New recycling roll carts are coming to Portland neighborhoods between May and July. The heart of the new system is replacing the two yellow recycling bins currently used with a single roll cart. All material currently placed in the yellow bins can be combined in the roll cart, except glass. A lid keeps recyclables dry and sturdy wheels make the cart easy to set out. The carts also are easier and safer for trash haulers to collect, since mechanized trucks can tip the carts into the truck. Glass should be placed in one of the remaining yellow bins.
Last August the Portland City Council adopted the residential portion of the Portland Recycles! Plan which includes changes that will help people recycle more by making it easier and more convenient.
Here’s what you need to know:
In July, your garbage bill will go up by about $2.60 a month to help pay for the new carts, double the yard debris volume and greatly expand plastics recycling.
Faced with a growing waste stream, a stalled recycling rate and concerns about energy use and global warming, the Portland City Council set the following goals for Portland’s waste and recycling system:
The Office of Sustainable Development, working closely with citizens, recycling advocates and solid waste industry representatives, created the Portland Recycles! Plan. New roll carts for recycling and yard debris, and the addition of more plastics, are included in the first phase of the Plan. The Plan also calls for using 20 percent biodiesel fuel in collection vehicles and installing diesel filters to reduce pollution.
You can learn more about the Portland Recycles! Plan at www.portlandonline.com/osd.