We all want to recycle, but sorting those can's and bottles takes some time.
That's why when environmentally savvy David Spears began his business- Green Envi, he thought it would be a hit.
"What I wanted to do was provide a service that takes up that last bit from the customer and the recycling drop off point," Says Spears.
In just a few months,things started to pick up. However right around earth day, all of the green envy the business was getting-- fell right into the lap of the city of Abilene.
"I was told that they don't currently issue a permit for someone to handle solid waste," Spears explained.
Spears had already taken the proper steps of getting a business permit and meeting with the small business center, but somehow an important detail was missed.
"We operate under a franchise that provides all the refuse collection and that includes recyclable material," Explains Abilene Public Works Operations Manager Jim Winward
Unfortunately for Spears, even though there is no curbside recycling in Abilene, the current ordinance stands.
On Friday, a Green Envi facebook post read, "it was fun while it lasted...Green Envi is no more."
"You know you try not to take it personally you know, and I think that this is one of those things that if somebody on the City Council takes a look at this they can probably get it overturned," Said Spears.
"I know folks are out there with good intent wanting to offer a service, but in this case its one of those businesses where there are some limits on it," Says Winward.
Spears says he will continue to offer his service to residents out of Abilene city limits and see where it goes from there.
The public works department says they will definitely take what happened into consideration to maybe open up more room for similar ideas down the road.
That's why when environmentally savvy David Spears began his business- Green Envi, he thought it would be a hit.
"What I wanted to do was provide a service that takes up that last bit from the customer and the recycling drop off point," Says Spears.
In just a few months,things started to pick up. However right around earth day, all of the green envy the business was getting-- fell right into the lap of the city of Abilene.
"I was told that they don't currently issue a permit for someone to handle solid waste," Spears explained.
Spears had already taken the proper steps of getting a business permit and meeting with the small business center, but somehow an important detail was missed.
"We operate under a franchise that provides all the refuse collection and that includes recyclable material," Explains Abilene Public Works Operations Manager Jim Winward
Unfortunately for Spears, even though there is no curbside recycling in Abilene, the current ordinance stands.
On Friday, a Green Envi facebook post read, "it was fun while it lasted...Green Envi is no more."
"You know you try not to take it personally you know, and I think that this is one of those things that if somebody on the City Council takes a look at this they can probably get it overturned," Said Spears.
"I know folks are out there with good intent wanting to offer a service, but in this case its one of those businesses where there are some limits on it," Says Winward.
Spears says he will continue to offer his service to residents out of Abilene city limits and see where it goes from there.
The public works department says they will definitely take what happened into consideration to maybe open up more room for similar ideas down the road.
Comments
Another business bites the dust in "business unfriendly" Abilene.
Gordon H.
April 23, 2012 at 9:39 pm
