Rumpke Readies for Recycling Increase

SEATTLE (Waste Advantage): As Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther noted in his recent State of the City address, one of the biggest changes coming to the city is the expansion of residential curbside recycling from every other week to a weekly basis. While the new collection is slated to start this summer, Rumpke, the city’s recycling partner, is working hard to prepare for the updated service that will see the amount of recyclable materials the city collects increase by 25 to 40 percent. “As the mayor indicated, the large increase in recycling collections will help reduce the amount of waste that goes into the landfills,” said Andrew Rumpke, Rumpke area president. “We are eager and excited to bring this service to the people of Columbus.”

To help prepare for the influx of material, Rumpke is adding 17 trucks to their fleet and hiring 20 additional employees. “Weekly recycling is coming,” said Mayor Andrew J. Ginther. “I’m committed to providing this service to increase our recycling capacity, reduce carbon emissions in our city, and promote a circular economy in the region that will help develop and grow green businesses right here in Columbus.”

The $17.3 million annual contract with Rumpke will not only help offset the costs relating to new trucks and employees, but also increased insurance, maintenance, fuel and other costs. Rumpke will further support the program with its $90 million investment in their new Recycling & Resource Center also located in Columbus. The new center will be the largest and most technologically advanced recycling center in North America and is scheduled to become operational next year. For people interested in becoming a driver, Rumpke provides free CDL (Commercial Driver License) training and they are currently seeking applicants.

Courtesy: www.wasteadvantagemag.com