Bristol Expands Recycling Options as Transit Changes Approach July 1 |
Residents can now recycle more materials at city drop-off sites, while bus riders should prepare for higher fares and reduced weekend services. |
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BRISTOL, Tenn. — Bristol residents are seeing two significant changes to city services: an expanded recycling program is already in place, and new transit fares and operating hours will take effect July 1.
The city’s four recycling drop-off sites now accept corrugated cardboard, mixed paper, aluminum, tin, and No. 1, No. 2 and No. 5 plastics. The expansion follows a new agreement with Sullivan County, which will transport the collected materials to the Blountville Regional Recycling Facility for processing.
Glass recycling is also available, but only at the Blackley Road location near the city transit garage. Residents using any of the sites should place materials in the appropriate containers, keep plastic bags out of the bins and remove Styrofoam, bubble wrap and other packing materials from cardboard boxes.
Bristol’s recycling centers are located at 2972 Broad Street at Steele Creek Park, 369 Exide Drive at Fire Station No. 4, 1109 King College Road at the former Fire Station No. 2 and 110 Blackley Road. The Blackley Road and Exide Drive centers are open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Both locations recently received paved lots, fencing and surveillance equipment intended to discourage illegal dumping and improve conditions for customers.
Transit riders will encounter a separate set of changes beginning Wednesday, July 1. The cost of a one-way trip on Bristol Tennessee Transit’s fixed-route, Paratransit and Job Access vehicles will increase from 60 cents to $1. City Council approved the new fare structure following a public-input period.
A discounted 50-cent fare will be available on fixed-route buses for passengers age 65 and older, people with disabilities, military veterans, and Medicare or Medicaid cardholders. Riders may also purchase a $20 monthly pass for unlimited fixed-route trips or a $10 pass covering 12 trips across the city’s three transit programs.
Service schedules are changing as well. Saturday service will end for Paratransit and Job Access buses. Weekday Paratransit service will operate from 6:15 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, matching the city’s fixed-route schedule.
Residents who depend on weekend transportation or qualify for discounted fares should review the changes before July 1 and make any necessary travel arrangements. Transit questions may be directed to Bristol Tennessee Transit at 423-989-5688, while recycling questions may be directed to the city’s Public Services Department at 423-989-5632. |