The baler, which compacts like materials into blocks, and a fabric tent structure, which shelters recyclables from the rain, are set to be replaced next week.
Julie Hatter is the plant manager of the materials recovery facility for LFUCG. She said the center has had their baler for “well over the expected lifetime.”
"“It’s normally about a ten-year piece of equipment, and then we have to look at replacing it or replacing major components," explained Hatter. "We spent quite a bit of money a couple years ago to replace some major components on that machine and it’s come to the point where parts are getting harder to find, and it takes a bit longer, and we're seeing an increase in downtime."
It will take ten days to replace the baler, and five days to replace the fabric structure. They’re doing both projects concurrently to reduce delays
The closure will impact partner communities throughout central Kentucky, including Anderson County, Berea, Boyle County, Clark County, Danville, Frankfort, Franklin County, Georgetown, Harrison County, Harrodsburg, Jessamine County, Lawrenceburg, Madison County, Montgomery County, Nicholasville, Scott County, Shelby County, Shelbyville, Simpsonville, Versailles, and Winchester.
Recycle carts set out for pickup during the closure will be emptied, but the contents will be sent to landfill. The center encourages impacted residents to save their recycling until pickup resumes on the 16th, and says aluminum, steel, and cardboard are the materials to prioritize keeping rather than throwing away.