On Oct. 1, large orange bags used for waste disposal in Monroe County will cost more. The Monroe County Solid Waste Management District (District) is increasing the price of a roll of the large 33-gallon bags to $12.50. There are ten bags in a role. However, the price of small orange bags will remain the same.

The District encourages the public to reduce trash by recycling more and suggests disposing of trash yourself to reduce disposal costs (if you don’t have city curbside pick up like Bloomington residents).

The price increase will help the District cover ever-increasing operating costs of the solid waste drop-off sites. The price of the bags has not increased in five years. Bags are available at most Monroe County grocery and hardware stores. Pick up the Rural Recycling & Solid Waste Management station brochure at one of our sites or refer to the Web site for bag locations. Low income residents have access to orange bags through the South Central Community Action Program.

The Orange Bag Trash program and other programs of the District make inroads in the responsible management of solid waste by offering residents and businesses recycling services. Residents and businesses now have five sites to drop off a variety of items that can be recycled, from junk mail to hazardous wastes. Sales of Orange trash bags have increased since the program began in 1993. So join other members of the community who save money on trash haulers by taking advantage of the Orange Bag Trash program.

Visit one of our four rural sites and take your recyclables and reusable items with you! It’s a safe and cost-effective way to dispose of your trash. Please call 349-2020 for more information on recycling and solid waste disposal or visit our Web site. Remember, large orange bags will cost $12.50 starting October 1.

Elisa K. Pokral is Media and Education Director at the Monroe County Solid Waste Management District. She can be reached at epokral@mcswmd.org.