High-tech Recycling and Trash Containers Coming to Short North
For Immediate Release
September 23, 2014
For More Information:
John Ivanic, City Council, 645-6798
Leslie Strader, Mayor’s Office, 614-645-7673
Rick Gaudette,
BigBelly Solar, 617-500-2584
The City of Columbus has purchased specialized smart recycling and trash containers for the Short North that can sense a container’s capacity and alert city crews to the need for collection. With onsite compaction of trash, the containers can hold four times the amount of material that a standard container can hold, which could reduce collection frequency. Recyclables will not be compacted, to ensure they can be sorted at the recycling processing facility.
“These new containers will reduce trash overflows in our neighborhoods and protect our environment by reducing the amount of waste we send to the landfill,” Mayor Michael B. Coleman said.
The first of the containers manufactured by BigBelly Solar is scheduled to be installed at 8 a.m. on September 23 at the North Market. Weather permitting, the remaining containers will be installed at the following North High Street addresses: 59, 611, 714, 841, 1030, 1109, and 1155. Patrons can recycle the same items in the BigBelly Solar containers as they do at home in their blue recycling carts, including glass and plastic bottles, cans, and paper.
“Residents and visitors in and along the High Street corridor are ready to embrace a new, environmentally friendly way of making sure this area is clean,” said Councilmember Michelle M. Mills, chair of the Environment Committee.
The Short North was chosen as the location to pilot the containers because of demand from businesses and residents as well as widespread usage of existing recycling services. Other neighborhoods may be considered for additional containers based upon need, demand and the success of the pilot containers in the Short North.
“The Short North Arts District is excited to participate in this partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Environmental Stewardship,” said Betsy Pandora, executive director of the Short North Alliance. “Businesses in the District have excitedly embraced recycling efforts through last year's glass bottle recycling program and are now thrilled that they are able to more broadly encourage recycling among their customers and visitors on our vibrant streets. We think that recycling is a factor in the consumer decisions of environmentally minded people and we're pleased that through this partnership, the Short North Arts District can help to promote green practices.”
“The new containers will be a meaningful asset to our city and the North Market, and we are excited to be at the forefront of this program,” said Rick Harrison Wolfe, North Market executive director.
Residential recycling began in 2012, followed by the installation of pedestrian recycling containers in 2013.
“We are excited to see the City of Columbus moving forward with this pilot,” said Rick Gaudette, BigBelly sales director. “Our solution will enable the city to reduce litter overflow, improve recycling and free up city services for other important city maintenance issues.”