September 2009

Leavenworth Recycles, a 501(c)3 non-profit which formed 6 years ago to promote recycling and sustainability in the Leavenworth area, would like you to know the following:

In September of 2008 the City of Leavenworth mailed all residents a newsletter, which promised a curbside single stream recycling program and expanded garbage program to begin in Leavenworth around January 1, 2009. It never happened.

That recycling service would have been the same as the comprehensive and convenient service available to many Chelan County residents right outside City limits. Nearly every kind of paper, glass, juice box, can, scrap metal, cardboard, and plastic would have been recycled in the same “tote” container, and it would have been picked up at your curb every two weeks, for free. Waste Management was also going to take over responsibility for running the North Road recycling drop-off site.

A recent article in the local paper indicated that the City allocated $125,000 for a city-run drop-off point. Leavenworth Recycles believes:

• the total cost estimate is $236,500 just for a building and necessary equipment;
• this does not include the cost of land to put it on;
• this does not include the cost of operation;
• it would not be able to accept or collect many kinds of things that superior recycling service do accept or collect, specifically glass and most plastics;
• it would not be as convenient as a curbside recycling collection service; and
• it is inconceivable that the City could actually get this up and running anytime soon.

Leavenworth Recycles will continue to operate the North Road site, which it runs on an all-volunteer basis, through the end of 2009. We regret that we cannot indefinitely provide this service, which when we started it nearly four years ago was intended to be a stop gap while the City figured out a way to provide the community with basic recycling services. We notified the City of this several months ago, and although we have not heard what their plan is, supposedly they want to keep it running. We have not seen the plan, but hope they are working on it.

Leavenworth Recycles believes the that if the City decides to retain their own garbage service, it should give Leavenworth Residents the option to pay less if they choose to put out only one can per week, compared to the current flat-rate charge for two cans whether or not you actually need two cans.

To provide recycling to its residents, the City must give Waste Management, or some other recycling provider, permission to serve City residents who want to pay for it. This service should closely resemble the already-in-operation Waste Management curbside recycling program right outside City limits, which costs $6.80 per month. Although Waste Management’s recycling trucks are already driving through the City to service the Ski Hill and Icicle Valley, those areas are technically in the County, not the City. Waste Management tells Leavenworth Recycles they are willing to provide this service. But until allowed by the City, Leavenworth residents can’t call Waste Management and sign up for the recycling program.

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