For many American households and businesses, recycling has become second nature. From airports and office buildings to gas stations and restaurants, labeled recycling bins can be found everywhere. But over the last several months, many U.S. cities have begun halting recycling collection services over growing labor shortages. Last week, unincorporated areas of Clay County and the City of Keystone Heights became the latest areas to be affected.
In a July Board of County Commissioners Meeting, commissioners said the temporary suspension would allow leaders to dedicate limited resources to the collection of yard waste and garbage. Collection services will be evaluated monthly to determine the earliest date curbside recycling services can resume.
For now, residents of Green Cove Springs, Orange Park, and Penney Farms will not be affected by the suspension because they are under a different collection program. “Staying the course is not working, we have to address the yard waste collection issue and we need to make sure that our residents have clear communication on what to expect moving forward and where they can drop off recyclable materials,” Chairman of the Clay County Board of County Commissioners Mike Cella said.
Clay Commissioners said after they conduct a financial impact review of costs, they will consider options for refunds or tax credits for residents. Ten drop-off sites are available to Clay residents while recycling services are suspended.