By Cheryl Splain, KnoxPages.com Reporter
MOUNT VERNON — Residents who utilize the recycling center on Columbus Road will soon have to find another way to dispose of their recyclables. Amanda Pratt, director of corporate communications for Rumpke Waste & Recycling, told KnoxPages.com that the company will close the facility in December.
Pratt cited efficiency, safety, customer service, use of innovative technology, the marketplace and services currently offered as issues the company takes into consideration when operating a recycling facility, but she declined to be more specific regarding the Columbus Road facility. Rumpke took ownership of the facility May 11, 2011.
Residents will soon have to find an alternative to this Rumpke recycling drop off center on Columbus Road – KnoxPages.com photo by Marty Trese
“Something we do regularly is review each of our operations to ensure everything we are doing is efficient and that we provide timely, reliable and safe services for more people,” she said. “To do that, we have to make sure certain efficiencies are in place and that all of our operations not only make environmental sense but also have a positive economic impact. We also have to make sure we are providing easy, accessible recycling. When we reviewed this particular operation, it really became clear that adjustments were necessary.
“Of course recycling makes environmental sense, but we also have to take into consideration costs associated with operating a facility. It has to make economic sense as well,” said Pratt. “We just have to take a hard look at all of the various factors that contribute to the success of a particular operation and determine how can we still meet the customers’ demands and also meet the demands of the business and the community.”
Rumpke will still provide curbside recycling and trash service in Mount Vernon.
“Rumpke has really established a strong infrastructure for recycling in the state of Ohio, and as Ohio’s recycling leader, it’s really important to us to make sure residents have access to easy and convenient and affordable recycling options,” said Pratt. “We see that as our responsibility.”
