City of Columbus

Columbus Launches Recycling on High Pilot Program

MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release 
August 7, 2013 

For More Information:
John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798
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Building on the success of its residential recycling program, Columbus is launching a new pilot program to increase recycling in public spaces, bars and restaurants on High Street between Broad Street and Lane Avenue. On July 30, crews began installing 130 recycling containers next to existing litter containers in an effort to increase accessibility for pedestrians to recycle Downtown. The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency is partnering with the city on this program.

“I am proud of the continuing efforts we are making to improve our recycling habits,” Mayor Michael B. Coleman said. “Increased recycling opportunities allow Columbus to continue its growth as a leader in sustainability.”

One bar generates an estimated five tons of glass per month, and 90 percent of Ohio’s glass currently ends up at a landfill. The Recycling on High pilot aims to divert 1,500 tons of glass and other materials out of the landfill, to be reused by Ohio-based companies.

“The Downtown area is the heart of our city,” said City Councilmember Eileen Y.Paley. “The community will greatly benefit from their favorite restaurants, bars and public spaces setting a positive and lasting example for environmental stewardship.”

Rumpke Recycling, currently responsible for collection of household recyclables, will collect both the restaurant and pedestrian recyclables for transport to their processing site for sorting. The glass will be sorted from other materials at the Rumpke facility, and then transported to the Glass Processing Plant located in Dayton, Ohio. Once there, 60 percent of the glass will be used for insulation and sent to companies such as Johns-Manville in Defiance, Ohio, and Owens Corning in Newark, Ohio. The other 40 percent will be used for glass bottles and sent to Owens-Illinois in Zanesville, Ohio, and other locations. This initiative will include up to forty Columbus bars and restaurants that are located on High Street from Broad Street, to Lane Avenue.

The City of Columbus will provide bar and restaurant owners with recycling containers, employee training, and collection three times per week during the pilot year. Interested parties can contact 645-3111 for more information.