Recycling was popular in Lawrence long before the city considered implementing a new bi-weekly curbside recycling service set to begin Oct. 21.
Local nonprofit organization Community Living Opportunities has been employing individuals with developmental disabilities at its Wal-Mart recycling center and curbside recycling pick-up operation for more than two decades. Over the past several years, more and more for-profit recycling businesses have popped up in town, as well.
When city commissioners agreed 4-1 last year to start a new citywide recycling program, then-city commissioner and current Mayor Mike Amyx voted against the proposal, saying he wished to look for ways to lessen the effect the service would have on private recycling companies in the area.
After a year and a half of planning and helping out on the city’s solid waste task force, and with less than a month to go, local recycling services are prepared for the day when the city becomes their competitor.