Recycling (Roanoke: home, tax, live in)

[cnysuz]

I recently spent a week with family in Roanoke county. I don't understand why the county has no curbside recycling pickup. Yes, I know you can store stuff, pack it in the car, and haul it to a few locations. But that's not ideal for many reasons.
Does anyone know if there's any plans to implement a program? I'm not a total eco-nut, but I know how easy curbside pickup is for everyone. We've had it in NY state for a long time. There was a lot of grumbling and protests initially, but once it was in place, most people and trash haulers are making it work. (Yes, we have many independent haulers)
So..is there any plan for the future?

[Teebyrd86]

Originally Posted by cnysuz

I recently spent a week with family in Roanoke county. I don't understand why the county has no curbside recycling pickup. Yes, I know you can store stuff, pack it in the car, and haul it to a few locations. But that's not ideal for many reasons.
Does anyone know if there's any plans to implement a program? I'm not a total eco-nut, but I know how easy curbside pickup is for everyone. We've had it in NY state for a long time. There was a lot of grumbling and protests initially, but once it was in place, most people and trash haulers are making it work. (Yes, we have many independent haulers)
So..is there any plan for the future?

We do it in the city! So move to the city instead

[mamax3]

I really wish we had recycling pickup. I took it for granted in the other places our family has lived. Here we have to store our recycling at home until we make a trip to the bins. Such a pain.

I don't consider myself an environmentalist, but not having recycling pickup seems a little backward. Are there any plans for change?

[seanpecor]

Roanoke County is just squeaking by the state mandated minimum % of solid waste recycled, so until it is unable to continue to meet this rate, or until State law raises the minimum from 25% to something higher, then the county won't adopt curbside recycling.

County administrators claim it's too impractical to offer curbside recycling in jurisdictions greater than 240 square miles. I call B.S. because Vermont does it even in the damn boonies. It's simply a matter of priorities. Elected County officials are elected by people who more often than not do not recycle at all. Trust me, I live in the County, most of my neighbors and most of my County friends - with all due respect - are right-leaning baby boomers and do not recycle anything.

Sean

[cnysuz]

Wow! only 240 sq miles?? Our county is over 800 square miles and we do it here! And we had a recycling rate (residential and commercial) of 66%!
My son thought it might be because there might be a tax increase, which of course no one wants. I really think if they made it easier, more people would be willing to do it.
I emailed the person in charge of recycling in the county, but she hasn't responded yet.
This is one of the most beautiful parts of the country..hard to believe maintaining the enviroment can be "dismissed" as impractical.

[headnsouth]

Originally Posted by cnysuz

I really think if they made it easier, more people would be willing to do it.

It's easy as pie to recycle here in Roanoke city, and only 36 percent of city residents recycle. All political stripes recycle and all political stripes don't. I think it's a matter of laziness rather than principle!

[Teebyrd86]

Originally Posted by headnsouth

It's easy as pie to recycle here in Roanoke city, and only 36 percent of city residents recycle. All political stripes recycle and all political stripes don't. I think it's a matter of laziness rather than principle!

That's sad

[cnysuz]

Originally Posted by headnsouth View Post
It's easy as pie to recycle here in Roanoke city, and only 36 percent of city residents recycle. All political stripes recycle and all political stripes don't. I think it's a matter of laziness rather than principle!
<That's sad


It's way beyond sad...it's irresponsible. I guess I'm more of an eco-nut than I thought. lol!
Laziness and/or lack of "encouragement" and "consequences" have created the situation. But if you expect nothing from people, that's what you usually get!