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Borden Waste Away

Sturgis City Commission finalizes recycling contract, approves fire truck purchase amid heated public comment on homelessness

A local laundromat owner, Alvie Wall, told commissioners he has dealt with repeated vandalism and theft and said he feels the city has failed to address the issue. “I know you’re sympathetic to the homeless. You feel bad because they’re homeless,” Wall said. “They choose to be homeless. Big deal. That’s their deal. Be homeless all you want, but stop vandalizing my stuff.”

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Local meeting primer: Sturgis City Commission to finalize recycling contract, consider marijuana ordinance changes, and fire truck purchase

Commissioners are expected to finalize a months-long debate over whether to continue curbside recycling in the city. During the meeting, the commission will consider approval of an exclusive franchise agreement with Borden Waste-Away Service LLC, the city’s current recycling provider.

Sturgis Commission backs three-year recycling contract with Borden, approves curbside recycling ordinance second reading

The ordinance converts curbside recycling from an add-on service to a full city utility, billed as a mandatory fee on utility bills for eligible residential properties. The commission’s approval of the second reading triggers a 20-day waiting period before the ordinance can go into effect. The measure is designed as an alternative to letting the city’s existing recycling contract with Borden expire at year’s end. Previously, the commission had moved toward ending curbside service at the end of the current contract because of rising costs and a roughly $150,000 funding shortfall, even at the maximum allowed fee under state law.

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Are there other options for Three Rivers residents wanting curbside recycling? We asked around.

Many Three Rivers residents lost access to curbside recycling services following the recent discontinuation of Michiana Recycling and Disposal’s recycling program effective March 31. Are there other companies offering curbside recycling to residents of Three Rivers? We did the legwork and found out.

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