A Word About Recycling with Ollie Maier
For the past couple of weeks, we addressed how the recycling programs were being affected by the virus in three different sized cities: New York, our Austin, and Fort Collins, Co. The information was gathered from an article in the Resource Recycling newsletter.
The same newsletter also had an article on the virus effects in Temple. We mentioned it because that city is somewhat similar in size (78,000) to our San Marcos. Thus, we wanted to cover it too. So here goes…
The article was titled Community Spotlight: Small Texas city rolls with COVID-19 and continues program evolution.
It explained the city of Temple, first explored curbside recycling in 1998. It started with just a small collection effort in one neighborhood. Since then, its weekly recycling curbside program has grown in to a citywide single-stream service. It also helps neighboring communities move their recyclables.
But just like many other cities, Temple’s recycling program was greatly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Initially, it caused the city to concentrate more on boosting safety at its recycling center than on diversion. However, after a short period, its “…center reopened and material is once again being diverted from disposal.”
The city’s Public Works Director commented, “We are happy we were able to find a way to resume this service while still maintaining proper safety precautions.”
A little more about Temple’s recycling program. The 78,000 residents recycled 3,330 tons of materials last year. That is currently a 10% diversion rate, but the city is aiming for it to go much higher through an educational program. It sends most of the recycled materials to the Balcones Resources MRF in Austin. However, some of its OCC, shredded office paper, and ONP, is baled and shipped directly to paper mills.
They have a twice-a-week waste collection curb-side. And once a week recycling pickup when an estimated 65% and 70% put their recycling carts out. Both are funded by monthly service fees. They also take material from the surrounding cities of Belton, Killeen, Salado and Troy.
The recycling program currently has roughly 170 commercial recycling customers that generate OCC. They are looking to increase that number as well as improving diversion from their multi-family generators. The contamination rate is similar to that of most cities or roughly 20% with efforts to bring it down to about 10%. A cart-tagging system is used to inform residents about any contamination it finds in their cart.
When the virus hit, the city incorporated “…new safety procedures and procured additional personal protective equipment.” Workers are now provided with respirators, gloves and are trained on proper social distancing. Also, ventilation is being increased and hand-washing sinks are being installed at the facility.
Enough about that city’s program and efforts during the virus, as well as the other three cities we covered before. Will try to get more information on what our Green Guy Recycling Services drop-off site did/is doing during this continued virus problem. (We are quite sure those of you who use it are just as interested as we are.)
Till next week, do have a great one...
