WILTON – Some of the markets for recyclable materials are gone and people need to learn “how to recycle,” Recycling Center Carol Burgess told the Budget Committee on Thursday, Jan. 17. The meeting was attended by officials from the other four towns involved: Greenville, Lyndeborough, Mason and Temple.

Total expenditures are estimated at $576,378. with estimated income at $85,000, leaving $576,378 to be shared by the member towns. Contributions from each town will rise about 22 percent.

“China stopped taking our recyclables because of contaminants,” Burgess said, of metals and plastics mixed in with the paper. “We need to teach people to keep out the contaminants. We are already doing more than most people,” she added, with the separation system in place at the Center.

There are some new companies being formed, she said, because Chinese companies still want the material.

There is also little market for glass. Burgess said some, but only jars and bottles, was going to Canada to be made into fiberglass insulation.

Also discussed at the meeting was the use of identifying stickers for users. All towns use the same sticker. Burgess said using a different color for each towns “would be an added burden for already overworked town clerks.”

The use of stickers was introduced two years ago to eliminate users from other towns which costs the center money in hauling fees.

A new type of sticker will be used, she said, which will be placed on the outside of the car and almost impossible to remove in one piece making it difficult to transfer stickers. The stickers are free to residents.

The center also needs some repairs, Burgess said. “You have a good facility, but it needs some work.” That includes a metal roof that is leaking. She suggested replacing it with wood.

Doors on the back of the main building also need to be replaced “to keep out birds, animals and make weather tight.”

Center revenues have been placed in a revolving fund over the past few years, Budget Committee member Dawn Tuomala said, and money for the repairs will come from that fund. No further money would be asked for from the member towns.