Waste Wars: The Downtown Garbage Problem

The Elgin Watchman welcomes special guests Brian Pinion, Downtown Neighborhood Association Vice President and Jamie Berry, owner of Vern's Tavern as they explain the complex issue of simply throwing things away in Downtown Elgin. As a business owner, Jamie provides insight into the long-standing issue of trash contracting in a confined space like the downtown area and exposes some of the challenges that come along with how we collectively (or not) manage waste. 

Brian explains the partnership that was coordinated among business owners via the Downtown Neighborhood Association with the help of city staff to finally resolve the question of where to put our garbage? 

The collaborative nature of this discussion highlights ways in which our waste streams are often overlooked or neglected, creating inefficiencies and lost opportunity in reduction or diversion.

We appreciate Jamie and Brian for their patience as this episode was recorded earlier this summer and wasn't immediately released due to waste contract coverage.

As an additional update, the Watchman is pleased to hear that the solution the DNA and some of the Elgin businesses came to will include recycling services- progress!

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