Bayfield-area residents will soon have to look elsewhere for a place to recycle upon learning TDL Recycling will shut down in the near future.
Richard Grossman, who resides at Heartwood Cohousing about 2 miles northeast of Bayfield’s Gem Village neighborhood, told The Durango Herald he received an email notification on Nov. 25 about TDL Recycling’s decision to shut down as a result of various issues, from its recycling rig to staffing shortages and being unable to find a new building for its lease.
A representative with TDL Recycling, who declined to provide a name, confirmed that the company discontinued curbside pickup because it couldn’t keep up with demands amid the rig and staffing issues. The representative was unable to confirm the exact date the facility will close entirely.
Although customers are being asked to drop their carts off at the facility, according to TDL’s website, it’s unknown whether recyclable items can be dropped off with the carts.
A letter dated Nov. 25 to residents, which Grossman forwarded to the Herald, said in part that TDL Recycling “encountered an unexpected issue with two flat tires” and was not able to “resolve the issue in time” due to the Thanksgiving holiday and its mechanic “being unavailable.”
“Additionally, after much deliberation, we have made the difficult decision to close TDL Recycling. Despite our best efforts, the challenges of securing reliable workers and finding a suitable facility have made it impossible to continue operations. Effective immediately, we will no longer offer curbside recycling services or operate as a recycling company,” the letter said.
Grossman said the recycling services went from a weekly schedule to a biweekly schedule, adding that he was told TDL Recycling, located at 40644 U.S. Highway 160, struggled to find workers. He said he interpreted the rig issued as being “the last straw” that led to the decision.
“We’ve been pretty dependent upon the TDL folks for the years that they’ve been available,” he said, adding that there’s no other commercial recycling company in Bayfield that Heartwood Cohousing can turn to.
Grossman said he plans to recycle via the Durango Recycling Center at least temporarily until Heartwood Cohousing figures out how it will go about recycling services.
He said he hopes the latter will be resolved soon because it would be more convenient for residents, adding that trips to Durango for recycling would require more energy. He also said recycling services matter because of Heartwood Cohousing’s efforts in being environmentally friendly.
mhollinshead@durangoherald.com
