Emmet County residents who have been stockpiling recyclable materials at their homes in recent weeks got some good news Thursday, when the county recycling program announced it will resume accepting mixed containers and its curbside pickup program.
Program officials posted the update to the department’s website Thursday morning.
On March 21, program officials noted that they were temporarily suspending accepting mixed containers because the sorting facility layout did not allow for workers spaced far enough apart to comply with COVID-19 distancing requirements. More recently, Emmet County Recycling noted that staff had devised floor-to-ceiling cardboard barricades to help provide separation between workers.
Curbside pickup, which was already limited in some areas because of spring road weight restrictions, was at first to be limited to just cardboard and paper items — but then was ultimately suspended a few days later when staffing levels became an issue.
However, in Thursday’s update, program officials noted that curbside pickup will resume Monday, April 6 and all areas will be able to resume using their rolling carts for cardboard and paper items. The rolling cart usage had been suspended in some areas because spring road weight restrictions prevents the trucks used to lift the carts from being used on roads not built to all-season standards. However, the Emmet County Road Commission will be lifting seasonal road weight restrictions as of 7 a.m. April 6.
Recycling program officials note that all drop-off sites are open — with mixed container collection resuming immediately — but residents are encouraged to hang on to recycling as long as possible and only visit the sites as necessary to help reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.
Additionally, program officials note that the drop-off center and transfer station on Pleasantview Road is open for normal business hours, with the following special conditions:
“We encourage you to follow Govl Whitmer’s order to stay at home except to conduct essential business.
Please hold on to materials that can wait to be landfilled or recycled.
• Stay at least six feet from all staff people.
• Hold on to materials that can wait to be landfilled or recycled.
• Regular hours are 8 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays, and 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays, however, staff recommends that people visit www.emmetrecycling.org/services/covid-19-updates/ before making a trip to the facility.
• Use a credit/debit card or a check rather than cash if possible.”
Courtesy : www.petoskeynews.com