As many citizens of Northglenn are already aware, during my time on the Northglenn City Council I was a strong advocate for curbside recycling (along with recycling of all types for that matter) consistently keeping the topic alive and in active discussion.

My rationale was not simply to promote this worthwhile service to our citizens, but included the fact that diversion of recyclable commodities not only benefits the environment, but also helps subsidize our already low-cost collection and garbage disposal for Northglenn residents.

Truth be known, now that almost a full year has passed since discussions were opened on this topic, if the city doesn't find a way to increase its revenue stream for garbage collection, fee increases are inevitable in 2009. Costs to implement a recycling program are also inevitable, but it seems to me that if the city can establish a new revenue stream, fee increases can at least be averted.

The much-publicized issue of global warming, landfills that are reaching their maximum capacity, cost of gasoline and dump fees, along with a lucrative recycling market in the Denver area are pretty darn good reasons to do take steps now toward managing our waste in a more efficient and beneficial way.

I was in Boulder recently and happened to pick up a Boulder Camera, the local newspaper. On the front page was an article about Lafayette's conversion to single stream (no sort) recycling and what great participation they were getting from residents. All this recycling does indeed convert to income for the city, so it doesn't just satisfy an environmental cause. While Northglenn languishes in indecision,other cities have been recycling for many years, and more recently other cities have increased or enhanced their programs due to public demand.

Northglenn City Council has had numerous discussions about converting the current all-volunteer effort to a weekly curbside program. We talked about it in June, July and finally November of 2007 when Council came close to implementation. Councilmembers Paiz and Clyne were still hesitant.

On Thursday March 6th, council is again scheduled to receive a presentation and analysis of curbside recycling. This will be the fourth and hopefully final time such a presentation will be necessary. I encourage Northglenn citizens who want their voice heard regarding this issue to attend this study session. It takes place in the Northglenn City Hall building Council Chambers beginning at 6 p.m.

In the meantime, see you at the volunteer dropoffs !!!