Coweta County took the first step Tuesday morning to revamping its embattled recycling program.

Environmental management director Eva Wagner said it would cost the county between $125,000 and $175,000 for a facility and equipment.

The county's recycling program took a hit early last month after county officials admitted that glass and plastic recyclables were being placed into the general waste stream.

But the officials stressed that the situation should be fixed soon after the county decides the best way to dispose of the products.

The situation started last summer, according to environmental management director Eva Wagner, when the county received a notice from its recycling provider, Newnan Salvage.

Officials at the company told the county that because of a drop in the market, recyclables would continue to be taken, but no payment would be made for the material.

When the county received the notice, officials started researching and discovered viable markets for cardboard, newspaper, tin and certain plastics.

Environmental officials communicated the news to the commission, who instructed the environmental department to send out bids for a baler and a contract for recycling services.

When Newnan Salvage received a copy of the bids in August, the firm immediately informed the county that it would stop receiving recyclables, Wagner said.

The commissioners told the residents to keep recycling and started stockpiling the cardboard, cans and newspapers until a baler can be bought, added Wagner, but glass and plastic were put in the general waste stream.

Once the county completes research on the baler, Wagner expects the recycling program to be operating like it should.

In the meantime, the commissioners pointed out that all the actions concerning the recycling program were taken during open meetings and said residents should pay closer attention to the actions of the board.

The board unanimously approved the concept of starting its own facility and seeking out contracts for recyclables.

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