Tallahassee Commissioners have approved a $1 increase in residential solid waste fees to help pay for rising recycling costs. Robert Wigen is the Administration Service Manager for the city. He explained how that extra money will be used.
“That will allow us, within the solid waste fund to keep that money within the fund, address any short term contracts with Leon County, the new contract with Marpan and then planning for the future as we get the results of the study back with Leon County,” Wigen said.
Right now, Marpan sorts and processes the city’s recyclables, but the company says it’s no longer financially sustainable. It warned commissioners it could soon have to close. The increased fee will help pay for a year-long contract to keep Marpan running. During that time, Tallahassee is expected to work with Leon County to come up with a new recycling solution. One option could be the city opening its own recycling center.
Commissioner Jeremy Matlow voted against the increase. He says he supports doing what it takes to ensure recycling continues in the city, but he’d rather wait to raise rates until the city and county finalize a new plan and know exactly how much it will cost.
