Columbus drop-off program under new management. (Municipal Recycling).

Following passage of legislation by Columbus City Council Feb. 4, the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO), Grove City, will take over management of Columbus's drop-off recycling contract with Rumpke of Ohio Inc. SWACO also will pay for the contract estimated to cost $600,000 per year.

"Part of our mission is to provide recycling solutions throughout Franklin County and overseeing this contract will strengthen our efforts," Mike Long, executive director of SWACO, says.

SWACO will oversee the contract in which Rumpke provides for placement, maintenance and collection of recyclable materials from 49 drop-off sites located throughout the city.

"We saw an opportunity to expand and market the recycling program offered by Columbus and we are better positioned to do so," Long says. SWACO has indicated interest in continuing the current relationship with Rumpke and anticipates keeping the present services.

"The only changes we envision at this time are creating a higher profile for the programs and encouraging residents to take advantage of the services already provided," Long says.

SWACO was created in 1989 to develop an organized and planned approach to solid waste management and to avoid a solid waste crisis created by a shortage of landfill space by providing a comprehensive and sound waste management program.