After months of debate, the North Beach Town Council finally made a decision Thursday, July 12 about how to proceed ramping up residential recycling in the bayside community. The North Beach Town Council voted unanimously to purchase 200 32-gallon recycling bins from Otto Environmental Systems. The cost of the purchase is $8,640, with the money coming from the municipality’s rainy day fund. That’s a far cry from the original strategy that called for the town to purchase 650 35-gallon tote containers and 300 18-gallon bins at a total cost of $65,000. The council also approved spending $960 for container lids.

A motion by Councilmember Gregory McNeill to levy a $15 “offsetting fee” for the bins failed to receive a second and died without a vote.

“This is a new and exciting time with the adoption of this recycling plan,” said Councilmember Gwen Schiada, who chairs the town’s Environmental Committee. That panel surveyed town residents and found there was support for expanding North Beach’s recycling program.

McNeill noted that a majority of residents who filled out the survey indicated they would be willing to pay a nominal fee for the recycling bin. “I’m disappointed my motion didn’t get seconded,” said McNeill.

Councilmember Mike Benton, who had opposed purchasing bins as a strategy for ramping up recycling, expressed home that the strategy would yield lower tipping fees for the town.

North Beach residents will be able to recycle glass, metal/aluminum, seven different types of plastic, paper and cardboard. The items may be comingled in the bin. Some of the items that will not be accepted for recycling include ceramics, flower pots, light bulbs, drinking glasses, paint cans, silverware, empty antifreeze and motor oil containers, bubble wrap, pizza boxes and wrapping paper.

Ordinance Amended  

The council voted unanimously to amend a town ordinance regarding dangerous dogs. The ordinance had previously banned pit bulls in North Beach. The revised measure prohibits “dangerous animals.”

The change is more in line with Calvert County’s Animal Control Ordinance, which includes statutes regarding ownership of “dangerous animals.” North Beach is served by the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office, which includ