Test Shows More Recycle When Items Not Separated
The Reno Gazette-Journal reports that a pilot program in 2007 of single-stream recycling more than tripled the amount recycled, and the county is considering a permanent switch as a result.
Reno included 866 households in a three month test where residents did not have to separate recyclables. Instead of using multiple crates for different materials, plastic were all placed in one 96-gallon bin.
Biweekly collections went from 5,000 to 17,000 pounds during the pilot program.
It would cost $5 million to buy bins for all 128,000 households in the county, $5 million for new trucks and $3 million to upgrade the recycling center.
The Reno council is also investigating recycling solutions for hotels/casinos and apartments/condos. To find a curbside program in your area, use Earth 911’s recycling locator.
