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Residents seem happy with recycling program
(by Tara Figurski, staff writer - August 03, 2012)
Since the city of Columbus started its residential recycling program in June, approximately 414 tons of reusable materials have been recycled.
According to city officials, the program has saved the city nearly $23,000 in fees if the materials were dumped in the landfill instead of being recycled.
Westside residents, for the most part, are pleased with the program.
Stuart Osborne said his family thought about recycling prior the Columbus program, but didn’t want to pay the monthly fee.
“When they announced they were doing recycling, we were very excited,” he said. “We were one of the first communities to get the recycling bins. We love it.”
Osborne said he has seen a huge decrease in the amount of trash generated by his family. Before recycling, they put out three to four trash bags a week. Now, they put out one bag.
“We have a 1-year-old,” he said. “We have a lot of prepackaged food.”
Resident Debi Hampton has also been pleased with the program. She said the convenience is great, but she is disappointed not all of the recycling bins in the neighborhood are filled to the gill.
“We would like to have it every week or have larger cans,” Hampton said.
The city collects plastic, glass and other recyclable materials from homes throughout Columbus.
City officials said education efforts included community presentations, neighborhood posters and displays, media coverage and telephone call reminders to recycle.
Recycling is collected at no additional cost to residents every two weeks, alternating with yard waste collection.
According to officials, the program should save the city millions of dollars in landfill costs over several years.
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