The Talley on Curbside Recycling

Based upon the large number of responses to the survey in the Mayor’s Bulletin in June plus comments on NextDoor Mariemont and Mariemont.com, I think two things become clear.

First, the majority of Mariemont residents prefer covered containers with lids to open containers for recyclables.

Second, the majority of residents prefer the continuation of recycling pickup in the back even if it incurs some additional expense. Indeed, the $17,000 cost in the Rumpke contract for behind the house pickup spread over 1400+ households in Mariemont a year equates to only $12 per household.

Closed containers have a number of advantages including pest control, better sanitation, prevention of papers from blowing in the wind and recyclables that remain dry for ease of handling and pickup.

Pickup from the back has the advantages of convenience, neighborhood ambiance, safety issues with elderly residents and a talking point to support premium real-estate prices in the Village of Mariemont.

I hope there will be an open discussion of this important issue at the Village Town Meeting on Sunday, March 23, 2104 and that the Mayor will reconsider moving forward too quickly on curbside pickup of recyclables.