SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): Chesaspeake City Council reported significant reduction in recycling contamination rate.

The City had ended its curbside recycling program in the month of June this year, as part of efforts to save costs. The switch from curbside service to drop off locations has resulted in collection of fewer recyclables. Between July last year and March this year, the collections totalled around 1,900 tons. This compares with 12,389 tons of curbside collections during the entire fiscal 2022.

According to Public Works Director Earl Sorey, the notable reduction in contamination rate has resulted in more items being recyclable.

Out of the 12,389 tons collected in fiscal year 2022, 7185 tons were recycled. The collections are expected to total around 2,762 tons by end-June this year. This is more than a third of the previous year’s recycling volume. The contamination rate of 10% is low when compared to industry standards.

The City has provided eight public drop-off sites for recycling services throughout the city. The drop-off sites has cost approximately $2 million for fiscal year 2023. In addition, it cost around $239,000 to prepare the sites. The curbside services contract had cost the city around $4.5 million.

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