GREEN COVE SPRINGS – The curbside recycling program was discontinued during the COVID-19 pandemic because of a labor shortage. Following a 3-2 decision from the Board of County Commissioners, the curbside recycling program could be discontinued once again, this time due to costs.

The county is continuing to explore other options. If they can't find a new deal, the program will be discontinued in October.

The decision doesn't include yard debris pickup.

The dilemma of promoting recycling while mitigating costs has been swirling since December of last year. Last month, the BCC approved the new recycling program that would only target high-value recyclable material: clean flat corrugated cardboard, metal cans and certain types of plastic bottles and jugs. These new guidelines were implemented to keep the recycling program in Clay County financially solvent.

“The county used to be paid $6 for every ton of recyclable material. It (didn’t) cost the county any money,” said Commissioner Betsy Condon.

Due to price fluctuations at processing centers, Condon said it would now cost the county $85 a ton if the county kept recycling that way.

“If you care about recycling, we need your help. If you don’t care about recycling, keep doing what you’re doing. Because you were probably throwing everything in the trash anyway,” Condon said.

“We are victims of a world economy,” said Chairman Jim Renninger.

“We are focusing on the purity and value of recycling material. Many counties have eliminated recycling entirely. We may be there as well if we don’t get the results we’re looking for. It depends on (the participation) of our public,” Renninger said.

However, Commissioner Kristen Burke was taken aback by the unexpected cost increase when the board was presented with options for this year’s curbside collection services.

Director of Environmental Services Milton Towns recommended a collection option that would provide better accountability for curbside trash and recycling. The estimated assessment rate for the recommended curbside service was $330 per household per year. The current assessment rate Clay County has now is less than $100. Towns acknowledged the price increase.

To reduce costs, Burke wanted to consider a drop-off recycling program instead of curbside pickup.

“I like to recycle,” Burke said. “But only 34% of residents in the county recycle. Now, maybe less because of the (new high-value recycling initiative). We should look at (drop-offs as an option) when we think about cost.”

“There must be a balance between environmental and financial stewardship,” Towns said. “There will be less cost (to the county), but there will be less participation.”

Commissioner Alexandra Compere wanted to table the discussion to receive feedback from her district. However, a solid waste contractor urged the board to make an immediate decision.

“If you make it difficult for people to recycle, it might not be worth having,” Vice Chairman Mike Cella said.

“My district likes to recycle whether it’s a collection or curbside... If curbside recycling is (discontinued), so be it,” he said.

“(I hope) people will drive to processors. It is unfortunate. But I don’t want to put so much burden on our residents,” said Condon.

Renninger, Burke and Condon voted in favor of the option that provides curbside trash pickup but offers no curbside recycling. With this plan, the estimated assessment rate for each household is $262. Cella and Compere voted against it.

The high-value guidelines will still be in effect. Here are the drop-off centers for recycling in Clay County:

• Clay Hill Environmental Convenience Center, 5869 County Road 218, Middleburg, open Thursday – Saturday 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

• Doctor's Inlet Environmental Convenience Center, 288 Sleepy Hollow Rd, Middleburg, open Thursday – Saturday, 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

• Keystone Heights Environmental Convenience Center, 5505 CR 214, Keystone Heights, open Thursday – Saturday, 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

• Long Bay Environmental Convenience Center, 1589 Long Bay Road, Middleburg, open Thursday – Saturday, 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

• Rosemary Hill Solid Waste Management Facility, 3545 Rosemary Hill Road, Green Cove Springs, open Monday– Saturday, 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 a.m.