By Paul Ploumis (ScrapMonster Author)

December 17, 2015 07:44:08 AM

ALBANY (Scrap Monster): The Floyd County Solid Waste Department has announced that all its recycling sites will close effective December 23rd, due to lack of funds. The recommendation by Director Mary Lou Byerley was accepted by the board yesterday. Unless County Council provides fresh funds to operate them, the sites are likely to remain closed through January next year, until the 2016 funding is received.

According to Byerley, the Council had cut the department’s funds from $250,000 in last year to $125,000 in 2015. The department has managed the funds by cutting days of service and by implementing other cost control measures. There is only $14,000 left in the fund, which will be inadequate to survive for the rest of the year.

The Solid Waste Department had forwarded an additional funding request of $25,000, but was rejected by the Council on Monday, after passing during its first two readings. The ordinance for EDIT funds proposed by Councilman Dan Coffey was defeated 5-3 with one abstention on the third and final reading. Byerley expressed disappointment on the outcome of the reading.

The operation hours at all four drop-off sites have been shortened. The sites may find it difficult to serve the residents after Christmas, when the volume of recyclables is expected to remain high. Meantime, Byerley stated that her efforts to secure additional funding would continue.

As per reports, the Floyd County Council is holding a special meeting at 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, at the Pine View Government Center. The Council is likely to discuss the 2016 budget.

The Floyd County Solid Waste Management District was created in 1992 to encourage recycling and to divert solid waste in Floyd County from the Clark-Floyd landfill.