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City program to hit 15 mark |
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Friday, 07 August 2009 |
By MIKE BURKHOLDER
Managing Editor
ST. MARYS — As the citywide curbside recycling program turns 15 this year, usage of the service continues to remain the same — something city officials say they hope changes.
"I thought it would be increasing a bit," Solidwaste Superintendent Doug Metz told The Evening Leader. "I would think we would be at 50 percent participation."
St. Marys began offering the service in December 1994. At that time, Metz said participation was at approximately 30 percent — the same rate it is today.
"Some days it may hit 40 percent," Metz said. "But overall, it is not that high."
When the program started, each home received a blue bin to be placed at the curb for pickup. Metz said the practice continues as new homes are built and residents move into the city.
"Basically everyone should have one," Metz said. "They can come to the utility office to get one. We do charge $8 if they get damaged or broken — that's our cost."
To date this year, the city has collected approximately 115 tons of curbside recycling material. That averages out to approximately 17.71 tons per month. The city recently purchased a new recycling truck, slated to replace a model purchased when the program began 15 years ago. Metz said the new truck is identical to the old vehicle.
"The truck we ordered is replacing a 1994 model with almost 100,000 miles on it," Metz said. "It's basically worn out and it will replace our mainline truck."
Metz said he could not pinpoint a reason participation is below their expectations. However, Metz did point out there are some common mistakes people make that could deter them.
"The main thing is that people don't take lids off the items and rinse them out," Metz said. "They also need to look at the bottom of the products they are recycling, they should have a No.1 or No. 2 at the bottom."
In terms of plastics, the city will take anything — except motor oil and anti-freeze containers — with a No. 1 or No. 2 on it. Those logos should appear at the bottom of the container.
"Those are what we are recycling because that is what the market is," Metz said. "You may have others, but those aren't acceptable because we don't have a market to get rid of them, but that is changing."
The city also will collect any glass bottles, as long as the containers are rinsed out before being placed into the tubs. Aluminum, bi-metal, tin and steel containers must have labels removed and be rinsed out in order to be collected.
Newspapers should be placed in a paper bag next to the recycling tub. There is a limit of two bags per household per week and bags should not be placed out when it is raining. Items also can be dropped off at the city garage located along Chestnut Street. The facility, which is manned by volunteers, is open from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. the first and third Saturday of each month.
"The less we put in the landfill the better it is for the environment," Metz said. "Every pound you don't put in the ground is a benefit."
Safety-Service Director Tom Hitchcock said despite the low participation, there are no plans to eliminate curbside pickup of recyclables. The service, he said, is one that benefits too many to remove.
"Recycling is the right thing to do," Hitchcock said. "I cannot imaging just eliminating it."
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 01 September 2009 )
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