Mayor Larry Antoskiewicz reported that he will be terminating the contract with Simple Recycling at the July 6 City Council Streets Committee meeting. He said that the company had suspended their service during the pandemic and were asked to send a letter to residents to notify them on the measure, but they did not. He also said that they have not resumed their service.
In April, 2018, City Council unanimously adopted legislation which allowed the Mayor to enter into an agreement for the curbside collection, recycling and disposition of soft recyclables with Great Lakes Recycling, Incorporated, also known as Simple Recycling. The new agreement was thought to add another recycling option for residents. The agreement spanned a four-year initial term, with future renewal possibilities. There was no cost to the city or residents for this service. The city saved money in tipping fees to the landfill for the items that may have normally been included with trash. The city will also receive a contract fee of one cent per pound of gross receipts of soft recyclables collected. At that time, it was thought to possibly add up to about $15-$20,000 per year. With the program, special bags were provided to use for soft recyclables.
According to the agreement, “Soft Recyclable means items of an individual weight less than fifty (50) pounds and can be carried by one person. Soft Recyclables include primarily men’s, women’s and children’s clothing as well as items such as jewelry, shoes, purses, hats, toys, pictures, mirrors, blankets, drapes and curtains, pillows, rags, sewing scraps, sleeping bags, small furniture, small appliances, irons, radios and audio equipment, TVs and video equipment, cameras, lamps, hair dryers, tools, toasters, microwaves, coffee makers, computers and household or consumer electronics, silverware, dishes, pots and pans, glasses and the like.”
Ward 1 Council Representative Fenos reported that Simple Recycling representatives stated that they would resume pickup in July, but they have not resumed their operation. Antoskiewicz said that legislation will be presented to City Council that ends the contract with Simple Recycling. “It’s just not worth it,” he said. It’s not like we’re making any money. People can donate to the Veterans or Purple Hearts, who provide pickup.”

By GLORIA PLEVA KACIK
Contributing Writer