Pulaski County, Arkansas, reinforces recycling regulations

According to waste managers, these incidents are to do with the attempted disposal of items that are not suitable for recycling. Notable items include numerous car batteries, a Little Rock street sign, a small propane tank that exploded in a baler in February and a samurai sword, according to a report from THV11. 

“It’s a processing issue, it’s a cleaning issue,” says Rusty Miller, plant manager for Recycle America in Little Rock. “It’s a safety issue.”

Starting June 6, 2016, auditors will accompany the recycling trucks to examine curbside bins. If the bins contain material that cannot be recycled, they will be stamped with a sticker and  their contents will not be collected. 

“When they put three stickers on a bin, they will pick it up, and the person will have to find out from their city how to get it back,” Bailey Moll, a spokesperson for the district, told THV11. “That will probably entail some kind of education program.”

“We want to get people back on track,” Miller said. “We want to encourage them to do the right thing. To get their attention.”

Guidance and regulations for the recycling district can be found on its website.