Program Results and History
Reports:
February 2013 Report
February 2014 Report
February 2015 Report
February 2016 Report
Summary and Results
Recycling is collected every other week for 201,000 households. In 2018 the average program participation rate was 76.75%.
In 2018, the program diverted 4,762 tons of recyclable material from the landfill, saving $189,289.50 in landfill tipping fees.
Public Education, Outreach and Engagement
In 2013, the City won local, regional and national awards for its work. Using a multi-pronged outreach strategy, RecyColumbus combined intensive neighborhood level grassroots activities with smart media outreach to improve recycling rates. The program won a prestigious award-Green City of the Year 2013 by Waste & Recycling News.
Program History
The RecyColumbus program began in the summer of 2012, but the City of Columbus spans beyond the bounds of the I-270 outerbelt.
Anyone who is serviced by city trash with a 90 or 300 gallon container also receives free recycling collection. That leaves anyone who is serviced by a dumpster or anyone who is part of a complex that has specifically opted not to receive city trash services. These people are encouraged to use SWACO recycling drop boxes that can be relocated upon request per the discretion of SWACO.
Click here for the presentation made to City Council about the program.