2008 Woodie Awards
Recycling comes to Newark curbs
Christine Gordy
Issue date: 3/4/08 Section: News
Newark has proposed instituting a curbside recycling program in 2009.
Inspired by a similar program in Wilmington, Newark commissioned a study to determine the best way to introduce recycling to the community.
Currently, the Delaware Solid Waste Authority picks up recycling directly from residents' homes for a monthly cost of $6, but by 2009, city officials hope that by instituting their own free program, participation will spread across the whole town.
According to a survey distributed to Newark residents last year, only 20 percent of the community said they would recycle if there were a monthly cost - even if it was only $5. Ninety percent of residents would recycle if it was free, the survey showed.
A report written by Public Works director Richard Lapointe in September said there are three options to institute recycling currently being considered by the city.
One is for the city to collect the recyclables by using its existing equipment. Another option calls for contracting with DSWA to pick up Newark's recyclables, which would cost the city approximately $200,000.
A third option, using the recycling company RecycleBank, would cost the city approximately $56,935. RecycleBank, currently used by Wilmington, gives residents vouchers for local businesses based on how much they recycle.
The report recommended the city institute a voluntary, once-a-week curbside recycling program run by Newark. This would save the city an estimated $23,654 due to reduced landfill fees.
Lapointe said currently Newark picks up refuse twice each week. Under the plan, the city would reduce garbage pick-up to once per week and use the second day to pick up recyclables.
"That way we're not going to have to use any additional labor or equipment," he said. "That way it's much more economical."
Recycling will not be mandatory, but some households may find it necessary with garbage collection reduced, Lapointe said.
He also said purchasing recycling bins for residents will cost the city approximately $300,000.
Inspired by a similar program in Wilmington, Newark commissioned a study to determine the best way to introduce recycling to the community.
Currently, the Delaware Solid Waste Authority picks up recycling directly from residents' homes for a monthly cost of $6, but by 2009, city officials hope that by instituting their own free program, participation will spread across the whole town.
According to a survey distributed to Newark residents last year, only 20 percent of the community said they would recycle if there were a monthly cost - even if it was only $5. Ninety percent of residents would recycle if it was free, the survey showed.
A report written by Public Works director Richard Lapointe in September said there are three options to institute recycling currently being considered by the city.
One is for the city to collect the recyclables by using its existing equipment. Another option calls for contracting with DSWA to pick up Newark's recyclables, which would cost the city approximately $200,000.
A third option, using the recycling company RecycleBank, would cost the city approximately $56,935. RecycleBank, currently used by Wilmington, gives residents vouchers for local businesses based on how much they recycle.
The report recommended the city institute a voluntary, once-a-week curbside recycling program run by Newark. This would save the city an estimated $23,654 due to reduced landfill fees.
Lapointe said currently Newark picks up refuse twice each week. Under the plan, the city would reduce garbage pick-up to once per week and use the second day to pick up recyclables.
"That way we're not going to have to use any additional labor or equipment," he said. "That way it's much more economical."
Recycling will not be mandatory, but some households may find it necessary with garbage collection reduced, Lapointe said.
He also said purchasing recycling bins for residents will cost the city approximately $300,000.
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