Dumped: Camp Verde talks recycling enforcement

Sedona Recycles, a nonprofit, provides recycling bins in locations throughout the Verde Valley, including Camp Verde. Recently, residents have been misusing the bins by dumping unrecyclable items like furniture and trash. (Hunt Mercier/Larson Newspapers)

Residents in Camp Verde have been abusing recycling services provided to them by Sedona Recycles, a nonprofit, according to Camp Verde Town Manager Russ Martin.

“Folks have been putting unacceptable items in bins,” Martin said during a Camp Verde Town Council meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 21.

Article 10-2 of Camp Verde Town Code already has laws on the books making it illegal to improperly dispose trash. Martin suggested ensuring better behavior with correct signage.

“It requires vigilance,” Martin said. “People have bad habits … We need to tell them you can’t dump these things.”

Councilman Brad Gordon agreed that the right signage could deter future violations.

“That’s sort of the only option we have,” Gordon said. “We can’t have our staff or marshals patrolling the area. With proper signage, you can not only include what you can dump there but what you can’t dump there.”

Councilwoman Jackie Baker added that she’s seen abuse of the recycling service with the disposal of mattresses and chairs. She suggested adding cameras outside the bins.

“We have laws on the books,” she said. “Let’s do something that enforces how people dump their rubbish and trash.”

Camp Verde Vice Mayor Jessie Murdock said she thinks the biggest issue is about access and affordability.

“I know that the county only three times a year offers free dump days,” she said. “I think it’s just about educating the public in our own community that it is illegal. You can’t add another law to make it illegal-er.”

She also said neighborhoods need to be more vigilant.

“I’m not sure if [cameras] are the way to go … I’ve been a victim of stolen trail cameras. So it’s just about people being vigilant and educating your public on proper practices of civilization.”

Council took no action on this item.

Plastic bags of any

kind [take to local

grocery stores for

recycling]

Foam cups, takeout

containers and meat

trays

#3, #4, #6 or #7

plastics

Waxed cardboard

Milk cartons, soy/

rice milk cartons and

ice cream containers

Plate glass

Mirrors

Lightbulbs

Paint

PVC pipe

Motor oil

Household chemicals

Plastic bags of any

kind [take to local

grocery stores for

recycling]

Foam cups, takeout

containers and meat

trays

#3, #4, #6 or #7

plastics

Waxed cardboard

Milk cartons, soy/

rice milk cartons and

ice cream containers

Plate glass

Mirrors

Lightbulbs

Paint

PVC pipe

Motor oil

Household chemicals

Kelcie Grega can be reached at 634-8551, or email kgrega@larsonnewspapers.com

Kelcie Grega

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