County considers how to keep Recycling HUB clean

FINDLAY — Local officials are discussing remedies for abuse of Findlay's recycling site located at 1720 E. Sandusky St. The problem was discussed during Tuesday's regular meeting of the Hancock County Board of Commissioners. Discussion focused on misuse of the site, its number of receptacles and public education. The Recycling HUB, formerly known as Litter Landing, is home to 43 bins that are emptied three times per week by Rumpke Waste and Recycling at the county's expense. "It's had a history of abuse," said Commissioner Jeff Hunker on Tuesday. "It's had a history of overuse. Some people care, but many people don't care." Hunker said residents are not taking care of the site and leaving items in front of the bins or in front of barriers when the site is closed. Commissioners said Tuesday the county is considering involving law enforcement to police disposal at the site, if the problem persists. Commissioner Tim Bechtol said he was confused as to why residents are unable to follow disposal guidelines. "It's an education barrier that we cannot overcome right now," he said. While additional recycling sites in Findlay has been mentioned as an option to ease the issues at the Recycling HUB, the city has been reluctant to open new sites due to the problems. However, in a Wednesday email to The Courier, Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn said officials are talking about opening at least one more disposal site in the city. The second location has not yet been identified. While the county is responsible for maintaining the site, Muryn said city time has been spent cleaning debris that has been blown onto East Main Cross Street. "This site is a privilege, not a right and continued abuse could cause the site to have additional restrictions or, worst case scenario, a closure," Muryn wrote. "The city and county agree that the Litter Landing site is a problem," she wrote. "We would like to thank all the residents who are respecting that this is a shared location and following the rules of breaking their items down, ensuring the items are fully in the containers, closing lids and picking up any items that fall on the ground." In May 2024, the commissioners signed an agreement with Rumpke for collection of recycling from county-owned sites. The contract authorizes paying Rumpke up to $550,000 per year for three years before the cost increases to $600,000 in the fourth year and $650,000 in the fifth year. The payment is funded by residents' payments to use the county landfill for disposal, not tax dollars. The contract's payment schedule is based on a rate of $35.36 per pickup from each of the 17 stations around the county. Hunker said these recycling sites must serve at least 80% of the county's 75,000 resident population. Commissioners have said more recycling sites are needed in both the city limits and in rural areas to meet this standard. The Environmental Protection Agency will give a 5,000 person credit toward the 80% requirement for recycling sites within city limits and a 3,000 person credit for rural recycling sites.