The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners convened on May 19, 2025, to discuss various operational matters, particularly focusing on solid waste management and recycling services. The meeting highlighted the efficiency improvements made through the installation of surveillance cameras at three waste facilities, which have allowed for remote monitoring and reduced the need for on-site visits.
Commissioners discussed the current contract with Waste Management, which has been in place since 2022. There was a consensus that while the contract is set to extend for two years after June 30, 2025, there is flexibility to terminate it with 90 days' notice if a more efficient operational model is identified. The discussion included a comparison to the City of Winston-Salem's previous experience with waste management, where the city reverted to in-house collection due to rising costs and service reliability issues.
A key point raised was the discrepancy in recycling practices between curbside collection and the convenience centers, specifically regarding the acceptance of steel and bimetal cans. The commissioners sought clarity on the recycling rules and the overall decrease in contributions to the convenience centers, speculating that changes in consumer packaging might be influencing disposal patterns.
The meeting concluded with a proposal to study the efficiency of the current waste management system further, with the aim of potentially reducing costs while maintaining service quality. The commissioners expressed a commitment to exploring all options to enhance the waste management process in Forsyth County.