SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): Parkersburg City Council has approved the first reading of an ordinance to reinstate curbside recycling service, alongside adjustments to the city’s solid waste rate structure. The proposal is designed to establish a more equitable system for both recycling participants and non-participants while supporting landfill diversion goals.

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Council President Andrew Borkowski said officials reviewed three different options before selecting the current framework. The approved ordinance would introduce single-stream curbside recycling through a contractor with a proven operational record and a fully automated processing facility. The upgraded system would broaden the range of acceptable recyclable materials and allow residents to place all recyclables in one container, improving collection efficiency and reducing contamination from weather exposure.

Under the revised rate model, households opting into recycling would pay $4.50 per month, significantly lower than the previously proposed $15.25 subscription fee. Non-participating residents would incur only a minimal charge, reflecting the city’s effort to balance cost recovery with fairness, particularly given that roughly 20% of residents historically recycle.

The ordinance requires a second reading before final approval. If adopted, the city will proceed with contractor implementation.