Beginning August 1, plastics no longer taken in town bins

Representatives of Adair County Sanitary Landfill and Transfer Station would like to remind residents that beginning Monday, Aug. 1, they will no longer be able to drop plastics in the recycling bins placed in area communities.

The transfer station, located at 1645 Highway 25, north of Greenfield, has run into a road block over time due to the lowered value of all of their post consumer recyclables, but especially plastics. Misuse of the plastics recycling bins and less of a market for the plastic have both played a factor in this trend.

“I haven’t had any negative feedback yet, but once this rolls out I think we will have a little bit of negative feedback from people who are passionate about recycling,” said Matt Wedemeyer, chairman of the transfer station’s board. “At the same time, we’re not totally doing away with it. They can still use the plastic bins at the actual landfill, which gives those are passionate about recycling a way to still do their part.”

Wedemeyer said the new method of bringing in recyclable plastics will cut down on the waste the transfer station currently experiences.

“The plastics, I’m not sure why, becomes a catch all for things people aren’t sure of where to put it,” Wedemeyer said.

Bin compartments currently labeled plastics in area communities will now be labeled for mixed paper.

The hours at the Adair County are 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and Friday, Thursdays 8 a.m. to noon and the first Saturday of each month 8 a.m. to noon.