Recycling will become more challenging in Leon County and Tallahassee.
A recycling company says single-stream recycling doesn’t pay off anymore, and it will end that service. Single-stream is placing all recyclables such as plastics, paper, metal, and glass in curbside bins by consumers.
In a letter, Marpan President and CEO Kim Williams told the governments that the market has taken a sharp drop, forcing companies to reconsider their practices. The major issue is China’s decision in 2018 to stop taking recycled material from the United States, dubbed its “National Sword” policy.
Marpan President and CEO Kim Williams
| Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce
That sword cut deep into the American recycling industry, slicing into its profits. According to William’s letter, this decision has dramatically decreased the value of recycled aluminum cans, mixed papers, and market trends continue to decline.
“With the markets continuing to deteriorate, Marpan Recycling does not have the ability to continue absorbing the losses and will be forced to cease operations and terminate our contract due to circumstances beyond our control,” Williams wrote. “It's clear the cost of recycling now outpaces the cost of disposal, but I believe our community must remain committed to recycling."
Marpan Supply/Marpan Recycling opened in 1966 and has been in the container services business for 45 years. Williams has been in charge since 1985.
The county, on Tuesday, Jan. 28, and the city, on Wednesday Jan. 29, agreed to transition away from relying on Marpon by hiring a consultant to help them determine their options. The transition period is expected to last a year.
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