Dive Brief:
- Hattiesburg, MS is wrestling with high costs stemming from its curbside recycling program that may force the city to shut down the service.
- As the town's three-year recycling contract with Waste Pro USA comes to an end, Hattiesburg Mayor Johnny DuPress says the city can no longer afford curbside collections.
- DuPree said he doesn’t plan to extend the contract for another three years; he estimates savings to the city will total between $1.2 to $1.3 million over that timeframe.
Dive Insight:
A committee suggested a program operated by the municipality could serve the town’s recycling needs, but some council members didn’t support the proposal. The cost of establishing a recycling program is estimated at $455,000.