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Over the years, citizens of Madison County have seen a positive transformation in solid waste disposal and the recapture of recyclables. Not long ago, our county was plagued with countless uncontrolled waste collection sites that were eyesores to our citizens and visitors alike. Madison County was inundated with massive amounts of dumping from all around, including South Georgia. This made the waste disposal process laborious and costly. With a sincere desire to improve and control waste disposal procedures, as well as improve the appearance of the county, a conscience decision was made to expand the solid waste collection centers. Strategic locations were sought throughout the county with the goal of constructing additional collection centers in areas that would offer controlled waste disposal services and the collection of recyclables to our citizens. With the full support of the Madison County Board of County Commissioners, Madison County now has 13 solid waste collection centers throughout the county.
The Department embodies the vision and mission statement, “The Solid Waste and Recycling Department provides a quality service of collecting, processing, and recycling the solid waste materials and goods generated by our citizens to enhance the life span of the environment in which we live, in a safe and efficient manner.” Because of this, other counties have taken notice, “Madison County has set the benchmark for an efficient waste disposal system.” Several counties in the North Florida area are now making efforts to duplicate Madison County's system.
The Department operates with low administrative overhead and concentrates on providing quality services through careful management of its 13 collection centers. An assortment of high profile, specialized vehicles; combined with dedicated employees make possible the services our citizens enjoy.
Cost averaged assessments are the foundational basis for the funding of the Department, supplemented by a small county grant from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the sale of recyclables. Small counties with a population of less than 100,000 have seen as much as a 60 percent reduction in DEP grant rewards. This presents some budgeting challenges; however, due to some creative management techniques and the use of best practices, there has been little change in services.
Compared to other counties, Madison County maintains a very clean environment, but it can be better. Citizens are asked to assist the Department in preventing and reporting unlawful dumping by calling (850) 973-2611 to help keep Madison County clean. The Solid Waste and Recycling Department is grateful to the citizens of Madison County for the time and effort expended in helping to keep Madison County looking beautiful.