Here are the five most frequently asked questions about the new trash and curbside recycling program: WHY ARE WE DOING THIS? (MAKING THESE CHANGES)
There are several reasons. By reducing solid waste and increasing recycling, energy usage is reduced as is the demand on natural resources along with a reduction in air and water pollution. Currently Cedar Key produces over 3 million pounds of trash per year and we recycle only about 10% of that trash. The national average is 34%. As a nation, the U.S. has a 37% energy efficiency rating while other countries have efficiency ratings of more than 80%. This new trash program has been successfully implemented in more than 7,000 locations across America. If you took the time to research this subject, I think that you would concur that it is time to take a new approach.
Another reason is fairness. We do not all pay the same electric or water bill as it is based on the amount of service used. Trash should be no different. The household that puts out 20 pounds of trash per week should pay less than the household that creates 100 pounds of trash per week. In effect, the smaller user is subsidizing the larger user. That simply is not fair.
Lastly, the city will realize a cost savings by implementing this new program which may help to stabilize rates in the future. WHY CAN`T WE CONTINUE USING THE RECYCLE TRAILERS? First, in over 10,000 communities that have the convenience of curbside recycling, recycling rates are always increased. As we have seen, Levy County simply could not keep up with the 100% increase in our recycling rate over the past year. Additionally, businesses were less prone to recycle due to a large volume of material and the inconvenience of sending staff off-site to recycle. WHY ARE RATES SO MUCH HIGHER IF RECYLING IS SUPPOSED TO SAVE SO MUCH MONEY? Our hauler, Waste Pro, was going to raise residential rates by $2.50 even with no changes thus bringing the bill to $21.00 per month. So, if you use the new 35 gallon trash cart, for 68 cents more per month you get curbside recycling and use of chipped yard waste which will be available at the recycling center site by the beginning of August. Recycling is not about saving large amounts of money although money is saved through reduction in solid waste tipping fees at landfills. It`s all about saving ENERGY. Recycling not only saves energy but also reduces air and water pollution and lessens our demand on natural resources. WHY SHOULD I PAY MORE FOR LESS PICK-UPS?
A Waste Pro truck will still come by your house twice per week, one to pick-up trash, the other to pick-up recycle material. Businesses can have trash picked up as many as three times per week and recycle material twice per week. In addition Waste Pro will now collect bulk items such as mattresses, appliances, and toys once per month. Bill Campbell will now pick-up yard waste twice per month to chip and make available to our citizens. CAN YOU CANCEL MY TRASH BILL?
The answer is NO. It is mandatory, a city policy in effect for years, that all city citizens must have trash pick-up. The new trash program will start on Monday, August 2, 2010. All of this is a big CHANGE but this is the program our city leaders have decided upon. Let`s all come together, households and businesses, and adapt to this needed change and support this program.
Submitted by Tom Deverin
Cedar Key Energy Advisory Panel
This column is a project of CK`s Energy Advisory Panel, which welcomes first-person accounts of how individuals are conserving (or, even, aspiring to conserve) our community`s natural resources. Your submission may be made via email eileenlbowers@yahoo.com. Please include your full name and your phone number. | 
