CLEVELAND – Clevelanders can now opt in to a new curbside recycling program.
As an overview of the new program, Sustainable Cleveland will host a “Waste Collection and Recycling in Cleveland” virtual presentation from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
Residents can register for the presentation online. Presenters will explain how waste is managed by the city and how the program is expected to work. They also will address frequently asked questions.
Residents have until Oct. 22 to opt-in to the new service by using an online form or calling 216-664-3030. By opting in, residents make a pledge to recycle responsibly and follow the program’s guidelines, the city said.
The city said it will retrieve the blue recycling bins from those who choose not to participate.
- Cleveland’s curbside recycling program ended in April 2020. At the time, the city tried to enter into a new contract, but couldn’t find one that was affordable because the global-recycling landscape was changing.
In 2018, China announced its National Sword Policy, saying it would no longer take a majority of materials, including most plastics, it had once accepted from countries around the world, citing contamination.
Recycling is considered contaminated when materials that can’t be recycled are mixed with acceptable materials, making sorting and processing more costly.
A 2019 audit conducted the city’s materials recovery facility revealed about 68% of the city’s recycling was contaminated and had to be sent to a landfill.
Among the materials that will be accepted under the new program are cans, cartons, glass, paper, boxes and plastic jugs/bottles.
Those who opt in will receive more detailed information, the city said.
