Schuylkill County commissioners Wednesday approved the recycling changes announced last month that would require waste haulers to provide a curbside recycling option.

Commissioners previously approved the advertisement for the change.

The ordinance will amend the existing solid waste and recycling ordinance and establish that “all transporters who collect municipal waste from residential sources must provide to their customers curbside collection of recyclables included and bundled in the price of the municipal waste collection service with certain enumerated exceptions,” according to an agenda.

Haulers were informed of the change and a meeting held, commissioners said.

County Administrator Gary Bender said previously haulers are seeking to implement in the first quarter of 2021.

Bender claimed the action would increase recycling in the county.

Chairman Barron “Boots” Hetherington said previously the service isn’t financially viable for the county to continue.

The market for recycling isn’t what it once was, Hetherington said.

“I think this is the right way to move,” he said about getting the county out of the recycling business.

First Assistant County Solicitor Glenn Roth said the county spends about $500,000 a year for recycling. With the change, the county can save money by requiring curbside recycling, plus recycling can increase.

He said local municipalities can offer drop-off sites, but if they choose not to, they must offer curbside recycling to residents.