The city of Cleveland announced that it is canceling its curbside recyclables collection program. The city cited the decision as a way to balance the budget, which, like many other cities, has been hard hit by the economic problems over the past several years.
The city recently reported a $61 million financial deficit, and has taken a number of sizable steps to rein in costs.
Curbside recycling will be completely eliminated and all 16 of the city's recycling drop-off centers will close, taking 15 jobs with them and saving the city $820,000.
The cuts will cost 44 workers their jobs and save the city $2.6 million, city leaders say.
As a consolation, Cleveland will open paper recycling drop-off stations at 10 city recreation centers sometime after Jan. 1.