SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): The Steamboat Springs City Council has approved mandatory commercial recycling ordinance, after a minor amendment.

The first reading of the ordinance was approved in a divided vote on Tuesday, February 7th. The ordinance was passed in a 5-2 vote, with opposition from Heather Sloop and Michael Buccino. Council President Robin Crossan, who was expected to vote against the ordinance, changed her mind as the discussion progressed.

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If passed in the second reading, the ordinance would require all commercial businesses and multi-family residences to offer recycling. The new recycling requirements will be rolled in one-and-a-half years’ time. Currently, recycling is mandatory only for single-family residences and duplexes.

As per terms of the ordinance, 33% of trash users are required to receive recycling service within six months, a target that is said to have been achieved already. 66% of customers must be offered recycling services within a year. By the end of 18 months, the program must be rolled out to all.

The ordinance offers waivers for businesses who do not have sufficient space for placing recycling dumpster or are proved to cause hardships on their businesses. The terms of waiver process are still debated and will be finalized by the Council later.