By BRENNAN WHITE

Journal Staff Writer

MARQUETTE – The city of Marquette will begin rolling out new recycling carts for residents next week as it officially launches its carted “single-stream” collection service.

Workers is distributing 6,100 of the 64-gallon recycling carts to each city residence on Monday for use with the city’s single-stream recycling program.

The wheeled carts will replace the smaller bins currently used for residential recycling

Officials say the wheels make the carts easy to maneuver, even in the winter, and the attached lids to keep recycled materials dry and secure.

Paper, plastic and cans can all be recycled in the same receptical, sorting is not necessary. The program is funded by grants from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy and The Recycling Partnership, a nonprofit organization that works with city governments nationwide to transform their recycling programs.

According to a city press release the city was awarded the grants because of its dedication to advancing recycling in the community.

In addition to the carts, the grant funding will help pay education and outreach about the new collection process.

Marquette’s City Manager Karen Kovacs acknowledged that some residents who have disabilities or are elderly may have a hard time moving the carts. But she said the city has come up with a solution for that.

“For any household not having an able-bodied person there is special accommodation that can be arranged with Public Works,” Kovacs said. “These carts are a viable and safe option. Rolling something versus carrying it, especially in winter is safer. A cart is much larger too so you don’t have to put it out every week. The ultimate goal is to increase our recycling.”

She said the city asks residents continue to do their part by placing only recyclable materials in their carts, including aluminum and steel cans, paper products – including newspapers and flattened cardboard, and empty plastic bottles and containers.

To help limit contamination, give food, and drink containers a quick rinse and then place them directly into the recycling cart; no sorting is needed.

Glass will not be collected curbside but is eligible for recycling through drop-off locations only.

Glass drop-off locations include Waste Management at 910 W. Baraga Ave. and the Municipal Service Center at 1100 Wright St.

Some items that cannot be recycled include plastic bags, film plastics, paper towels, electrical equipment, batteries and clothing. These items often get mixed into recycling carts because of “wishcycling,” or the hope that they can be recycled. While well-intentioned, non-recyclable items cause serious issues.

Pick-up for the old carts will start the following Monday, although they must be emptied in order to be taken.

For more information on what can and cannot go into the cart, visit www.recycle906.com.

Residents can begin using their new carts immediately upon arrival. To find your recycling day, plus answers to other frequently asked questions, visit www.marquettemi.gov or contact the Public Works Department at 906-228-0444.

Brennan White can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 248. His email address is bwhite@miningjournal.net.