Centerville, Richmond recycling collaboration being explored

Centerville residents soon will be surveyed about their interest in curbside recycling.

Pat Smoker, director of Richmond Sanitary District, requested Centerville town officials share a community survey about setting up a recycling program.

He said Richmond’s recycling equipment is about 30 years old and beyond its life expectancy, so funds are needed to replace it.

In its new guide, the Environmental Protection Agency wants more trash to be diverted from landfills because about half what goes to landfills could be recycled. Mandates could be coming, Smoker said.

Some grants could be more attainable if surrounding communities would collaborate, Smoker said.

Thus, RSD aims to increase collaboration on recycling efforts throughout Wayne County to improve participation and extend landfill longevity.

Centerville doesn’t currently offer recycling after two “disastrous” efforts with a drop-off site, Council President Dan Wandersee said.

Centerville currently sends its trash to Richmond’s landfill. Smoker said if Centerville had good recycling participation, its landfill costs could potentially go down and offset curbside collection expenses.

RSD will give Centerville information about the survey to include with utility bills.

In other business

• Code enforcement introduced an amendment to the town’s weed and vegetation code to clarify definitions and heights as outlined by the state. Grass and weeds would need to be below 8 inches. It has several exceptions such as agricultural crops, wetlands, woods and undeveloped areas. Council could discuss the topic at its next meeting, 7 p.m. Oct. 10 at town hall, 204 E. Main St.
• Centerville’s trick-or-treat will be from 5-7 p.m. Oct. 31. October’s council work session was moved to 7 p.m. Oct. 30, avoiding Halloween.
• Council approved 2024’s budget and a resolution to get rid of dormant funds and transfer balances to the general fund. Councilor Joshua Tudor was absent.
• First responders are planning their annual holiday food drives for residents in need. Firefighters hope shoppers will fill a truck with nonperishables between 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 7 at Richmond’s Walmart. Police and firefighters also will collect donations from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 14 in Centerville. Firefighters will accept money at U.S. 40 and Morton Avenue, and food can be delivered to the police station, 5247 U.S. 40.
• Council resumed its discussion about a proposal from Main Street Centerville and Helping Young Professionals Engage to paint activities along a walkway for young children at Maplewood Park. Wandersee suggests moving the project away from park structures to avoid interfering with events and facility rentals, but security cameras would be needed in that area. Centerville Police Department will evaluate the needs and report to the council.
• Council approved Wayne County Railroaders’ request to move their fencing around the caboose at Maplewood Park to accommodate the donation of Historic Centerville’s guard house. They’ll also cut down dead trees to the stump. Council also accepted a donation of electric heaters and their installation for park restrooms so restrooms can be used for fall and winter events. The restrooms would be closed after the first of the year until spring.
• The town will hire Walther & Hawkins to auction surplus items.