×

No sorting needed: Negaunee Township ‘rolling out’ new recycling carts this week

NEGAUNEE — Recycling carts will soon be a familiar sight in Negaunee Township.

Negaunee Township Manager Nick Leach said officials are expecting to begin delivering around 1,400 carts to residents’ homes on Wednesday.

Residents can begin using the new carts beginning Nov. 2.

With the new system, residents will no longer need to sort and separate recyclable items, according to a township release. Instead, residents can place items into the new 64-gallon carts, which will the replace smaller bins that are currently in use.

The new carts have wheels to help with maneuvering, as well as attached lids to keep recyclable materials dry and secure.

Township officials ask that residents place only recyclable materials into their carts, including aluminum and steel cans, food and beverage cartons, paper products–including newspapers and flattened cardboard — and empty plastic bottles and containers.

Residents are also asked to give food and drink containers “a quick rinse” and then place them directly into the recycling cart, officials said.

“Some items that cannot be recycled include plastic bags, paper towels, pizza boxes, electrical equipment, batteries, and clothing,” the release states. “These items often get mixed into recycling carts because of ‘wishcycling,’ or the hope that they can be recycled. While well-intentioned, nonrecyclable items cause serious issues.”

It is also requested that residents refrain from placing glass bottles and jars into the recycling bins.

However, residents can drop off their glass from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays at the Negaunee Township Hall during the monthly rubbish drop-off day, according to the news release.

The $68,000 project was made possible by a $55,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy and $15,000 in matching funds from the Recycling Partnership, which is a nationwide nonprofit organization that works with city governments to transform recycling programs, Leach said.

The Recycling Partnership grant also provides funding for education and outreach regarding the new collection process.

“We are very excited to see  Negaunee Township make it easier for the community to recycle by providing new, lidded, rolling recycling carts to residents across the community,” Jill Martin, director of community programs at the Recycling Partnership, said in a news release. “Negaunee’s commitment to  improving residents’ access to recycling demonstrates that communities across the country recognize the tremendous value in wasting less. We would like to thank the American Beverage Association for partnering with us to fund this important  initiative to increase recycling access, participation and education that will aid in supporting local jobs, saving taxpayer money, protecting the environment, and keeping the Great Lakes state’s waterways clean and beautiful.”

Negaunee Township was selected to receive EGLE grant support “because of its dedication to advancing recycling in the community,” the release states.

For more information on what can and can’t go into the cart, visit www.negauneetownship.org

To find your recycling day and answers to other frequently asked questions, visit http://www.negauneetownship.org/sanitation_department.php or contact Negaunee Township officials at 906-475-7869.

Lisa Bowers can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 242. Her email address is lbowers@miningjournal.net.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today