Posted by Twice a year our city has a residential waste recycling event. I was thinking I could get rid of some of the junk that I have squirreled away in my home. The event starts at 7:30AM and ends at 11:30PM. During the 4-hour window, there is typically a long line of vehicles waiting to unload their junk. I need to get rid of a couple old microwaves, some fluorescent light bulbs, and an old stainless steel kitchen sink. But, after adding up the fees, I had second thoughts. They charge $40 for a car or SUV, plus $15 for each appliance. Most of the other stuff on their acceptable items list are free of charge.
I decided not to go because it was going to cost $70 to get rid of my small load of junk. If it wasn’t for the $40 entry fee, I would gladly have paid $30 to get rid of my microwaves. But at $70 it didn’t seem like a good value. I decided to investigate my other options. There are several places that take old appliances. Stores that sell appliances usually charge a $50 recycling fee. Local metal recycling facilities are charging $30 for appliance recycling. And the county household hazardous waste facility charges $10 for each household appliance.
The county hazardous waste facility looks to be the most cost-effective option. If the price list is accurate, it will only cost me $20 to get rid of my stuff. The facility is only open 3 days a week, so I may still have to wait in line. But, as long as I don’t have to pay a vehicle fee, I’m okay with that. I don’t understand the vehicle fee they charge at the bi-annual recycling event. The city would earn $4000 for every 100 vehicles. Seems like a high price to pay for a service that they already have 3 days per week. Maybe the fee is there so they don’t get overwhelmed with vehicles? The hazardous waste facility is only 7.6 miles from my home, so I will be visiting them soon to get rid of the household junk that I have accumulated.