The city has entered into an agreement that will offer another recycling option for residents. In addition to its current recycling program, residents will now be able to add “soft recyclables” to the items they can recycle weekly.
The city currently collects recycling through Rumpke Waste and Recycling, who also handles the city’s rubbish removal. Starting last spring, Rumpke provided 64-gallon bins to pick up co-mingled recycling items that include plastic bottles and jugs, cartons, metal cans, cardboard, paper and glass bottles and jars. With the new program, special bags will be provided to use for soft recyclables.
According to the agreement, “Soft Recyclable means items of an individual weight less than fifty (50) pounds and can be carried by one person. Soft Recyclables include primarily men’s, women’s and children’s clothing as well as items such as jewelry, shoes, purses, hats, toys, pictures, mirrors, blankets, drapes and curtains, pillows, rags, sewing scraps, sleeping bags, small furniture, small appliances, irons, radios and audio equipment, TVs and video equipment, cameras, lamps, hair dryers, tools, toasters, microwaves, coffee makers, computers and household or consumer electronics, silverware, dishes, pots and pans, glasses and the like.”
Mayor Bob Stefanik said that the new option is a winning opportunity for all. “It keeps stuff out of the landfill and is great for those who don’t want to bother holding things until a collection is made.” The opportunity to recycle these goods will take place each week, when residents can simply place the items they wish to recycle in the provided bags and take them to the curb with their regular rubbish. Stefanik said that the new option will also appeal to those who embrace recycling. “This is just another step in recycling and in savings,” said North Royalton City Council President, Larry Antoskiewicz. “This helps to keep recycling mind set in people’s. City Council unanimously adopted legislation at their April 3 meeting which allows the Mayor to enter into an agreement for the curbside collection, recycling and disposition of soft recyclables with Great Lakes Recycling, Incorporated, also known as Simple Recycling. The agreement spans a four-year initial term, with future renewal possibilities. There is no cost to the city or residents for this service. The city will save money in tipping fees to the landfill for the items that may have normally been included with trash. Stefanik said other communities have utilized this service and have saved on the tonnage not going into the landfill. The city of North Olmsted has saved 20 tons, Bay Village 31 tons, and Westlake 48 tons, by utilizing this service. The city will also receive a contract fee of one cent per pound of gross receipts of soft recyclables collected. Stefanik said it could add up to about $15-$20,000 per year.
This new option will begin in June, according to Stefanik. Complete information about the program will be distributed to each resident in May.
By GLORIA PLEVA KACIK
Contributing Writer