County to begin only accepting metal recyclables

The Boundary County Board of Commissioners are announcing modifications to the county recycling program due to increasing operational costs, decreasing participation, and the challenges of the global recycling market. 

This decision comes after review and discussion with local stakeholders and waste management experts. 

Starling June 1, the county will only accept metals at its recycle collection sites. Residents will still have access to traditional waste disposal services, but all recyclables, excluding metals, must be deposited in regular household trash facilities. 

Examples of metals still allowable for recycling include aluminum, tin cans, and other metal products. 

The primary factors driving this suspension are rising transportation and processing costs for recyclable materials, coupled with the continued downturn in global demand for certain recyclables. 

The county's recycling program, which was once supported in part by steady revenue from the sale of recyclable materials, has become an expenditure, costing the county more than $125,000 a year. 

The county has worked over the past several years to improve the program and explore ways to reduce its environmental impact. Unfortunately, despite these efforts, the recycling market's volatility has made it increasingly difficult to maintain a consistent and affordable service for residents.

While the county modifies its recycling program, officials are committed to finding long-term solutions to waste reduction. Future discussions will include exploring alternatives such as waste diversion programs and partnerships with private companies or regional facilities for better recycling opportunities.

 Additionally, Boundary County will assess how to redirect the resources previously allocated for recycling into more cost-effective waste management strategies. 

The county will continue to investigate potential grants and regional collaborations that may enable the reinstatement of a sustainable recycling program in the future. 

Boundary County residents are encouraged to attend the upcoming Town Hall to discuss the changes and express concerns or suggestions regarding waste management moving forward. The Town Hall will be held on Wednesday, April l6 at 6 pm in the Memorial Hall at the Boundary County Fairgrounds.