A resolution requesting the Metropolitan Department of Public Works to restore funding paid to community groups that staff recycling drop-off sites to the level prior to the 2004-2005 fiscal year budget.

WHEREAS the Metropolitan Council supports community-staffed recycling drop-off sites because it is widely recognized that they provide a vital service in reducing Nashville's overall waste stream; and

WHEREAS the drop-off sites collect materials such as glass, aluminum foil, ink cartridges, and plastic bags that are not accepted by Curby; and

WHEREAS the drop-off sites offer a recycling capability to Nashvillians that are not included on Curby routes; and

WHEREAS the drop-off sites present a recycling alternative to citizens that either cannot or choose not to store recyclables for a period of four weeks or more; and

WHEREAS in addition to the above services, some school-based drop-off sites present hands-on opportunities that change attitudes and habits about waste while encouraging involved citizenship not only by students, but by the communities that enthusiastically support these programs; and

WHEREAS the staffed drop-off sites provide the above services at an economical rate--less than $20/ton--compared to the costs of Curby (exceeding $100/ton) and/or landfilling ($27/ton), and thereby save the City money through the participants' time and efforts; and

WHEREAS it is the stated policy of the Public Works Department to support community recycling drop-offs and to seek other groups to sponsor additional drop-offs; and

WHEREAS these community-staffed recycling drop-off sites are important sources of funding for community groups and entities that staff them; and

WHEREAS the fiscal year 2004-2005 Metropolitan Government operating budget significantly cut the funds paid to community groups who staff these recycling drop-off sites; and

WHEREAS the amount of money saved by this action had a minimum impact on the Metropolitan Government budget, but had a very large impact on the community groups who staff the drop-offs.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting the Metropolitan Department of Public Works to restore funding paid to community groups that staff recycling drop-off sites to the level prior to the 2004-2005 fiscal year budget.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to Billy Lynch, the Director of the Department of Public Works.

Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Vivian Wilhoite, Brenda Gilmore, Ginger Hausser