City of Columbus to Begin Weekly Residential Recycling Collection on June 12
The City of Columbus is expanding curbside collection of
residential recycling containers to weekly service beginning the week of June
12, Mayor Andrew J. Ginther announced today.
The expanded city service, versus the current biweekly collection,
is expected to increase the amount of recyclables collected by 25 to 40%,
divert these items from the landfill, and help meet the manufacturing need for recoverable
materials.
“Recycling supports jobs and a circular economy to help our
community and neighborhoods thrive,” said Mayor Ginther. “It is an important
tool to reduce carbon emissions, extend the life of the landfill, and meet
critical Columbus Climate Action Plan goals for a healthier, more equitable and
sustainable community.”
Of the locally collected recyclables, 95% go to businesses
in the U.S., and the vast majority of the recoverable materials are used by
manufacturers in Ohio and the Midwest. Climate Action Plan goals include
diverting 95% of recyclables from the landfill and achieving carbon neutrality
by 2050.
The enhancement to weekly recycling pickup was identified by
Mayor Ginther as a priority in his proposed 2023 operating budget. Since then,
the Department of Public Service’s Refuse Collection Division, with recycling
collection partner Rumpke Waste & Recycling, have been working on an
implementation plan.
“We continuously strive to provide exceptional core service
delivery to residents and neighborhoods every day, and intend to meet that high
bar with weekly recycling,” said Jennifer L. Gallagher, Public Service
Director. “Refuse Collection is a leader in the city’s efforts to reduce and
divert recyclables and waste going to the landfill.”
Approximately 22,000 city households will be notified via a
letter mailed to their address before June 12 that their recycling pickup day
is changing. The city and Rumpke have worked to minimize collection day schedule
changes while ensuring timely service will be provided.
In addition, all Columbus households will receive a mailer
prior to the start of weekly collection with information about the expanded
service and how to Recycle Right by placing acceptable recyclables in your blue
container.
“Increasing the frequency of recycling to a weekly pickup is
important because it will reduce the amount of waste sent to our SWACO landfill
and help families reduce the amount of waste going in their waste receptacle,”
said Councilmember Emmanuel V. Remy, Chair of the Environment Committee.
“Columbus residents and businesses continue to improve and increase their
recycling habits, and this monumental change will benefit the next generation
and beyond.”
Yard waste collection will remain on the current biweekly
schedule. Residents are encouraged to reduce the amount of yard waste set out
for collection by composting, mulching and leaving grass clippings on lawns for
healthy fertilization.
Residents may sign up at https://www.columbus.gov/publicservice/Refuse-Collection/
to receive reminders of their scheduled collection days for recycling, yard
waste and trash.