Opinion

Kind of blue

TBO.com
Published: February 27, 2013

Since 1992, Pasco County's curbside recycling program has been struggling to gain traction among residents. Last week, the county commission approved one of the biggest changes to the program in its two-decade history in a bid to boost participation. The change removes one of the main objections cited by critics.

When the county began accepting glass, metal and No. 1 and No. 2 plastic containers for recycling placed at curbside in blue plastic bags, Pasco officials acknowledged the plan was the most cost-effective way for the county to comply with a state mandate that counties reduce their solid waste streams. The county decided not to make recycling mandatory and has stuck to that decision, even though only a small percentage of Pasco solid waste is recycled.

One of the biggest criticisms of the blue bag program is the bags. Many people have balked at having to buy the bags in order to take part in the program. As of June 1, that objection will be gone. Waste haulers will collect recyclables left at curbside in any sort of container, as long as the container bears a reflective recycling sticker the county will mail to Pasco households. People who want to continue to use blue bags will be allowed to do so. In addition, instead of only accepting No. 1 and No. 2 plastic, the only type it won't accept is No. 6, polystyrene.

This is the biggest change to Pasco recycling since collections were switched to every other week from the initial once a week. If the latest changes don't boost participation, we're not sure what will.