(Please see associated article about the town’s contract for recycling with Republic Services and the additional costs.)
The Town of Wake Forest is urging residents not to place plastic bags or plastic wrap/film in their recycling carts. Starting June 1, recycling rollout carts that contain plastic bags or wrap will not be serviced and instead will be tagged with a non-collection notice.
Most curbside recycling facilities are set up to handle rigid (hard) materials that are easy to separate using machinery, such as aluminum cans, glass bottles, plastic containers and lids, metal cans and cardboard/paper. These facilities typically do not accept softer items, including used plastic grocery bags, because whenever a flimsy film plastic bag gets into the system, it can snag conveyor belts and wheels in the sorting machines, bringing the process to a grinding halt.
Used plastic bags and wraps can be recycled into new materials, but they require a different collection system and processing equipment than most curbside recycling programs provide. Many retail locations across the country, including large grocery chains and home improvement stores, provide collection bins for these plastic bags and wraps, usually in the storefront close to the main entrance. When these bags and wraps get recycled, they are turned into new products, such as backyard decking, fences, playground equipment, pipes – and even new plastic bags.
The Waste Wizard makes it easy for Wake Forest residents to know which disposable household materials can be recycled and which ones should be thrown away.
Available on the Town’s website at www.wakeforestnc.gov/public-works/sanitation/waste-wizard<http://www.wakeforestnc.gov/public-works/sanitation/waste-wizard>, the “Waste Wizard” is an interactive tool that 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 bags, the search tool helps residents effectively sort their recyclables from their trash. The Waste Wizard also allows users to sign up for waste collection reminders and download collection schedules.
As a bonus, the Waste Wizard is provided as a function on the Town of Wake Forest app. For more information or to download the Town’s app, visit www.wakeforestnc.gov/app.aspx<http://www.wakeforestnc.gov/app.aspx>.
For more information about Wake Forest sanitation service, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Sanitation” or contact Assistant Public Works Director Allison Snyder at 919-435-9585 or asnyder@wakeforestnc.gov<mailto:asnyder@wakeforestnc.gov>.
