Here are some notes I took at the City Council meeting when SWACO Director Mills presented: 

Columbus has one of the largest landfills in the country. 3, 500 tons of trash goes into it everyday.

On average, 35% of US citizens recycle compared to Columbus’ 12%. The Clintonville neighborhood is one of largest participants.

SWACO is currently studying the trash and recycling options for Columbus and all the communities of Franklin County. This study will determine the carbon footprint of current and potential methods of trash hauling and recycling locally as well as their financial impact

Around 60% of what is sent to SWACO’s Franklin County landfill is from businesses. Much of it is recyclable paper and cardboard. SWACO has begun a new initiative to work with large categories of businesses in hopes of grouping them together to take advantage of group pricing for trash hauling and recycling.

The Columbus landfill has 25 years left. Then we need a new landfill. The average time it takes to plan, design, and put systems in place for a new landfill averages 10 years. 

If you haven’t signed up for curbside and like the convenience, call Rumpke at 740-474-9790 or 800-828-8171. The cost is $8.25/month. Or choose drop off recycling.  

The real success of a recycling program depends on the citizens.