CLARK COUNTY RECYCLES: THE NEXT PHASE
 

THE HOMEOWNER MAKES THE DECISION.

On March 9, 2006, the Clark County Commissioners, by unanimous vote, announced plans for the creation of a voluntary recycling program opportunity for residents of unincorporated Clark County, effective when the current hauler contract expires in 2007.  The Commissioners announced this step as a bold initiative to invite those living in the affected area to become more responsible, and in control, of recycling activities on their own home and property, ending years of government-forced recycling.

HISTORY IN CLARK

            It was the Clark County Commissioner’s office along with other elected officials who implemented a mandatory curbside recycling program more than 10 years ago based on legal requirements coming from the Indiana Legislature at the time.  In some of the early years, the County was in a position to underwrite many of the recycling expenses for several areas, including cities and towns.  Veteran Commissioner, Ralph Guthrie, who was in office when the program began, stated recently “we were glad to pay the costs associated with this program back in the 1990s.  Then it was a “new idea” for most homeowners.  The Commissioner’s office created the first Solid Waste District Board of Directors under that legislation.”

            Guthrie went on to state “over the years recycling has become a part of the everyday lives of our citizens.  The Commissioner’s office has been a frequent supporter of educating both adults and young people about the benefits of recycling.”  But rising costs and declining revenues changed the economics of the underwriting program over the years. 

THE NEXT PHASE SUPPORTING VOLUNTARY CHOICES

            The vote taken on March 9^th is a decision by the Commissioners to (a) continue support of families and households who wish to recycle in the county, to (b) stop the fear tactics and threats that, unfortunately, have become an unpleasant side-effect of the mandatory program, along with (c) placing the choice as to the level of recycling in every home in the capable hands of every homeowner.

            Commissioner President Ed Meyer, in discussing the next phase of Commissioner-supported efforts, stated: “ the citizens of our county do not need their local government forcing them to recycle in a “mandatory” way which threatens them with a lawsuit, going to court and paying legal bills if they do not pay a $34.00 bill issued by the District Director’s office.”  Meyer campaigned, as well, against the notion of allowing nonpayment of a $34.00 recycling bill to become a “certifying event” upon a property owner’s tax bill that might place a lien on one’s personal home. 

            Meyer stated “I just can’t support government-imposed programs like this when I believe our citizens, after some ten (10) years or more, are informed enough to make their own choices about recycling and how they pay bills for that service.  “As a teacher in the local school system, I have seen students and parents become much more educated and informed about recycling in these years.  They should be in charge of oversight of this valuable program that has outgrown government control,” said Meyer.

            Commissioner Vicky Haire, in joining the unanimous vote to move to a hauler-directed recycling option for homeowners in the county, agreed that the mandatory government-imposed program has served a valuable purpose in supporting good habits relating to recycling.  “I believe in Clark County’s citizens to do what is best for them and their children's future.”   

            Haire has always been a consistent backer of recycling in Clark County.  She stated that the current Board is 100% in favor of continuing voluntary efforts and education efforts for homeowners who wish to make recycling pick-up arrangements with haulers in their area.  “This is only for the unincorporated areas of the county that the commissioners has control over. The cities and town now have the freedom to make the decision for what is best for the citizen. I just could no longer mandate our citizen with out of state garbage coming to the landfill,” she said.

            “I believe in all Clark County citizens,” Haire said. “Creating homeowner (not governmental) control over a family’s recycling future is the next logical step in the history of Clark County recycling” she stated.

THE COMMISSIONERS’ FOCUS ON POSITIVE FUTURE

            The Commissioners’ office has listened, with interest, to those putting forth negative and dire speculation about the future.  Meyer stated he was particularly disturbed by comments suggesting that allowing homeowners to make their own choices, during the upcoming next phase of the county recycling program, was somehow a negative option. 

            “Nothing could be further from the truth.  Granting free choice is a positive development of a well-planned program that has passed the test of time,” he said.  “I assume there will be those who think our citizens should be controlled in their recycling choices for ten more years.  I disagree with that,” Meyer said.  “I have greater confidence in the homeowners of this county than to allow scare tactics of others as a reason for continued government-mandated programs” he said. 

            All Commissioners expressed concern that state government often imposes unfunded mandates on counties, including directives to deliver services.  “Clark County government will no longer mandate the performance of how a family disposes of its solid waste and how a homeowner must pay for those choices,” Guthrie said. 

CITY AND TOWN GOVERNMENT CHOICES

            The Commissioner’s Ordinance does not affect any citizens living within the boundaries of any city or town in Clark County.  Commissioner Haire reiterated that the recent Ordinance applies only to the unincorporated areas of the county that were once within the “mandatory” program of the county.  All citizens living in municipalities of the county, within city or town limits, that have previously been participants in the mandatory program will look to their own city or town leaders for the choice of moving to a voluntary program or not. 

CONTINUED SUPPORT OF RECYCLING

            The county will continue supporting collection pickup locations throughout unincorporated Clark County, as well as positive programs and educational efforts of the District that are in the schools or available for all citizens.  The current hauler program does not expire until mid-2007 and the Commissioners’ office this allows for a substantial transition period into the voluntary phase of choices and options for homeowners. 

            “This is not the end of recycling in the county by a long shot, nor by any measure,” said Meyer.  “In fact, it is truly the beginning of a new stage of recycling here, a phase that places great confidence and respect in the homeowners of our county, who do not need to be told by their local government what to do.”

            Guthrie stated “the Commissioners’ office remains a 100% advocate of recycling in our homes, schools and businesses.”  He believes that more than ten (10) years of practice surely makes our citizens prepared to make their own choices.    “To those who would try to scare people about the loosening of government control, I can only state that no local government should ever be such a Big Brother supervising homeowners after this many years of experience.  The nay-sayers should have more faith in their fellow citizens than that,” Guthrie said.

CONTACT INFORMATION

            Any questions concerning the Commissioners’ decision to move toward a voluntary program in the unincorporated county may be directed, by signed letter, to the Office of the County Commissioners, Room 306, City-County Building, Jeffersonville, Indiana  47130.