CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A bill requiring the use of plastic bags to recycle in Charleston will be back on the city council agenda at Monday’s meeting.
The Recycling Committee of Council voted almost unanimously at its meeting Thursday night to put the bill, which was recommitted to council at the last meeting, back on the table. Councilman Cubert Smith, who spoke passionately against using bags, had the only dissenting vote.
A few members of the community came out to voice their disapproval, preferring the status-quo of plastic bins to having to use plastic bags. Councilman and Recycling Committee Chairman Ed Talkington said there isn’t much choice because recyclables need to be dry to go to a Beckley landfill.
“As of the current situation we have to have dry material. This is the only way we can ensure dry material,” Talkington said. “If for some reason we have wet material continue to go and Raleigh County said we’re not taking your stuff anymore, we have nowhere to go.”
Resident Charles Schade was one of several residents who came to protest the bill. He said that using bags to recycle defeats the intent of recycling because the bags in and of themselves create more waste.
“I haven’t heard any evidence that demonstrates this is necessary,” Schade said. “We haven’t tried educating the public. We haven’t tried asking people not to to put materials out when it’s raining or likely to rain. We haven’t tried covering the bins. I don’t accept to cost figures presented tonight. I think they’re inflated.
It was estimated at the meeting that a decent bin with a top on it would cost about $35 per household. Talkington explained that a sturdy bin would be required and the city couldn’t afford that.
“I don’t think you could get them substantially cheaper. We could all go to Walmart and get a 5 dollar bin, but that’s not sufficient for recycling,” he said. “The bags (the city provides) are thick bags. They’re not easily cut or punctured through.”
Talkington was sure that Monday’s council meeting would finally be the end of the recycling controversy.
“The bill will pass. There will be a few votes against it maybe. But the bill will pass,” he predicted.
Talkington explained that residents are welcome to keep their bins for personal use. They won’t be taken away, and the bins can even still be used for recycling if people wish as long as they use them with the provided bags.