Marion to End Curbside Recycling While Raising Sanitation Rates

By Ashton Seales

Marion residents received more clarity Monday night about the future of the city's recycling program; and for many households, the news may feel like paying more for less.

During the May 18 committee meetings of Marion City Council, Mayor Bill Collins announced that the city will discontinue curbside recycling effective July 1, replacing it with a self-service drop-off program at the city garage.

The announcement comes just weeks after city officials approved a sanitation rate increase that raises residential sanitation bills from $22 to $25 per month, an increase of 13.65%, projected to generate approximately $250,000 annually in additional revenue.

For many residents, the timing raises an obvious question: Why are sanitation rates increasing while a service residents have relied on for years is being eliminated?

Mayor: Survey Results Were Split

Addressing the issue Monday night, Collins said the city had been gathering public feedback through a survey and found opinions divided.

"The survey has stayed about 50-50. Some people want it for free down at the city garage. Other people say they would pay the five dollars extra," Collins said.

Despite those responses, the administration decided to move forward with ending curbside collection.

According to Collins, the city spends nearly $500,000 annually on the recycling program, and changing market conditions have transformed recycling from a revenue source into an expense.

"We used to get paid to take our stuff to somebody to recycle. Now we pay them to take our stuff to recycle," Collins explained.

Beginning in July, residents wishing to recycle will need to transport materials themselves to a designated drop-off site at the city garage. Current plans call for the facility to operate from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, with discussions continuing regarding Saturday availability.

The mayor stated that no city employees are expected to lose their jobs as a result of the change, as vacant positions in sanitation and the streets department will absorb affected workers.

Paying More, Receiving Less

The city's explanation focuses on cost savings, but many residents are likely to focus on a different reality: they are being asked to pay higher sanitation bills while losing a service that was previously included.

For years, curbside recycling offered convenience and accessibility. Residents simply placed recyclables at the curb alongside their regular trash collection. Under the new system, that responsibility shifts entirely to residents, who must now spend their own time, fuel, and effort transporting recyclables across town.

The city argues the drop-off center will remain free to use. However, "free" can be a relative term when residents must provide the transportation, dedicate personal time, and potentially make multiple trips throughout the year.

For senior citizens, individuals with disabilities, families with limited transportation, and residents working multiple jobs, the change may effectively reduce access to recycling altogether.

A Decision That Impacts Every Household

Unlike many city issues that affect only specific neighborhoods or groups, sanitation services touch virtually every household in Marion.

Every resident pays the sanitation bill. Every resident generates waste. Every resident will feel the effects of the policy change - whether through higher monthly costs, reduced convenience, or both.

That reality has led some residents to question whether the decision should have been made administratively after a survey or placed before voters for direct approval.

The survey itself, according to Collins, showed no overwhelming public consensus. With results reportedly remaining near a 50-50 split, critics may argue that such a significant change to a citywide service should have been decided by those who fund it: the taxpayers.

Residents are not merely customers of city services - they are the people paying for them. When a service is removed while rates simultaneously increase, many believe the public should have more than an advisory survey. They should have a vote.

A survey measures opinions. A vote determines policy.

Looking Ahead

City officials say details about the transition will be released before curbside recycling ends at the close of June. Information regarding accepted materials, operating procedures, and final hours of operation for the drop-off center is expected in the coming weeks.

The discussion Monday night also included continued conversations regarding council and citizen decorum during meetings, as well as preliminary discussions about regulations governing e-bikes, scooters, and other small vehicles.

The next meeting of Marion City Council will be held Tuesday, May 26, at 6:30 p.m. in the courtroom on the second floor of Marion City Hall. The next committee meetings are scheduled for Monday, June 1, at 6:30 p.m. in the same location.

As Marion moves forward with its plan, residents will soon have to decide whether recycling remains important enough to justify the extra trip, and whether paying higher sanitation rates while losing curbside service represents fiscal responsibility or a step backward for the community.

References

City of Marion, Ohio. Recycling Program. Retrieved May 21, 2026, from City of Marion Recycling Program. Information on the city's curbside recycling program, recycling benefits, collection procedures, and resident participation requirements.

City of Marion, Ohio. City of Marion Recycling Flyer. Retrieved May 21, 2026, from City of Marion Recycling Flyer (PDF). Official guide outlining accepted and prohibited recyclable materials, collection procedures, and program rules.

WWGH Radio. WWGH Talk – Marion, Ohio (Facebook Page). Retrieved May 21, 2026, from WWGH Radio Facebook Page. Source of public discussion and coverage regarding Marion city government, sanitation services, and recycling-related announcements.

Marion City Council. Regular Meeting Agenda, May 11, 2026. Retrieved May 21, 2026, from Marion City Council Agenda (May 11, 2026). Official agenda identifying the May 18, 2026 committee meetings and listing “Transit Rate Increase” among scheduled committee discussions.

City of Marion, Ohio. News Flash Announcement. Retrieved May 21, 2026, from City of Marion News Flash. Municipal announcement providing information related to city services and public notifications.

City of Marion, Ohio. Sanitation Rate Calculation: Increase Effective with May 2026 Billing Cycle (Bill Due June 2026). Retrieved May 21, 2026, from Sanitation Rates Calculation Document (PDF). Official rate schedule showing the increase in residential sanitation rates from $22.00 to $25.00 per month and estimating approximately $250,000 in additional annual revenue.

Additional Sources Cited

City of Marion, Ohio. Sanitation, Streets, Recycling & Central Garage Department Information. Retrieved May 21, 2026, from Sanitation/Streets Department. Department overview describing sanitation and recycling services provided to Marion residents.

Remarks of Mayor Bill Collins. Statements made during the Marion City Council Committee Meetings, May 18, 2026, regarding the planned discontinuation of curbside recycling effective July 1, 2026, creation of a city garage drop-off recycling center, projected cost savings, and employee reassignment plans. Video recording available through Marion City Council meeting archives and local media coverage.