City of Sikeston seeks input on recycling, other issues through survey

Saturday, January 14, 2017

SIKESTON -- The city of Sikeston wants to know what residents think about recycling: Do they use it? What about curbside recycling? Are they willing to pay for it?

Since Jan. 3, a 25-question survey has sought residents opinions on these questions and more. The results, when compiled in February, will be turned over to the Sikeston City Council as they discuss the issue in preparation for rebidding the city's solid waste service contract, which expires at the end of June.

As part of that rebidding, explained City Administrator J.D. Douglass, city staff wanted to determine what recycling services to request in the bids. Currently residents can use the recycling drop off site at Sonny's Solid Waste, 451 Smith Ave., from noon to 5 p.m. each Wednesday or the city's compost site, when it is open to the public.

"We wanted to get a little bit of public opinion then have the council discuss what kind of recycling to request," Douglass said.

Apparently residents are ready to voice their views. Douglass noted 350 online surveys have been completed so far.

"This is the first time we have done anything like this so we didn't know what to expect," Douglass said. "People seem to be responding positively to it."

While it isn't a scientific survey (Douglass pointed out that would be expensive), he said it is showing there is a definite interest in recycling in the community. He said 94 percent of the respondents thus far are interested in having more recycling available and a majority say the recycling services currently available aren't convenient enough.

Among the survey's questions are several asking residents how much they might be willing to pay to have curbside recycling. Douglass said of those who have responded so far there is a willingness to foot the bill for the service but as the price goes up, the interest goes down.

Recycling isn't the only topic covered by the survey. According to Douglass, many of the questions posed are things which the city staff and city council have discussed previously.

The survey asks residents if they view litter as problem in Sikeston. Also it seeks input on how to deal with those who litter.

"This has been an issue that we have struggled to address. I was a little surprised that people didn't think it is a bigger problem," he said about the responses so far.

Other issues residents can weigh in on include the use of trash containers rather than bags, the importance of twice-a-week trash pick up and leaf collection.

Responses to the survey will be accepted through Feb. 10. The results will be compiled and presented to the city council at their Feb. 16 study session.

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