Solid Waste plan Public Comment from Wes WalkerHi,
I listened to the presentation on the solid waste plan, and while the plan was thorough and well thought out, I shared some concerns with the council on the recycling portion. I agree
with Councilors Dahlman and Doud regarding the state of Single Stream recycling programs in the US. Most of what is ‘recycled’ in Single Stream programs ends up in landfills as it is
too contaminated to be recycled or is of a plastic type that may be marked ‘recyclable’ when, in fact, it is not. Most of these programs are only profitable with subsidies.
My question is whether the city looked into a smaller, more effective recycling program like multi-stream glass recycling? Glass is a heavy product that has cost benefits from not
having to be shipped long distances and can be endlessly recycled as opposed to the plastics mentioned above. In addition to being a ready supply of high-quality cullet for local manufacturers,
I have heard Mayor Johnson say on more than one occasion that we have a shortage of sand in the valley. Modern, high-quality glass recycling can also be used to create this much-needed
resource competitively since maximizing profit would not be the city’s goal.
There is obviously a high demand for some recycling program in the city. This idea would keep glass out of the landfill while simultaneously providing local businesses with less expensive
raw materials.
Thank you,
Wes Walker
448 Northridge Dr
Kalispell, MT