Recycling bins may be replaced

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The Mahoning County Solid Waste Policy Committee has sent to the county commissioners a proposal to replace 86 roll-off recycling containers with about 300 front-load containers by June 2016 at 29 county recycling drop-off sites to achieve an estimated $200,000 in annual savings.

The savings would be derived from greater operating efficiencies, said Lou Vega, county recycling director.

A truck can haul only one 24-cubic yard roll-off container at a time, but it can haul recyclables collected from multiple 8-cubic yard front load containers on the same trip, Vega explained at a meeting earlier this week.

The commissioners must approve any change. The recycling division’s budget is $2.3 million this year.

Mike Heher, Carbon Limestone landfill manager in Poland Township, announced that the landfill is having its annual open house from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 14. Bus tours will be offered.

Vega announced a tire-recycling drive will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Canfield Fairgrounds, Gate 9, with the first six passenger tires accepted free of charge from participants.