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Mostly Cloudy Long Beach to single-stream its recycling
City switches to more efficient collection program that will save sanitation costs
The city approved a measure last week to launch a single-stream recycling program that it said will be a more efficient and environmentally friendly collection method.
The City Council voted unanimously on Dec. 16 to switch to the new recycling program, which it says will save the city thousands of dollars in garbage expenses.
The new program will be utilized throughout the city in January. The city consulted with its environmental advisory board, and the program is part of an effort to boost the city’s recycling rate that, in a town known for its numerous environmental groups, is surprisingly low, City Manager Jack Schnirman said.
“This is something that the city has been looking at for a while, as our recycling rates as a city have not been stellar,” Schnirman said. “This will hopefully improve our recycling rates as well as improve environmental quality and of course save taxpayer money.”
Residents will no longer need two separate recycling bins for paper and containers; the city will be supplying a new recycling container free of charge. Instead of separating recyclables into two bins for mixed paper and commingled containers, recyclers will be able to put all items together into one bin.
“Single-stream recycling makes it as easy to use the recycling bin as it is to use the garbage can,” Schnirman said, “So, there is no excuse for not recycling.”
In addition to the standard recyclables, items such as old patio furniture will now be eligible for collection by the Sanitation Department. Long Beach will become the second municipality in Nassau County to launch a single-stream recycling program, Department of Public Works Commissioner Jim LaCarrubba said.
“This is something we started looking at in early 2012 to start the transition to single-stream recycling,” LaCarrubba said. “Not only are we hopeful that it will help increase our recycling rate, but it’s also going to make us more efficient.”
