Westland residents are about to get an education.
Members of the city council have agreed to spend $40,000 for material to educate residents about the newly-reinstated curbside recycling program. The funding will come from the Sanitation Fund of the city.
The city was forced to suspend the recycling program due to increased costs at recycling plants but was able to reinstitute the popular program in July after an additional sanitation millage was approved by Westland voters. Early results on participation have been very favorable, officials said at the Oct. 19 meeting, as the city recycling tonnage is quickly returning to the previous weight. However, officials noted, the required methods of recycling are not being adhered to by all residents and the results have produced many contaminated loads, “which unfortunately dramatically increases costs to the city.”
The newly funded educational outreach will focus on the changes to the program, which include the requirements for all materials to be clean, dry and loose. Glass is also no longer accepted under this new program, officials said. The goals of the education initiative are to increase volume and participation, reduce contamination, and enhance community awareness of acceptable and unacceptable recycling materials. Funds will be used to purchase: magnets; recycling container labels; double-sided educational postcards; single-sided educational postcards and clear doorknob bags.
“Westland residents care deeply about our city, which is reflected by their incredible recycling participation, having previously diverted over 80 million pounds from the landfill,” commented Mayor William R. Wild. “Through active engagement and outreach, we can further our shared goal of creating a sustainable community for future generations.”
Distribution of educational materials is expected to take place in the upcoming weeks.
