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What’s the future of recycling in Minot?

“Other cities in North Dakota have curbside recycling, why doesn’t Minot?”

“We don’t need curbside recycling in Minot. It will cost too much money.”

“Even if I have to pay a little more, I’m in favor of recycling.”

“There are already private options for recycling in Minot.”

At the City of Minot, we’ve heard all of these sentiments, and a lot more, during our years-long discussion of whether or not Minot should implement a curbside recycling program. At an upcoming meeting, we’re hoping to hear more about what community members think about the issue.

At the Oct. 21 City Council meeting, a discussion about curbside recycling will be on the agenda. The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall.

Assistant Public Works Director Jason Sorenson will present the latest cost analysis on implementing a curbside recycling program. Sorenson has frequently provided information to the City Council and the public on recycling, and has researched the pros and cons of the issue.

In Minot, public sentiment on recycling has often been sharply divided, and supporters and opponents have routinely stated their reasons for their stances. Members of the City Council have also been divided, with some members strongly in favor of recycling, while others are not ready to embrace the idea for a variety of reasons.

This isn’t a new topic of discussion in Minot. In 2014, a survey found that 72 percent of respondents would be willing to pay a fee for the convenience of curbside recycling in Minot. In 2017, the City implemented automated trash pickup as the first step toward an eventual curbside recycling program. The next step was intended to be construction of a transfer facility, but funds for the building were removed from the 2018 budget as part of cost-saving efforts.

Now, it’s nearing the end of 2019, and the discussion is on-going.

The main reason why recycling is on the Council agenda on Oct. 21 is to hear more input from the public. Perhaps you’ve already made your feelings known to City staff or members of the City Council, whether in person or by email. Please, do it again. We’d encourage you to attend the Oct. 21 meeting to let your opinion be known. If you can’t make it to the meeting, let us know your thoughts on the issue. Email us. Call us. Whether you’re in favor of curbside recycling or you’re against the idea, we want to hear from you.

The question we’re asking the public to help answer is simple: Should the City of Minot continue to move toward implementing a curbside recycling program?

As a City and as a City Council, we cannot answer that question ourselves. The community must be involved in the discussion and the ultimate decision. We look forward to seeing – and hearing – you at the Oct. 21 meeting.

Sincerely, City Hall

You can find more about what’s happening at the City of Minot at minotnd.org, or find us on Facebook and Twitter. We’d also encourage you to sign up for our monthly electronic newsletter on our website.

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