For decades, Americans have been steadily embracing the concept of recycling as a means to help keep the environment clean, preserve resources, and beautify their communities.
From cardboard and glass to plastics and aluminum, we have become accustomed to throwing many things in the recycling bin rather than the trash can.
No more so than right here in The Colony, where our customers continue to be active participants in the city’s recycling program. Through its partnership with Republic Services, The Colony residents recycled almost 4,000 tons of materials this past year.
Times, however, are changing. Searching the latest news stories online about recycling reveals an industry in flux as international markets for raw materials shrink, driving up the costs of collecting, transporting, and storing recyclables. As a result, it has become more important than ever for customers to adhere to recycling best practices such as keeping contaminated items out of the recycling stream.
Those best practices for reducing recycling contamination include:
- all paper and cardboard items (such as pizza boxes) must be free of food particles;
- all food and beverage cans must be empty and rinsed clean; and,
- lids from plastic containers must be removed and discarded.
In addition, the following items should NOT be put in the recycling bin:
- plastic bags;
- grass clippings, brush, or limbs;
- household trash;
- tires;
- batteries;
- paints or hazardous waste;
- automotive/window glass, ceramics, or china;
- light bulbs;
- Styrofoam;
- plastic toys;
- wax paper/food containers; or,
- aluminum foil.
Efficient collection of trash and recyclables also helps keep costs down for everyone. Residents are reminded to put their carts out on the curb by 7 a.m. on their regular trash/recycling collection days. They may also put them out the night before. Collection occurs anytime between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Also, modern collection trucks are equipped with cameras and GPS tracking devices, facilitating effective oversight of the drivers’ route, performance, and any issues they encounter during the day.
For more information about recycling or related programs, please contact the city’s Environmental Services Department at 972-624-3131.