Recycle Ann Arbor expanding composting, recycling services for special events

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.

At the Mayor’s Green Fair June 8, Recycle Ann Arbor was able to divert 94 percent of the waste from the event from the trash by collecting compostable and recyclable materials.

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.