Allegan County Recycling/Solid Waste Coordinator Ben Williams said he was very pleased with the results of Tuesday’s primary election involving the program in a variety of locations.

Eight of nine municipalities that had a recycling proposal on the ballot approved a request to increase curbside recycling service fees from $25 to $36 per year with no opt-out clause. The increase in revenue will mean many of the municipalities will halt operating in the red and ensure the economic viability of the program.

The Waste Reduction Surcharge results were Gun Plain Township,  Yes 76%; Leighton Twp., Yes  57%; Heath Twp.,         Yes 72%; Martin Twp., Yes 65%; Hopkins Twp., Yes 59%; Otsego Twp., Yes 69%; Salem Twp., Yes 59%, and Wayland City, Yes 67%.

Saugatuck Township rejected the proposal by a tally of 54% to 46%.

Williams, who appeared before all of the municipalities earlier this year to explain the request and to urge them to ask their voters on Aug. 2, said, “Resource Recovery will be in contact with the local treasurers later this month to make sure the $36 is placed on this December’s winter tax bill.

“It is a good feeling that residents want to support recycling,” he added.