Dive Brief:

• Last month, the Athens-Hocking Solid Waste District agreed to provide $120,000 a year for five years to the nonprofit Athens-Hocking Recycling Centers Inc., in order to build a materials recovery facility. Despite the offer, the nonprofit proposed changes to the agreement, which were rejected by the district this week.
• While approval was given for three trucks, two glass-crushing machines, an end loader, a Bobcat, and a forklift to be transferred to the MRF, the district is seeking a fee for the trucks, which they have valued at $181,500.
• Athens-Hocking Recycling Centers Inc. offered to purchase the eight vehicles for $25,000, therefore the district's board is seeking opinion of pricing from the state auditor.

Dive Insight: 

Some industry pessimists have said that the recycling business is struggling, but nonetheless, some communities, such as the one in Athens, OH, are figuring out fiscally responsible ways to handle the bulky issue of recycling. Providing the Athens-Hocking nonprofit can work well with its local government sponsors, the group might succeed where other nonprofits have failed.

Yet, despite having been given the responsibility of operating the new recycling facility in May, complications of the agreement between the nonprofit and Athens-Hocking Solid Waste District may keep operations at a standstill.