Audit: Mahoning Co. recycling is improving

By PETER H. MILLIKEN

VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER

YOUNGSTOWN — A state performance audit shows the Mahoning County Recycling Division has substantially improved its recycling rates and cost efficiency, but the division will strive to do even better, the division’s director says.

“We have vastly increased recycling amounts and reduced costs,” said Jim Petuch, director of the recycling division, known as the Green Team, since March 31, 2005.

The Green Team’s mission is to promote efficient solid waste (garbage and recyclables) management, increase recycling and reduce reliance on landfills.

The percentage of the county’s total residential and commercial waste stream being recycled rose from 9.76 percent in 2004 to 14.78 percent in 2005 and 22.71 percent in 2006, Petuch noted.

The state mandate is 25 percent, said Anthony Traficanti, chairman of the county commissioners and of the county’s solid waste policy committee.

Although the audit shows Mahoning County’s personnel costs per ton of recycled waste still exceed those of other counties, Petuch cited audit findings that the Mahoning County Green Team reduced those costs from $7.83 in 2005 to $2.78 last year. “We’re going to keep bringing that down, I guarantee you,” Petuch said.

For complete story, see Monday’s Vindicator or www.vindy.com.