2024 recycling changes- what's acceptable and why
We wanted to take a moment to share this important message from Clay County Environmental Services about the County's recycling program:
The County’s recycling program must be changed in order to address unprecedented processing costs. We all must focus on high-value items like plastic bottles/jugs, metal cans, and corrugated cardboard.
In the past, we typically received $6 for every ton of recyclables processed, but now, due to increased processing costs and weaker markets, we are forced to pay $85 per ton. The County must focus on high-value recyclable items to avoid a $232,489 annual cost increase. This is a local, state, and nationwide problem that requires us all to rethink and reset how we recycle.
High-value items:
- Clean flat corrugated cardboard up to 3'x3' (NO PIZZA OR CEREAL BOXES)
- #1 and #2 plastic bottles and jugs (e.g. water and soda bottles, milk and laundry jugs, etc.)
- Metal cans
Do not place any other items such as GLASS, PLASTIC BAGS/CONTAINERS/WRAP in the bins. When in doubt, throw it out!
Please see answers to some frequently asked questions below.
Who pays for the program?
Our recycling program is funded by the Solid Waste Fund, a statutorily driven enterprise fund that must pay for itself and balance. Any increase in cost would be reflected by an increase to the annual Solid Waste Assessment.
- If we only recycle the high-value items, the recycling processors have estimated a rebate of up to $15 a ton.
The Board of County Commissioners agreed in December that recycling is important to our community. We all must change the way we recycle to focus on these high-value items to keep the program affordable, running, and without higher costs to residents.
How is the County alerting residents?
After commissioners approved these changes at a Board meeting in December, staff started alerting residents of the change. The communications to residents include a direct mailer, consistent messaging on the County’s multiple social media platforms, information on the County’s website, information to broadcast and print media, posted flyers at County buildings and facilities, and other multimedia communications.
What happens if residents don’t comply?
Essentially, if residents only recycle high-value items, the program will continue with no additional costs to the residents. If we do not follow this method, the processor will charge a higher rate, and residents will have to pay those increased costs. The recycling collection hauler will equip crews with information. If crews come across a bin that has the wrong items, they’ll follow the current process and tag it with a notice, alerting the resident to make changes and leave the bin until the next week.
Who is affected?
All Clay County residents, except for residents of the town of Orange Park, are affected by this change in process.
How will the County know if the changed process is effective?
County staff will track the County’s monthly Recycling Material Composition report. Staff will meet with County leaders periodically to compare the data and discuss potential changes to communications to our residents. Commissioners will also hear frequent reports at Board of County Commissioner meetings.
Then what?
After six months, commissioners will discuss an overall report from staff at a Board of County Commissioners meeting, and evaluate the next steps.
Why is glass not accepted?
In 2024 many processors won’t accept glass any longer. It breaks and contaminates the high-value items.
Do my items need to be clean?
Yes. Clean, contamination free items help reduce costs, so the cleaner the better.
Do I still need to sort my items?
Yes. Clean dry cardboard goes in one bin, and clean #1 and #2 plastic bottles and jugs (e.g. water and soda bottles, milk and laundry jugs, etc.) and metal cans go in another.
What can I do with other recyclable items?
There are no known locations in the county that will accept other recyclable items.
Can I still bring my recyclables to the Environmental Convenience Centers?
Yes! These changes to focus on high-value items apply across the board, and we welcome you to use our ECCs across the county if it’s easier for you. We will have flyers posted at the centers to alert residents of these changes.
So, no paper products at all?
We’re targeting corrugated cardboard only, because it is a high-value item.
When does this start?
Right now, we want to educate our residents on the change, and we ask that you start recycling high-value items as soon as you can.
What kind of cans can we recycle?
Any metal cans are fine.
Can I recycle all #1 and #2 items?
Only #1 and #2 plastic bottles and jugs (e.g. water and soda bottles, milk and laundry jugs, etc.) are accepted.
Questions?
If you have questions, don’t hesitate to email askclay@claycountygov.com and we’ll be in touch to help.
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