Normal collects bulk waste items at the curb and with a new agreement will haul the materials to Henson Disposal in Bloomington to recycle the waste. (Stephanie Pawlowski/WJBC)

By Stephanie Pawlowski

NORMAL - Normal has approved a new agreement with Henson Disposal to recycle bulk waste left at the curb, but there were some concerns from McLean County officials.

City Manager Mark Peterson said the county administers state pollution controls on the local level and officials called his office Monday afternoon concerned that Henson might not have the proper permits to accept waste.

"We had spoken with the ownership of Henson Disposal and they have assured us that they are permitted to receive bulky waste, and they acknowledged they are not permitted to accept what we term household solid waste," Peterson said.

The town council was told Monday night that no materials will be sent to Henson until there's confirmation on the permits.

Councilman Jeff Fritzen also wanted to clarify to residents that the town will still collect bulk waste items.

"And it will deliver it to the Henson facility, just so there's no confusion there that we're not outsourcing the pickup of bulky waste," Fritzen said. "It's still going to be a town crew that will be around every week to pick it up."

Bulk waste items include anything from appliances to lawn mowers, shingles, metal and more.

Town staff said in 2012, the town collected and disposed of almost 12,000 tons of solid waste which included 8,500 tons of household waste and 3,200 tons of bulk waste.

Stephanie Pawlowski can be reached at Stephanie.Pawlowski@cumulus.com