A new increase in recycling rates in Lackawanna County one that’s tripled in price.
The county says it’s not playing ball and wants the recycling company to stick to its contract.
The Lackawanna County Recycling Center has raised its recycling rates from $40 a ton to $120 a ton.
That’s a 200% increase and a Dunmore resident who I spoke with finds the raise absurd.
“What are they nuts? Because who is gonna pay that?” said Keith Gressell.
Dunmore’s Keith Gressell didn’t hold back when he found out the recycling rate in his town increased.
The rise in rates comes in the middle of a contract with Lackawanna County and Dunmore isn’t the only one.
39 other municipalities will see a rate increase as well.
In a letter sent to the company on Wednesday, the county solicitor Don Fredrickson reminds the recycling company of its agreement that began in 2022 and runs until 2025.
“Someone got a bug up their butts down there and that’s all to it,” says Gressell.
One part of the agreement states the discount rate of $40 per ton will remain set at that rate through December 31, 2025.
Another part says the recycling company will accept “Clean” co-mingled recyclable materials, but the county claims some, but not all, municipalities are contaminating the recyclables.
“Possibly tell me how you could control that down there. You can’t. Because the guys that are putting it in the truck their not gonna stop. They’re just dumping,” explained Gressell.
On top of the rate increase, the recycling company, according to the county letter, owes the Lackawanna County Office of Environmental Sustainability $30,000. That’s 10,000 annually for the last three years.
“Who’s got that money? Where did it go? You don’t get paid and someone owes you 30,000 I mean ha ha ha. The person holding the mortgage on your house isn’t gonna wait for it is it? Which is ridiculous,” continued Gressell.
28/22 News tried reaching out to the Lackawanna County solicitor, but have not yet heard back.
We also called the recycling center manager regarding the rate increase. He was not available to speak.
Courtesy : pahomepage.com
