Columbus Scores New High In Recycling Rates
Columbus’ blue recycling carts are filling up like never
before, with 78 percent of all households with the recycling containers
participating in the citywide program, the highest percentage in the program’s
history. The increased participation is found in a July survey conducted
by Rumpke Waste & Recycling Services, the City’s recycling contractor.
"I am
so proud of how residents have enthusiastically embraced recycling in Columbus,” said Mayor Michael B. Coleman. "People are
telling us it’s easy being green, and that the amount of trash they toss into
their regular garbage bins has been cut in half because they are now recycling.
“
Rumpke’s
two-week survey conducted July 13-17, and July 20-24, showed the highest
participation percentage in the City’s recycling program since a similar
check in the spring of 2013. The spring 2013
survey showed a 73.5 percent participation rate. During the July
2015 survey, residents recycled 1,356 tons of recycled plastics, metals and
paper, the second highest tonnage of materials since the program started.
Residents recycled 1,377 tons of materials during a two-week period in April
2014.
“Residents recognize that participation in the household
recycling program is good for Columbus and good for the environment,” said
Councilmember Shannon G. Hardin, chair of the Public Service &
Transportation Committee. “I encourage all residents to do whatever they
can to make RecyColumbus even more successful in the years to come.”
Since the start of the recycling program in June 2012 through July 31,
2015, the citywide program has recycled 95,129 tons of materials that would
have otherwise been dumped at the Franklin County Landfill.
The program currently serves a total of 201,220 households. The total
recycling has resulted in a savings of nearly $5.3 million in landfill tipping
fees.
For more information about RecyColumbus, visit columbus.gov/RecyColumbus.
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