WILTON — Residents must start sorting their recyclables again as of Aug. 1, because the market for single-sort recyclables is costing the town more, according to town officials.
The town switched to single-sort recycling, or no sorting, in 2012 because of “lower cost and convenience for the residents,” according to a recent news release. However, market changes have resulted in significantly higher costs to municipalities.
Town Manager Rhonda Irish said selectmen voted June 26 to require sorting recyclables.
“I want to emphasize it was not an issue with the quality of the recycling,” Irish said Friday. “We just thought it was the best way to manage, costwise for residents. Hopefully we can go back to (single-sort) in the future.”
Six types of household recyclables must be sorted: glass; tin cans and aluminum; HDPE #2 bottles and jugs; newspapers, magazines, catalogs and telephone books; corrugated cardboard; and mixed paper.
The transfer station will continue using its compactor for corrugated cardboard. Two additional bins will be rented, with separate compartments for the remaining recyclables.
If the cost of single-sorting goes down, the transfer station will be able to switch back “easily,” the release said.
“When you take in trash and recyclables, you’re always evaluating what you are doing,” Irish said.
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