Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, May 3, 1990 TAG: 9005030023
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV15 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: KATHY LOAN NEW RIVER VALLEY BUREAU
DATELINE: PEARISBURG LENGTH: Medium
Bob Roberts of Olver Inc., consultants that completed a county recycling study, told the Board of Supervisors Tuesday that 11 percent of the county's waste is being recycled. Industries account for most of that. Of 1,600 tons of waste recycled, more than 1,000 tons are from industry; 494 tons are from other businesses and 65 tons are from homes.
Olver recommends that the county start a composting operation to increase recycling to 13.2 percent. While the county has little yard waste, composting could help it recycle 242 tons more per year.
To reach 16.8 percent recycling, Olver says the county should contract for equipment and workers to chip brush taken to the landfill and sell the mulch. Roberts said he thought the county would be unable to continue burning brush at the landfill because he expects air quality controls will become tougher. Brush chipping could increase yearly recycling by 500 tons.
Placing recycling stations in Pearisburg, Narrows, Rich Creek and Pembroke would likely lead to a 19 percent recycling rate. Rich Creek would share its station with Glen Lyn. Drop-off centers could bring in about 360 tons per year.
A building would be needed to store trash until it is sold, Roberts said, or the county could contract with a business such as Cycle Systems in Christiansburg or S&H Recycling in Giles County to pick up recyclables.
Secondary markets, where intermediaries buy from the county and then sell to a larger market, are better for the county than a primary market like Reynolds Aluminum, which would buy directly to make new cans, he said.
To reach the 25 percent mandate by 1995, Roberts recommended curb-side pickup of separated recyclables in towns by the 1991-92 fiscal year. Collection boxes would be removed from towns and placed in rural areas.
Implementing these recycling measures could mean $528,000 in capital costs, the Olver study says. But Roberts told supervisors they should remember that taking these steps will save money because less waste will be put in the landfill.
After selling recyclable items, the cost to the county should be less than $19,200 per year, he said. Supervisors accepted the report but did not act on any of its recommendations.
by CNB