In a recent meeting held on May 19, 2025, the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners discussed a resolution to extend the agreement with Waste Management of Carolinas Inc. for the operation of the county's three recycling convenience centers. This extension is crucial as the current agreement is set to expire in June 2025, and the proposed extension would last an additional two years.

Minor Barnett, the Environmental Affairs Program Director, presented the need for this extension, emphasizing the importance of maintaining accessible recycling options for residents. The three centers, located in Kernersville, Winston-Salem, and near the Vienna Fire Department, serve as vital drop-off points for recyclable materials, especially for items that are banned from landfill disposal under North Carolina law.

Barnett highlighted that the convenience centers have seen a decline in the amount of material being recycled over the past four years, despite stable participation in curbside collection services. This trend raises concerns about the overall effectiveness of the county's recycling efforts. The anticipated costs for the operation of these centers are projected to be $394,000 for the fiscal year 2026 and $419,000 for the following year, reflecting a significant increase in operational expenses.

The discussion also touched on the operational challenges faced by the centers, including the necessity of having attendants present to prevent contamination and ensure proper recycling practices. Barnett noted that Waste Management was the only company to respond to the county's request for proposals, indicating a lack of competitive options for these services.

In conclusion, the extension of the agreement with Waste Management is seen as a necessary step to continue providing recycling services to Forsyth County residents. However, the decline in recycling tonnage and rising operational costs present ongoing challenges that the county will need to address in the coming years. The Board of Commissioners will need to consider these factors as they move forward with the resolution.