A request by Republic Services was presented to the Bourbon Town Council last month, and was approved this week. Peter Callan a municipal account executive with Republic was present at both the August and September meetings. Callan asked to change recycling pickup in Bourbon from weekly service to every other week pickup.
Callan had cited increased costs due to economic changes as the reason for the change. The Town entered into a renewed five year contract earlier in 2018. During both meetings, Town Attorney Tony Wagner shared his concerns for altering the contract. Speaking to Callan, Wagner said, “You said at the last meeting you won’t reduce the rate. I’m not sure I see the consideration coming from the other side.”
Council President Les McFarland said, “In theory, we could have a trial period?” Wagner indicated that they could agree to perhaps six months. However, Council member Larry Wattenbarger made the motion to allow Republic to change the frequency of pickups thru the length of the current contract.
Stipulations include offering a second recycling container to residents who have more than one container will hold and extending more education on what can be recycled to the entire community.
According to information provided by Callan, since recycling was introduced some 40 years ago, Americans recycle nearly 87 million tons per year.
Carol Anders Correspondent
