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It was interesting to see the results of the brief poll that members of the Wells County Solid Waste District conducted at the Bluffton Recycling Center. (Results are detailed in a story on page one today.)
It’s a bit of a surprise that so many Bluffton residents, who have recyclables carted away from their house, use the center, and that about one out of six don’t live in the county, and thus don’t pay anything in support of the center.
The questions, of course, are a result of recent revelations that the current business model to operate the recycling center is unsustainable. The district board has called a special meeting for Monday.
We’ve tried to get a bit of the pulse of the general populace. A poll on our Web site asks if you would be willing to pay. Currently, there are three choices: yes; no; depends on the amount. While “no” is in the lead, a majority says either “yes” or “it depends.”
We’ve also asked for opinions via our social media outlets: Twitter and Facebook. Here’s a few examples of what we’ve heard:
“They should pay us to recycle.”
“I live in Fort Wayne and pay to recycle. It’s a small fee and it cuts back on how much we throw away.”
“I’m kind of torn. It depends on how much. ... If we don’t have one, what’s our options?”
“Use volunteers or make it part of community service ... you could set up donation jars at the location.”
“Make the jail workers do it.”
“How about child labor? OK, I’m kidding...”
There’s been a number of e-mails as well.
One makes a compelling argument that we shouldn’t be too concerned about biodegradable waste that gets in landfills (paper and cardboard), but much more concerned about “batteries, paint, florescent light bulbs, chemicals and etc. Now, if we were recycling those items, (on a daily basis) we would no doubt be worthy of the label ‘stewards of the land.’
“Until then, the stuff we are recycling may make us ‘feel good’ and all warm and fuzzy inside, but I can think of other things capable of making me feel good ... and whole lot cheaper too.”
That writer continues to say that we could all do better about what we choose and how it’s packaged.
“The benefits of smart buying would outweigh our recycling efforts many fold.” Can’t argue with that.
Others reference the trials and tribulations other communities, such as Huntington and Marion, have gone through, possibilities of grants or state funds that might be supportive. A good number of people basically feel that if it’s unaffordable, we simply cannot do it.
More than one mentions Wells County doesn’t even have a landfill, so “What? Me Worry?” (A reference to Alfred E. Neuman, a name Baby Boomers recognize. But I digress.) That seems a bit narrow-minded.
It is a classic conundrum: defining “responsible,” defining “frugal” and then balancing the costs and benefits of being responsible and being frugal.
I want to be both. My wife says I have the second part down, but I need to “put the lid down” more often.
All we can do is keep trying.
by MARK MILLER
miller@news-banner.com
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