Where We Stand: Early garbage numbers promising
Who knew Hope Mills could generate 311 tons of trash? And that 311 tons would be considered an improvement?
Compared to 415 tons of trash, however, it most certainly is an improvement. And those who have pushed for years for curbside recycling in Hope Mills can take comfort in 311 tons. So can those who have been committed to diligently keeping all their glass, plastic, paper and other recyclables separate from the rest of the refuse.
Town Manager Randy Beeman announced that 311-ton total at Monday night's Board of Commissioners meeting. In an effort to show how effectively the town's recycling program seems to be working, Beeman said the town collected 311 tons of garbage in February compared to 415 tons collected in January.
That means the town reduced its trash by an impressive 25 percent.
It is probably too early to figure how much such a reduction in trash will save Hope Mills in actual expenses.
But according to the Environmental Protection Agency's Web site, a well-run curbside recycling program can cost anywhere from $50 to more than $150 per ton and trash collection and disposal programs, on the other hand, cost anywhere from $70 to more than $200 per ton. At that rate, a 100-ton savings per month could prove significant in the long run for the town of Hope Mills.
The savings likely will come in the form of reduced fuel expenses as well as manpower.
We applaud the town and its residents.
Today is St. Patrick's Day, the day for celebrating all things green. Folks all around will be celebrating with green beverages and Irish fare. So be sure to wear your green. We wouldn't want you to get pinched.
But the best green thing to celebrate?
We think that would be the fact that Hope Mills' recycling program is looking greener every day.