Sweden seeks public input on recycling center

The Sweden Town Board will host a public information meeting on the future of the refuse/recycling center on Tuesday, January 17 at 7:30 p.m. at the Sweden Town Hall, 18 State Street.

Currently, the refuse/recycling center, located behind the highway garage at 40 White Road, operates on a punch-pass system. A pass costs $25 and each 32-gallon bag of garbage costs one $2.50 punch to dispose. Other refuse items, like furniture and tires, are charged $2.50 punches according to a schedule. Recyclables can be dropped off at the center at no charge to pass holders.

Faced with the rising costs of operating the refuse/recycling center, and the possibility of the Village of Brockport creating a village-wide trash pick-up program, the town board is considering several options. The options include:

• Raising the price of the punch pass
• Adopting an annual pass system based on the Town of Clarkson's system
• Contracting with the Town of Clarkson to provide Sweden residents with service at Clarkson's transfer station
• Closing the recycling center

Each of the options has its benefits and its drawbacks. Of concern is the cost to taxpayers and the convenience to residents. The Sweden Town Board is seeking input from users of the refuse/recycling center before making a final decision on the center's future.

About 475 households currently use the refuse/recycling center, with almost half of those households located in the Village of Brockport. Sweden residents also have three private haulers to choose from if they don't make use of the town's refuse/recycling center.

Residents unable to attend the January 17 informational meeting are encouraged to submit written comments to the Supervisor, Town of Sweden, 18 State Street, Brockport, New York 14420.

January 8, 2006