© 2024 Aspen Public Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Waste Management begins talks with Basalt

Elise Thatcher

It’s a cloudy summer day, and man named Paul is dropping off some cans and glass bottles at Basalt’s recycling site. He declines to give his last name, but shares a few thoughts about the drop off site. Like, “stay open later so the working man can get here.”

That’s a common frustration among residents. The center is only open weekdays 8am to 3pm. Waste Management is the operator. “We applaud the Basalt community for their commitment to recycling,” says Senior Communications Specialist Isha Cogborn. “But we’ve been experiencing some challenges because the public drop off site wasn’t designed for the volume of material that we’re receiving.”

Sometimes contractors make the problem worse by also leaving materials, even though the site isn’t for commercial use. However, Cogborn says that is not as much of an issue anymore. Whenever the center is closed, it’s because the site is overflowing, and the next haul truck hasn’t arrived yet. “I think it’s important to note that the public drop off site isn’t profitable,” continues Cogborn. “We’ve offered it since late 2012 as a convenience for the residents of Basalt, although it isn’t a part of our contractual obligations.”

She won’t say just how much money Waste Management is losing at the Basalt recycling center, because the company is reviewing its finances before the meeting today, Wed July 15th, with Basalt officials.Government representatives declined to comment before the meeting. Their assistance may be especially helpful. The recycling market is facing tough times worldwide right now.  

Cogborn points out many residents could pay for curbside recycling instead, though at the recycling center on Tuesday, resident Paul looks wary of paying for pick up service. He wants more local governments to subsidize the center. “This is the Valley recycling center, not Basalt. You know Woody Creek, everybody comes here,” he says, looking exasperated. Waste Management says it also hopes to talk with Pitkin County about the overflowing drop off site.

Related Content