Athens, Ohio, leases ‘smart’ recycling containers

Bigbelly will charge $50,000 per year for the Bigbelly Stations, which hold 150 gallons of recyclables. The stations feature automatic compaction when full and also will provide data regarding frequency of use. Data transmitted from the stations also will allow trash collectors to make fewer stops, which will reduce emissions, according to the article.

Athens Mayor Steve Patterson told the newspaper that he was in favor of the legislation, pointing out that trash citation fees would more than pay for the lease of the containers. In 2015, the city collected $86,000 in fees. 

At Large Councilman Pat McGee was the only member of the council to vote against the legislation, according to the paper.  

“If you really want to do something for recycling in this town, why don’t we required all business to recycle?” he told the The Post. 

McGee added that several residents have pointed out the lack of recycling in apartment complexes to him.

“By God, it’s time to get this thing done,” Councilman Jeff Risner, who proposed the legislation, told the paper. “That’s all I’m going to say about it.”