Statement on Recycling Changes From Covington Mayor Mark Johnson

Statement on Recycling Changes From Covington Mayor Mark Johnson

“Can’t you smell that smell? The smell of trash surrounds you … ” (apologies to Lynyrd Skynyrd). Councilmen Patrick McMath and Mark Verret joined Mayor Mark and CAO Gina Hayes on a visit to Coastal Environmental Services, the trash processor for Covington, Mandeville and Slidell. As I mentioned previously, due to national and local trends, recycling as we know it has changed significantly in the last 6 months. There is now only one recycling facility in the state of La (Baton Rouge) and it does not accept glass – – neither does the facility in Sumrall, MS that takes our recyclables. I also confirmed that crushed glass (i.e. sand) is not a detriment to landfills. I was disappointed to learn that, since we have not allowed a landfill to be constructed in St. Tammany Parish, most of our garbage is trucked (13-14 tons / truck, 60 mile trip) to Waggaman – both dangerous and inefficient. Covington residents: Put your recycle receptacle out for Thursday – no glass, no plastic bags.

Mayor Johnson visited Coastal Environmental Services recently to survey the facilities and discuss changes in the recycling service. Covington recycling pick up is now Thursday city wide. Recycling no longer accepts glass or plastic bags. No Glass/No Plastic Bags