Bigger Recycling Carts Available from Trash Haulers

Release Date: Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009

Ana Arias, Public Relations Coordinator, Natural Resources Department
; 970-221-6264

22 July 2009 -- (Fort Collins, CO) – A heightened commitment to recycling goals is evident in recent actions taken by the City of Fort Collins. A thirteen-year old “pay-as-you-throw” (PAYT) trash regulation was revamped to enable single-family households in Fort Collins to receive bigger recycling carts from their garbage company. The option to use a large, lidded cart for recycling, available by January 2010, is intended to meet demand for containers that hold the increased amount of recycling practiced in many homes.

In addition, citizens’ trash bills must now be limited to the use of volume-based rates for garbage. With their third quarter bills for 2009, customers will only pay the “pure” costs of trash. No incidental charges for fuel surcharges, “environmental” fees or base rates will appear on household bills. The purpose of the new, easier-to-read bill is to illustrate more clearly that “the less you throw away, the less you pay” for trash service.

The City’s actions are also aimed at helping people “right-size” their household trash subscriptions. By down sizing the family’s garbage can and signing up for larger recycling containers, citizens are likely to discard fewer materials in the waste stream. It provides Fort Collins residents an opportunity to save on households’ finances and contribute to local environmental stewardship.

The City has taken these actions to motivate people who are ready to “downsize” to contact their trash haulers and place the request for a smaller garbage can. There is no time restriction; changing trash can size can be done at any time. And while making that phone call, citizens may also ask to upgrade to a larger recycling bin (64-gallon or 96-gallon) to replace their open-topped recycling “tubs.” The large recycling carts have wheels, making them much easier to maneuver. The hinged lids protect contents from exposure to wind, rain and snow. The carts hold a large quantity of recyclables, which should help meet the needs of even the most avid recyclers.

Haulers must deliver the large-capacity recycling carts no later than January 1, 2010. At that time, new collection schedules will also take effect to change recycling to every-other-week pick-up service. This change in schedule will help reduce hauler costs. It also cuts in half the road damage and other impacts of recycling trucks in neighborhoods. Regular weekly trash-pick up will remain in effect. Just as before, recyclables will continue to be scheduled for the same day of the week as garbage collection (simply on alternate weeks).

For more information on how these actions help conserve natural resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, other benefits from the ordinance changes and a list of what can be recycled at curbside, visit http://www.fcgov.com/recycling. You may also call 970-221-6600. If you live in a multi-family complex where curbside recycling is not available, or if you have more sizeable recycling tasks, visit the City’s recycling drop-off center at 1702 Riverside in Fort Collins during daylight hours.

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