Corpus Christi, TX Launches ‘Dirty Dozen Recycling’ Campaign

SEATTLE (Waste Advantage): Today, the City of Corpus Christi launched the “Dirty Dozen Recycling Campaign,” to educate the public about what and how to recycle to help conserve resources and preserve space in the landfill.

Aluminum foil, plastic bags, grass trimmings, and branches are just a few of the dirty dozen items that are incorrectly being placed in recycling bins.

“We’re noticing a lot of contaminations, so we want to tell them, now that you’ve been doing this for a while, let’s talk about what doesn’t go in there,” said Celina Pulcher, Program Outreach Coordinator for the City of Corpus Christi Waste Management Department.

It’s a lot.  25% of what’s taken to the Republic Services Recycling Center ends up being diverted to the landfill.  That takes time and money.

“We’re paying ninety dollars a ton for everything that’s processed under our contract,” said Paul Bass, Assistant Director of Solid Waste Management.  “If 25% of that is nonrecyclable, that’s a big chunk of money that’s being wasted.”

Of the approximately 430,000 tons of trash that goes to the landfill each year, 15,000 tons goes to recycling.  Statistics that the city says reaffirms that recycling is working, but they have some work to do.

That’s where the “Recycling Right Campaign” comes in.  Over the next year, it will introduce “The Dirty Dozen” that represents what you shouldn’t be throwing in recycling bins.

“Our biggest goal is to reduce contamination,” said Pulcher.  “Contamination in the recycling bin makes the good recyclables unwanted.”

Courtesy: https://wasteadvantagemag.com