Trenton To Explore Options For Curbside Recycling Program

Whether Trenton decides to approve a curbside recycling program will ultimately depend on whether it would be financially feasible, Trenton City Administrator Jim Wagner said Thursday.

After residents presented a petition of over 100 signatures at the Nov. 18 city council meeting, the city began exploring some options including worker costs and equipment possibilities, Wagner said in a phone interview.  

“Coming up with a good price is the problem,” he said. “I think it can be overcome, but we are still in the kindergarten stage of what’s going on here.”

In October 2004, officials attempted to implement a curbside recycling service for a fee of $32.96 per year, but the 300 residents needed to launch the program fell short and it was discontinued the following year.

Residents currently take recyclables to the city’s transfer station for free.

Unlike Wyandotte, Trenton does not have a Waste Management contract, which is one of the main reasons it does not have curbside recycling, Wagner said. Trenton is one of the few cities Downriver that picks up its own trash.

Still, Wagner said he remains hopeful: “If the city can make (curbside) grass recycling work, I’m sure we can figure this out.”

Residents are encouraged to make recommendations at the next city council meeting.