SURVEY FINDS RECYCLING LACKING IN OHIO
A statewide survey conducted by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) finds that more than 60 percent of Ohio’s residential and commercial waste can be recycled.
The "What’s In Our Garbage? Ohio’s Waste Characterization Study" concludes that Ohioans generate and dispose of more cardboard, office paper, newsprint and mixed paper each year than any other items. The study was conducted at 14 landfills and transfer stations, where 460 loads of Ohio-generated waste were examined during the spring and fall of 2003.
Paper made up 41 percent of Ohio’s total waste stream by weight, while recyclable plastics constituted 16 percent. Glass and metals also are being disposed of in large quantities.
Data from the study is intended to assist ODNR and recycling program managers to target specific materials for recycling.
The study also finds that about 75 percent of all loads contained loose wood, while carpet, including new rolls, carpet scraps and backing, was observed in 62 percent of the loads. Construction and demolition debris, such as drywall, screws, nails and insulation, was seen in 52 percent of the loads.
PHILLY REWARDS RECYCLERS
Philadelphia began a pilot program in January in which residents receive store coupons as incentives to participate in the city’s recycling program.
According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, 6,000 households in Chestnut Hill and East Oak Lane can participate in the six-month pilot. Depending on how much material they recycle, households can earn $5 in restaurant and store coupons for every 10 pounds they recycle up $25 per month. Residents will receive monthly statements showing their earnings.
The Inquirer reports that each of the 6,000 households will receive a 36-gallon container stamped with a unique bar code. Specially equipped trucks will scan the bar code and weigh the recyclables, which will include paper, cans, glass and plastic—a material that is not collected in other areas of the city—during collection. Patrick K. Fitzgerald and Ron Gonen of RecycleBank, Blue Bell, Pa., developed the idea.
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