was delayed as bids were solicited.

The purposes of the project are to test participation levels and seasonal fluctuations in recycling programs, assist in optimizing disposal options, identify future needs and provide a basis for cost estimates as the county moves toward the possibility of mandatory recycling.

The communities of Oyster Harbor, Whispering Woods, Mystic Harbour, Deer Point and Ocean Reef, representing a total of 839 households, were selected for the project. Containers will be provided to the residents along with information on the recycling project.

Items to be recycled will include mixed paper, plastics and cans. Participants will not be required to sort the items and everything can go into the same container for collection. Sorting will be completed at the county facility. Glass will not be included as a part of the project since it contaminates the process, is a danger to the workers and can damage equipment.

At the August 2 session of the commissioners Mr. Tustin presented two bids for consideration. The low bidder at $22,443, BFI Waste Services was awarded the contract that will run for 25 weeks from September 2005 to February 2006. According to Mr. Tustin $25,000 was included in the budget to fund the project.

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