Do you recycle?
Where?
Did you just answer "Acme" or "Kalkaska"?
While a few communities in our county have excellent recycling services (Central Lake, Elk Rapids and nearby townships), Antrim County does not have any system that serves constituents in Bellaire, Mancelona or outlying townships.
"Borrowing" recycling drop-offs in Acme, Kalkaska, Emmet, Charlevoix, downstate or anywhere else where we don't live is UNFAIR. Would you stop funding your own fire department or schools knowing you could "borrow" Traverse City's? Of course not.
The Antrim County Solid Waste and Recycling Council is currently following the guidance of the citizen-approved Solid Waste Master Plan, and working towards a comprehensive recycling system with far broader impact in the county.
How does it work? Through PA 138, the county cooperates with interested townships and contracts with waste hauling/recycling companies to set up 24/7 recycling bins. Township boards must vote to pass a resolution approving this relationship with the county; they then charge a small yearly fee (no more than $25, and likely to be closer to $16-20) on the winter tax rolls to cover the costs of the program. Because the county contracts the work out for every township, greater cost savings and efficiencies are achieved. Because recyclable products are being diverted from a landfill-based waste stream, that means less $$ spent each year on expensive garbage bags!
Only Townships who approve the program will be included! This is NOT an issue citizens will vote on!
If you live in Antrim County, and want to see recycling approved, take action now to convince your township supervisor and commissioners to pass the resolution! Write them a short letter and come to a township meeting:
Chestonia: June 4 @ 7:00 pm - no decision reached - call or write them in support today!
Elk Rapids: June 12 @ 7:30 pm - no decision reached - call or write them in support today!
Mancelona: June 18 @ 7:00 pm - VOTED TO SUPPORT!!
Kearney: July 2 @ 7:00 pm - no decision reached - important - read below!
Forest Home: July 5 @ 7:00 pm - SUPPORTIVE!Milton: July 9 @ 7:00 pm planned (waiting for reply) - please attend in support!
Helena: July 12 @ 7:00 pm planned (waiting for reply) - please attend in support!
Torch Lake: July 17 @ 7 or 7:30 pm confirmed - please attend in support!
Jordan: July 23 @ 7:30 pm confirmed - please attend in support!
(Central Lake July 18 or August 15)- please attend in support!
Don't see your township? Not every township agreed to hear our presentation. Write your supervisor and ask them why they don't support recycling in Antrim County!
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