PINEVILLE - The 109 Board discussed work for the new recycling center at a recent meeting.

They worked on outlining a job description for the operator for the new recycling center in Middlesboro. Board members expressed concern that the operator would have to do more than just process recycled material; they would have also have to work with local businesses and make presentations in schools.

Board members also commented on the reaction to the increase in garbage pickup rates.

“I’ve had very few complaints,” said 109 office manager Joyce Hoskins.

Board member Calvin Capps reiterated that the garbage pickup rates were still the cheapest in the region.

“The increase was enough to cover expenses,” said Capps.

The board voted in November to increase their rates because Waste Connections charged the 109 Board more for garbage disposal at their landfills. The increase was then passed onto county garbage pickup services, which includes Mills.

Mills raised their monthly rate to $11.

According to Waste Enforcement Officer Dewey Brock’s monthly report, eight new dumps were identified in the solid waste plan.

Only two dumps remain though in the existing solid waste plan. Hoskins said it had taken possibly 20 years to cleanup all the dumps identified.

Stephen Woodward is a Staff Writer for the Daily News. He may be contacted at swoodward@middlesborodailynews.com.