In the News

OGDEN -- Cheers and applause broke out among some of the 30 people at Weber State University each time President Barack Obama delivered plans to improve education and the environment as well as strengthen the nation's middle class during a bold State of the Union address Tuesday night.

Weber State students and area residents gathered to watch Obama's address on a large projection screen in the Shepherd Union Building. The viewing party was sponsored by the Weber State Student Association's American Democracy Project.

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FARR WEST - Some residents were for recycling, some were against it, and many just wanted to have a choice on the issue. A packed city council meeting gave residents a chance to voice their opinions about a proposed recycling program that would be contracted with Econo-Waste and, if approved, would increase residents utility bills by $3.15 a month. There was such a public outcry that the council agreed to table the vote on the recycling program until they could gather additional information.

If the recycling program is approved, residents will receive a blue recycling can which will be emptied every other week. Val Saunders, representing Econo-Waste, said he would not profit from the recycling program, but it is good for the environment. "We don't make anything on it, the city doesn't charge make money on it. The landfill charges $30-$32 a ton," said Saunders. He said reducing the cost of tipping fees can reduce expense for the city, and said since Pleasant View, and Plain City incorporated recycling programs the cities each saved in tipping fees.

Resident Turner Bitton said he has been going door to door encouraging the recycling program. Bitton said in 2010 Pleasant View saved approximately $11,000 in tipping fees and Plain City saved $9,610. 

Jennifer Bitton, Turner's mother said, "we are borrowing this planet from ur children and grandchildren. Who wants a landfill in their back yard? I don't." 

"I moved from Roy to Farr West. Roy charges more - its picked up once in awhile. I paid $10 a month for it," said resident Melody Wood. "I am paying already for garbage to be collected. They have waste management. Pay an extra $3.15 to sort it out at my house? They can separate it," said Ed Ramer. 

Resident Matthew Gwynn supports recycling but believes it should be an individual choice and should be put on the ballot. "I personally think recycling is great. I recycle. I take it to Bloom, I give paper to the Boy Scouts," Gwynn said. "Don't force it on residents. No one here is going to say recycling is bad. The issue should be on the ballot - let residents make the decision."

Resident Michael Windley said the $3.15 per month for recycling is a bargain. He said he has been paying $10 a month for recycling and that his family has more recyclables than garbage. "With recycling we could eliminate trips to Tooele with garbage and save wear and tear on the roads. $3.15 is a steal. I could scrape up the change at my house. It's less than (the cost of) a Big Mac at McDonald's."

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