LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — A spokesperson for the City of Lexington announced Thursday that the city has taken another step toward bringing back paper recycling.
In May, they had announced they were suspending paper recycling amid changes in global markets.
On Thursday morning, officials posted a request for proposals to businesses that may want to provide the service.
“We’ve done our homework and put together a request for proposals (RFP) that will provide Lexington with a sound paper recycling operation,” Mayor Linda Gorton said. “We’ve found that traditional options are no longer available. It has taken time, but I think we now have a clear picture of what is needed.”
Gorton said that the city had no room to store the paper, and people have been ready to get back to recycling it.
“People ask me about it all the time,” Gorton said. “They say they’re not comfortable putting paper in the trash, and neither am I. We’re all anxious to get back to recycling.”
The City has already invested in equipment to improve its aluminum sorting machine and is considering buying equipment to improve glass recycling.
“We’re looking at all the angles,” Gorton said. “Lexington’s recycling program has needed an overhaul for several years. Our facility is inadequate, our equipment is outdated and markets for recyclables have changed. We’re putting together a good plan to move forward. Our overhaul needs to be comprehensive and sustainable.”
