Curbside recycling pickup could go away in Tacoma, and some people aren't happy about it.

TACOMA, Wash. — Curbside recycling pickup could go away in Tacoma, and some people aren’t happy about it.

Ever since China announced new policies that meant the country would no longer purchase most paper and plastic recyclables the city had to start thinking about changes to recycling that emphasize quality over quantity.

“There are impacts to the customers,” said Andy Torres, a manager at Tacoma solid waste division. “And that’s primarily because of impacts in the market.”

There are four proposals, including limited recycling that eliminates curbside pickup.

Partial recycling that eliminates curbside glass pickup. Maintaining current recycling and removing problems items, or recycling plus that includes,  among other things, increased education on recycling. All include increased surcharges ranging from a $1.33 to $4. The changes are planned to begin in June, but first, the city of Tacoma wants public input to find out what people want.

“One way we’re soliciting feedback is through an online survey on the city of Tacoma’s website,” said Project Specialist Preston Peck.

“That outlines a lot of the changes, a lot of the background around it.”

More information about the options, dates, locations and times for community outreach meetings and survey itself are online at TacomaRecycles.org/Changes.

Participation in the survey also enters you into a drawing for a $50 Visa gift card.

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