For example, next month Hillsborough County (where I live) is upgrading its recycling program. Signs have been placed all around town announcing the changes. Kudos for the blanket coverage – no one can complain they weren’t told.
What’s Different?
First the bigger bin will accept more kinds of material. Before, I was limited to recycling plastic containers stamped with a 1 or a 2. The new bin will accept numbers 1 through 7. Much better!
Second, with the new bin there is no need to separate the papers from the glass, metal and plastic. All the recyclables land in ONE bin. I hope that encourages people to recycle more if it’s a less cumbersome process.
Third, the trash trucks will now have mechanical arms to lift and dump both trash and recyclables. This should spare the trash guys from breaking their arms and backs lifting heavy bins now. They can focus on the driving the truck. A good thing, since some people in Tampa seem to consider driving a full-contact sport.
Fourth, the new bins have wheels that enable rolling them to the curb. I hate to admit that at my age, I appreciate that.
The new bins have already been dropped off. I look forward to using them, knowing I’ll be recycling more and generating less trash. This will both reduce the need for virgin materials and also reduce the size of landfills, which emit greenhouse gases like methane.
A big “woo hoo” to the County! This is progress.
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