The city of Indianapolis, Ind., launched a new, comprehensive recycling program with a press conference Aug. 29. The program includes the launch of Recycle Indianapolis and Downtown Recycling Initiative.
The Recycle Indianapolis program is designed to increase the participation in both the city, as well as the county, to becoming more recycling conscious. The program will highlight the ease of use, waste reduction and environmental responsibility of becoming more attuned to recycling.
To boost the visibility of recycling in the area, the city will be holding a number of community forums with residents. At these programs the city will solicit input from residents on how the city can improve the program.
Adding to the steps the city is taking to boost recycling levels, the city has a new Web site, www.indygov.org/recycleindy, that includes all the recycling information at one site.
The Recycle Indianapolis program will encompass all facets of the city’s recycling program, including curbside collection, drop-off sites, toxdrops, electronic scrap program, leaf collection and white goods.
Currently, about 12 percent of the 254,579 homes in Marion County eligible for curbside recycling subscribe to the service. To preclude the city from subsidizing curbside recycling, participation must increase. Curbside service is available for about $5 per month but costs the city $8.57 per week for collection and processing of the recyclable materials.
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In addition to the launch of Recycle Indianapolis, the Department of Public Works kicked off the Downtown Recycling Initiative in partnership with Waste Management and Indianapolis Downtown, Inc.
Decorative recycling containers supplied by Waste Management have been placed in five strategic downtown Indianapolis locations to promote aluminum and plastic recycling among residents, businesses and tourists.