Kingsport Pausing Recycling Program…Due To Degraded Market

Kingsport’s Sanitation Department is exploring an option that could result in its recycling program work being done locally, due to a degraded recycling market. Beginning May first, Kingsport is placing its recycling program on pause. Mixed paper, which is the largest material the city collects was selling for 88 dollars per ton. Currently, it costs negative three dollars and 75 cents per ton, meaning the city’s contractor has to pay people to take it away. The city has also received an additional 115 thousand dollar cost for the contractors 35 dollar per ton tipping fee. The city believes if its recycling program can be done locally, it would help create jobs and boost the economy. While the pause in recycling is in effect, the city says for residents to stick to their current trash and recycling routine.