Cleaning up confusion over new Evans recycling program

A new recycling program is now underway in the Town of Evans in conjunction with Republic Services.  Under the plan, Evans' residents were provided with a free large capacity (96 gallon), closed top recycling tote for bi-weekly pickup.

Evans Supervisor Mary Hosler said the new program will save taxpayers money by reducing the amount of trash that Evans has to pay to be sent to landfills.  Evans is hoping to save over $20,000/month which will be used to reduce an existing deficit in the town's garbage budget.

It is also expected to keep Evans cleaner because animals and the wind won't be able to scatter recyclables around like they could with the smaller uncovered bins.

However, the program's startup is causing some confusion. 

The Village of Angola is in the center of Evans and village residents thought they too were getting the bins - they are not.  A separate garbage collection service is used for the Village of Angola.

There was also confusion for some residents in Brandt when recycling totes were accidentally delivered to their homes on Cain Road.  Cain Road is a dividing road between Evans and Brandt.  Those mistakenly-delivered totes have been taken back.

Supervisor Hosler said there has also been some occurrences of people who do not qualify for the recycling service, taking totes from people who do qualify in Evans.  This problem seems to be connected to roads that are partially in Evans but also run through either the Village of Angola or Brandt.

Regardless of the glitches, Hosler is optimistic that the program will help the environment while saving taxpayer funds because of a contract with Republic Services that credits Evans for the amount of recyclables that are picked up.

A schedule for the new recycling pickup is published in the Pennysaver.  Residents are reminded that recyclables need to be clean but can contain labels.

Those who did not receive a recycling tote, and live in the Town of Evans, are asked to call the supervisor's office to arrange to have a tote delivered.

7 Eyewitness News Reporter Ed Reilly has more in his report.