Euclid Recycling Update

When will curb side recycling start? That is the great unknown. I can only tell you that the City Council has no information on bin distribution, or the actual start date. Stay tuned as I will continue to ask.

In other recycling related news, City Council rejected a proposal by yours truly to allow limited "scrapping" with in the City.

Scrapping, or, "curb side shopping" is the scavenging the discarded furniture and appliances that would other wise wind up in the landfill.

Keeping these heavy items out of the landfill saves the City money in landfill tipping fees. The cost to the City of allowing "scrapping" is zero. Unlike the curb side program, allowing scrapping requires no new hires or equipment. It would not allow anyone to go through trash bags or cans, would not allow anyone on to your property.

Yet the majority on Council would not pass this legislation even on a trial basis. The Mayor as cosponsor, and the Euclid Police Department gave their approval. Many North East Ohio communities already allow this type of activity. The basic arguments of the majority were: increase in crime and "we need to get our hands around recycling first" before allowing this.

The EPD could provide no information currently on arrests for "scrapping." And, the assumption that "scrappers" are some how prone to committing crime has no basis in fact.

For many, salvaging metals and furniture is a way to earn extra money in these difficult times.

As for waiting, the curb side program and 'scrapping" are entirely different. Starting now would determine if the scrapping program can really benefit the City. Any program to save the taxpayer money deserves a fair test. On this matter, the majority of Council failed to see this.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!