News
An easier way to go green
Jeff Schmucker
Published: October 25, 2012
BROOKSVILLE - City residents who want to do their part to help the environment — but aren't into all that sorting of recyclable garbage — now have new reason to think greener.Published: October 25, 2012
Residents who opt to participate in the city's recycling program can now mix their plastics, aluminum, tin, paper and cardboard in one bag as part of the new single stream recycling program.
As part of the new program, the city has also unveiled a new recycling truck that city officials believe will save them from using washed-down garbage trucks, along with wear and tear on those vehicles.
The $157,000 truck was approved for purchase in November and took until September to secure.
The collections take place every first and third Wednesday — eliminating one day of recycling pickup a month.
Prior to the changeover to single stream, residents could only put out specific recyclable items at a time. For example, newspapers were only picked up the second Wednesday of every month while cardboard was collected the following Wednesday.
Mike McQuown, sanitation operation supervisor for the city, said prior to the changeover, which took place Oct. 3, participants in the program were forced to collect recycled goods for a month before they could bring them outside for pickup.
"That was especially not good for the elderly," McQuown said. "They'd have this large collection of stuff and then couldn't get it out to the curb because it was too heavy."
Since the program was implemented, McQuown said, the number of participants has grown by roughly 100 participants from the estimated 500 who have signed up for the program.
As more become aware of the program, Public Works Director Richard Radacky said he hopes they will agree to sign on to take part.
"I think people would like to be good stewards to the environment as much as possible and this just makes it easier," Radacky said. "Again, this program is all volunteer and the more who participate, the more materials stay out of our landfills."
The recycling program was started in 2009 as part of a partnership with the Brooksville Walmart Distribution Center, which also donates the blue bags that are free to residents to use.
For more information or to sign up to have the recycle truck make a pickup at your residence, contact the Department of Public Works at (352) 540-3860.
jschmucker@hernandotoday.com (352) 544-5271