The recycling program was set to be temporarily discontinued on Tuesday, Sept. 1, because of low participation rates and budgetary concerns, but a large public response helped officials see how important the program is to citizens, according to a news release.

Since that announcement, the subject generated quite a bit of discussion on social media among Marion residents who feel strongly about the need for recycling and wonder why more households in the city are not doing it. Several Marion residents voiced their feelings about recycling on Facebook and to city officials. They also spoke to The McDowell News about the need for residential recycling in Marion.

“I don’t understand why people wouldn’t want to do their part for the environment when it’s such an easy thing to do,” said Elizabeth House to The McDowell News. It’s one of those things we don't fully appreciate until it’s gone, I guess.”

Because of input from the public, curbside recycling will continue as usual. City officials will also conduct a study on Marion’s recycling program. This study will help council members and the mayor create a long-term plan for the sustainability and efficiency of the recycling program.

Citizens who would like to learn more about residential recycling can call Marion City Hall at 652-3551 or visit the city of Marion’s recycling page at marionnc.org//Marion/pages/WasteNRecycling. There they will find information on how they can recycle, where they can get recycle bins and when recycling is picked up in their area, according to the news release.