Editorials

Avon Park has taken the lead on leadership

TBO.com
Published: November 21, 2012

It's great watching a city government — or any government — take a proactive stance and address issues. It shows leadership and forward thinking. We're definitely seeing that in Avon Park, where curbside recycling kicked off last week.

Every Wednesday in Avon Park is recycling day. Residents will fill their city-provided receptacles with cardboard, plastics, newspapers and anything else that's recyclable, and their regular trash will be picked up on Thursdays or Fridays.

The city had planned to start the program in January but the recycling bins came in and were distributed early. Avon Park has the first curbside recycling program in Highlands County.

City Manager Julian Deleon said that the city picked up about 12 tons of recyclables on its first pick-up day. He expects much more than that as people adjust to the new service. The city is even offering extra pick-ups for the first month as people get used to the system.

The idea, of course, is to get ahead of the curve on statewide recycling goals. It also will save the city money by paying less tipping fees at the landfill. As the amount of recycling goes up, so do the savings. It's an undeniable win-win for the city and its residents, who, it's hoped, could see services costing less money in the long run.

Most impressive, though, is that Avon Park took the lead on this. City leaders didn't wait for everyone else in the county to make it happen before jumping in.

We credit the city council and Deleon for showing leadership on such matters. They didn't talk about it for two years with little to show for it. They identified a need and a cost savings and made it happen.

Congrats to Avon Park for this feat. It's just one of many improvements the city's been making. We hope the rest of Highlands County takes the cue and gets moving on this much-needed service that makes sense in every way.