The Public Works Department is reminding residents to bag their trash, but not their recyclables. Officials say all trash should be bagged before being placed in the rollout cart to prevent flyaway litter as the trash cart is emptied into the trash truck.
On the other hand, recyclables should not be bagged or bundled before being placed in the recycling cart. Recyclables should be dropped loosely into the cart which helps when the items are being sorted at the recycling facility.
Finally, officials encourage residents to reference the “Waste Wizard” whenever they are uncertain as to whether an item is recyclable. Available on the Town website and as a function of the Town app, the Waste Wizard allows users to type in key words related to disposable household materials and receive valuable disposal tips. From aluminum cans and phone books to popcorn bags and plastic beverage bottles, the search tool helps residents determine which items can be recycled and which ones should be thrown away.
Waste Wizard also allows users to sign up for personalized trash and recycling collection reminders, download collection schedules and access online service request forms for bulk waste pickup, brush pickup and missed collections. For more information, email Sustainability Coordinator Jeanette Johnson at jjohnson@wakeforestnc.gov.
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2 Responses
The Town of Wake Forest residential recycling program merits a “fresh look”. It appears there is a significant amount of time spent communicating on what should and should not be recycled. Are we spending tax dollars for recycling without an equivalent offset?
In general, excluding construction debris and hazardous items (motor oil, car batteries, old paint, etc.), electronics, white goods like appliances (not an all-inclusive list); …most of the typical day-to-day household items that are not allowed in the landfill are aluminum cans, plastic bottles with a smaller neck, and yes, oyster shells.
Some NC municipalities have discontinued residential recycling for several reasons – cost; inappropriate and soiled materials in a single can; increasing amounts of inappropriate materials; etc. Gastonia, NC discontinued residential recycling in October 2020. Residents are directed to take recyclables to designated locations.
As I read on the UNC School of Government pages, a municipality cannot require a resident to recycle and pass the material to the municipality. Local governments can require the separation of recyclable materials from the municipal solid waste stream, the waste headed to the landfill.
Raleigh picks up mixed curbside recycling every other week. Maybe an idea we should consider. Better yet, get a clean sheet of paper out and work up a new plan.
Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy respond:
https://www.wsoctv.com/news/9investigates/everybody-needs-know-where-does-your-recycling-really-go/XXKA2TT2YRFLHJKR2EXNOAPFCY/