Green Cart Recycling Program

www.city-buffalo.com/recycle, Channel 22, and by calling 311. “We encourage city residents to use their new recycling carts immediately,” said Mayor Brown.  “Residents should start to follow their new bi-weekly schedule as soon as they get their carts.” Each of the carts will contain an RFID (radio frequency identification) tag to allow the city to accurately identify tonnage collected. With RFID tags in place, the city can keep track of inventory, and also measure the weight of recyclables to make sure the city is getting the proper reimbursement from the vendor. Under this new initiative, residents can put all recyclable material into the new roll out cart, including paper, plastic and metal.  When putting out recyclables, residents should rinse/clean containers, and be sure to place the recycling cart at the curb so the lid arrows face the street.  The same laws for garbage carts also apply for these new recycling carts. Currently, the city collects $480,000 for about 8000 tons of recyclables a year.  Based on national averages from other cities that have implemented similar programs, the city is expected to collect $960,000, once it doubles its curbside collection of recyclables. The city’s current weekly recycling program costs $1.9 million a year for collection only. With the new initiative, it will cost $1.2 million a year which includes collection and the new carts. The total for the first 4 years of operating this cart program will be $1.85 million annually. After the 4 year lease is complete, the city will claim full ownership and the cost will drop to a total of $1.2 million annually.  Reducing cost and increasing collectables has been a proven way of saving taxpayers money.  We are looking to make recycling part of everyday life, at work, home and at play.]]>