Solid Waste Solutions

8 February 2010

Editors, the Cedar Key Beacon and the Cedar Key News

This comes to recommend to the city of Cedar Key Commission a policy change in solid waste collection and hauling services. Of specific interest is residential garbage, separated waste that is recycle material and yard trash. The option for a new and important policy choice is within your purview and authority when alternative bids are soon received. Among the choices are curbside recycling, a yard waste recycling program and pricing structure that will encourage all of us to think before we throw stuff away. Following are issues that must be considered.

1. Curbside recycling is important and much more convenient than the present system of personally taking the time and effort to visit the Levy County trailers at the recycle center in town. Too many of us do not take this opportunity and curb side convenience will encourage greater participation.
2. Unit base fees are fair. Encouraging recycling will lesson household garbage and smaller amounts in smaller individual containers would result in lower fees for the resident.
3. Yard waste recycling in Cedar Key will reduce the tonnage in tipping fees and provide a source of mulch for folks who wish to use it.
4. Many local businesses are now recycling but pick up service is provided by volunteers. Sea Horse Landing, Farraway Inn and Park Place are now áÄúgreen lodgesáÄù. And again, the pick up is done by volunteers. With curbside residential recycling the same service can be provided for businesses.
5. Finally, in order to keep fees for service reasonable, once a week residential pickup for household garbage and recycled material is recommended.

The existing service levels may appear adequate but do not serve the very real and serious interests in conservation and responsible citizen participation that is needed. The status quo is not acceptable. I encourage our friends on the city of Cedar Key Commission to stand up for a sound and conservation driven policy which will move our town forward toward common goals of greater public participation in conservation and environmental responsiveness.
I also encourage our neighbors to participate in encouraging the city commission to make these important choices. These are choices that will affect our quality of life in Cedar Key for many years and will promote a new level of civic awareness. Your participation can be done by contacting members of the commission. Please speak out. Call or write your commissioners. Feel free to use this letter for talking points or as a guide for your own letters.
My family and I have been recycling for thirty years and it has not always been convenient. However, our small contribution to reducing the waste stream has been rewarding in the sense that we have done our part in recycling materials that can be reused as raw materials for some new products. Products, by the way, that do not consume limited natural resources.

Earl Starnes of Cedar Key, Florida
cc. Cedar Key City Commissioners

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