The city of Auburn is going to be getting back its recycling receptacle at the end of this month but Mayor Dewey Roche warns this may be the last chance the city gets if they don’t use it properly.

The receptacle was located behind the ambulance service on Main Street until it was removed for improper use.

According to Logan County Jailer Bill Jenkins, who runs the recycling program, the Auburn receptacle was being used as a “dump” instead of what it is designed for which is recyclable commodities including glass, plastic, aluminum and paper.

In the weeks before the removal of the receptacle, Jenkins said people had thrown in dirty diapers, plaster, wet carpet and the latest – bags of old meat which laid in the bin for over a week drawing maggots and a creating a horrible smell.

Mayor Roche said he was frustrated at the misuse of the receptacle because there were a lot of citizens, including his wife, who used the bin properly. Roche said he understood why Jenkins pulled the receptacle but didn’t really know what the solution would be.

Jenkins had mentioned putting the receptacle in a more visible location to cut down on misuse; however, mayor Roche said those who misuse the bin will do so wherever it is placed so all he can do is plead with those who wrongfully use the receptacle and ask them to stop or they will ruin it for everyone.

“This is our last chance,” said Roche who wants to preserve the recycling program in his city. “We have to get across to those who are doing this to please stop. There are a lot of people in our community that want to recycle and that is good for our environment. We just need to make sure we do so in a proper manner,” said Roche.