Farmington residents may opt out of recycling

Farmington residents have until Aug. 7 to opt out of a coming citywide curbside recycling program.

The program, slated to begin in October, will allow willing residents to divert recyclable materials, such as cardboard, aluminum cans and plastics, from a waste incinerator and landfill in Layton.

Currently, just under 10 percent of Farmington's 4,500 eligible homes have opted out of the program, said city manager Max Forbush.

The Farmington City Council has said it would tolerate up to 20 percent of eligible homes, about 900, opting out of the program.

Those who opt out will not receive a dedicated recycling can when they are delivered in the fall.

It's a similar program to those approved in Centerville for recycling and in Fruit Heights for green waste collection. North Salt Lake is holding a public hearing Tuesday on the future of recycling in that city.

Robinson Waste, Farmington's current waste hauler, will charge residents $3.85 a month if fewer than 20 percent of homes opt out. If between 21 percent and 30 percent opt out, the price will be $4.25 a month, Forbush said.

Earlier in the year, Farmington surveyed residents about their opinions of a mandatory recycling program. About 60 percent of residents who responded to the survey were in favor of that program, but the City Council said it didn't want to force residents into recycling, Forbush said.

With the way opt-out forms seem to be trickling into Farmington City Hall, Forbush said, it appears enough residents will favor the program to make it feasible for those who want it.

Residents who want to opt out of the program can do so by going to the city's Web site, www.farmington.utah.gov, where they can download an opt-out form explaining the program. The form must be mailed or delivered in person to Farmington City Hall, 130 N. Main in Farmington.

Residents who opt out of the program now may participate in the future.

The council expects to make a final decision during its Aug. 18 meeting.

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