HUNTSVILLE, AL—
Huntsville's recycling service is under fire for burning glass. At Thursday night's City Council meeting, angry residents and community groups say they'll confront recycling officials. It's expected to be heated.On the one side of the issue are people who've hauled truckloads of glass to Huntsville Recyclery for years. They say there's been a breach of trust, and Allied Waste officials have broken their promise. On the other side are those officials who say recycling glass is not even in the city's contract with Huntsville's Solid Waste Disposal Authority. They say they're not required to do it.
But, Allied Waste Services General Manager Bill Brinkley says he'll apologize anyway at the City Council meeting. Brinkley began this job at the beginning of March. He says since he's been with Allied, they have not burned any uncontaminated glass.
"If it's important for somebody to bring it to us, we're going to do the right thing, and we're going to take it to Atlanta. We're exploring other opportunities in the local market," said Brinkley.
There's a recycling plant in Atlanta. But, Lowe Mill Assistant Manager Grace Billiter is not satisfied with Brinkley's promises. She's helped haul glass for years from the Mill to the Recyclery.
"It is hard to trust those words right now when out of the same mouth comes the myth that glass could be burned to ash and that that was a valid form of recycling," said Billiter.
She's expected to speak at the City Council meeting Thursday.
"I feel for them. I apologize on behalf of the company. It is mine now. I an only offer moving forward," said Brinkley.
Moving forward, Billiter says she wants a new company to take over recycling in Huntsville.
"Someone needs to be held accountable," she said.
