Recycle Ann Arbor expanding composting, recycling services for special events
Special event coordinators interested in organizing functions with “zero-waste” soon will be able to make use of a new service offered by Recycle Ann Arbor.
The nonprofit organization has received a grant from the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation that will allow it to purchase compost and recycling receptacles that can be used by other groups at events as soon as late this summer.
People mill about at the Mayor's Green Fair in downtown Ann Arbor June 8. Recycle Ann Arbor has received a grant that will allow them to provide recycling and compost bins at special public events like the Green Fair, and private events as well.
Jeffrey Smith | AnnArbor.com
Kendra Pyle, senior recycling coordinator, said Recycle Ann Arbor will be offering the service free of charge to special events sponsored by the city. For private events, there will be a service charge for use of the compost and recycling bins.
“I think that people really do want to recycle, and they really want to do more with the zero waste, “ Lyle said.
The $2,789 grant will be used to purchase folding metal frames that have a space for recyclable and compostable materials. The frames can hold 30-gallon bags for each, and will be placed next to smaller trash bins to encourage people to use them, Pyle said.
The compost bins can accept more materials than the city of Ann Arbor takes in its program, Pyle said - including paper plates, paper napkins, corn-based and potato-starch products and bio plastics.
The bins will be available for events by the end of the summer, Pyle said. Email Pyle at Kendra@recycleannarbor.org to find out more information about how to get the bins at an event.
Amy Biolchini covers Washtenaw County, health and environmental issues for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at (734) 623-2552, amybiolchini@annarbor.com or on Twitter.
Comments
MrBeasley
Sun, Jun 17, 2012 : 5:32 p.m.
Why don't the Ann Arbor Public Schools have a better recycling program? I went to an end of the year party at an elementary school and they were throwing away all of the juice bottles and pizza boxes. I asked why we weren't recycling them and was told that the school is only able to recycle paper! I took home two big bags of recycling and filled my recycle bin, and that was from just one classroom. I agree with Barzoom, get rid of the rewards program and increase the service.
Jim Osborn
Sun, Jun 17, 2012 : 1:32 p.m.
In some of the townships that surround Ann Arbor such as Pittsfield, there is no recycling required in apartment buildings. Residents move in and out on a frequent basis, and discard a lot of cardboard boxes into the dumpsters after a move-in. While living there, there is the usual plastic, newspapers, and such, and then when a resident moves out, a lot of what could be recycled gets tossed into a dumpster. Most places have two dumpsters side-by-side, where one could become a recyclable one. It is a single stop, vs many for single family homes. Meanwhile, the City of Ann Arbor is trying to recycle gum wrappers. The low-hanging fruit is in the townships.
Barzoom
Sun, Jun 17, 2012 : 11:26 a.m.
Most people in Ann Arbor and the surrounding area are very conscious of recycling. Forget the rewards programs and the hype. Just do a good job performing your service and more people will come on board.