YORK, S.C. — The city of York announced it will soon stop its curbside recycling services due to costs.
The city said it made the decision in light of rising processing costs and low participation rates, making the curbside program "economically unviable" over recent years.
"After considering all available options, we have made the difficult decision to end curbside recycling services," Public Works Director Chris Wallace said. "We recognize the importance of recycling to our residents and the environment, but we also have a responsibility to manage taxpayer funds wisely."
The City of York had partnered with the City of Clover to split the $127,000 cost and provide the recycling service for residents in both cities. However, when Clover ended their service in July of 2024, that left York footing the entire bill.
If that continued, the "free pick-up service" would have become a fee for York residents to manage the cost.
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It's not an immediate cancellation, though. Curbside recycling collection will continue through most of September in the city, with the final curbside collection on Sept. 27.
York residents will still hold on to their recycling bins and can drop off recyclables themselves at official recycling centers. The city noted the two closest recycling centers are the Cotton Belt Collection & Recycling at 2365 Black Highway and Tirzah Collection & Recycling at 6190 Old York Road.
The move comes just months after Mount Holly City Council in North Carolina nearby decided to suspend its curbside recycling program effective July 1, saying a proposed rate hike "presented an unsustainable financial burden" on the city and its residents.