Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
<br /> Comprehensive Review of <br /> S olid W aste Collection and Disposal Options <br /> <br /> <br />v2.1 32 10/22/12 <br />3.0 RECYCLING PROGRAM EV ALUATION <br />3.1 RECYCLING OPTIONS <br />This section presents an evaluation of the Town implementing its own recycling program to <br />include collections, processing, marketing, and revenue recovery. Three options for the Town <br />are assessed: <br /> Continue participation with the existing recycling services provided by Orange <br />County (the County), and initiate a new Interlocal Agreement with Orange County <br />that identifies metrics of success and governance for the recycling program. <br /> Contract with a new, third-party collections and hauling firm to operate a Town- <br />managed recycling program for all or part of the recycling services currently provided <br />by the County. <br /> Create a Town-operated recycling program in which the Town would assume direct <br />operational responsibility for all or part of the recycling services currently provided <br />by the County. <br />A summary description of services provided and the advantages and disadvantages of each <br />option are discussed below. <br />3.1.1 Option #1: Continue d Participation With the Existing <br />County -Provided Recycling Services <br />SCS evaluated the recycling program services currently provided by the County, as described in <br />Section 2.4 above. Ongoing participation with this program presents the following advantages <br />and disadvantages when compared with other service options considered in this evaluation. <br />3.1.1.1 Advantages <br /> Based on SCS’s general experience with other municipal recycling programs, the <br />current service level provided by the County is generally accepted to be above <br />average. The County operates a comprehensive recycling program that incorporates a <br />wide array of materials and provides service to a vast number of Town customers <br />including residents (both single-family and multi-family), businesses, government <br />buildings, and schools. In addition the County program provides excellent <br />educational and community outreach efforts that explain the recycling programs and <br />encourages participation. <br /> The current recycling programs are successful. In 2011, North Carolina Department <br />of Environment and Natural Resources reported that Orange County had the fourth <br />highest per capita recovery in the State at 268.1 pounds per person per year. <br /> The County provides uniform public education about recycling that is consistent for a <br />mobile population that lives and works in different parts of the County.