Jackson, Miss., to End Curbside Recycling Program

Beginning in September, Jackson, Miss., is ending its curbside recycling program as a response to “global market forces and limited financial resources,” the Clarion Ledger reports.

Jackson is one of many cities in the U.S. that have recently suspended its curbside recycling program as the market demand for recycling materials has dropped. The city’s Public Works director told the Ledger that money saved from the program will benefit the community in another way, as the city intends to use funds to clean up the more than 100 illegal dumpsites across Jackson. The report also notes that the city will consider reinstating a recycling program “when the marketplace reorganizes itself.”

Clarion Ledger has more:

You want to do your part. So, you take the time to sort the recyclables for trash pickup. Well, come September, if you live in Jackson you'll have to find private alternatives if you want to continue recycling. The city of Jackson is ending is curbside recycling program.

Public Works Director Bob Miller, citing global market forces and limited financial resources, said Jackson will end its curbside recycling program Sept. 1. Residents should receive at least one more collection before or by Aug. 31.

The city has been spending about $1.15 million a year, about $96,000 a month, for curbside pickup. Less than a third of the Jackson community is engaged with the program, Miller said.

Read the full article here.