Oconee pursues 85% recyclable goal

Members of Oconee County Council found out last night what it would take and what it would cost to double the weight of recyclable materials that are collected by the county’s solid waste operations.  It’s estimated that the county now separates as much as 30 percent of its solid waste to sell to recyclers.  Council Chairman Wayne McCall supports a goal of 85%.  A committee chaired by McCall received a presentation last night from consultant engineers who recommend a public education campaign and a recovery facility to separate mixed waste as components of their plan.  According to County Administrator Scott Moulder, changing the public’s habits when it comes to bagging solid waste can’t be minimized.  By contract, Oconee solid waste is trucked to a regional landfill in Georgia, but McCall says the landfill could close anytime.  McCall said, “We see it coming.”