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 | By Bobby Tanzilo   Managing Editor E-mail author | Author bio More articles by Bobby Tanzilo |
| Published Oct. 3, 2007 at 9:14 a.m. |
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I used to think it was us. We recycle almost every scrap of paper (some might argue I have a disorder in this area, in fact) and as much plastic and metal as possible (and we compost yard waste and long ago disconnected our downspouts from the city system).
So, every month when I had to start finding alternate ways to move our recycling along to the next step in the process because our city bin was packed tight, I figured it was my OC recycling issue.
But then a neighbor returned from Florida in spring and within a couple weeks asked if they could put recycling in our bin. Funny, I said, I was going to ask you the same thing. When they're gone, I often put our excess in their bin because it solves my problem and they're happy because it helps make the house look lived in. When they're here, I don't have that option.
Last week, I was chatting with our trash collector and even he said it doesn't seem like a monthly pickup of recycling is enough. He sees bins overflowing all along his route and often has to clear stray recycling off the ground in alleys.
I probably shouldn't suggest more frequent pickups because it will likely only lead to more taxes or taxes "camouflaged" as fees, which will only test my resolve for city living, but maybe there's a happy medium, like a pickup every three weeks instead of monthly. Or perhaps neighborhood overflow bins could be installed.
We have a pretty small household -- dogs not included -- so I can only wonder what, say, a family of five does with its recycling on a monthly basis. If by week two they have to throw it all out with the trash, and if trash collectors have to clear bags of recycling off the ground in alleys in order to maintain cleanliness, can we really claim to be recycling?
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7 comments about this article. Post a comment / write a review. |
Recent Talkbacks ...
Posted by tomara32 on Oct. 5, 2007 at 9:12 a.m. (report)
I have the same problem with the monthly recycling pickup. It is always overflowing by week 2 or 3. A couple years ago my neighbor who now has 5 children requested an additional recycling cart and he does have the overflow problems anymore. He simply requested the additional cart from the city. I found this out a couple weeks ago and I am planning to do the same. Since the city of Milwaukee is doing some "test markets" of bi-weekly pickup, I am not confident that they will start dolling out free recycling carts. (although that is only my opinion and not based on any statement or heresay from the city of Milwaukee). I live in a house on the south side, so getting an additional cart would not be a problem. It may not be practical for extra carts for a multi-unit condo or apartment building. By the way, here is a link to the results of the bi-weekly test pickups: http://www.mpw.net/Pages/RCHouseholds.html
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Posted by the commish on Oct. 4, 2007 at 2:14 p.m. (report)
Thanks for the feedback. We have been able to do the limited East side and Southwest side pilot bi-weekly pick up of recyclables because we have asked the residents to bring their carts to the curb. This allows the same labor hours to collect twice in lieu of once as the staff doesn't have to retrieve the carts from the yard. There has been mixed satisfaction from the residents due to the weight of the carts, especially if loaded with paper & cardboard. Generally cans, plastics & bottles don't weigh that much. We will analyze the results of these pilots and determine whether expansion is worthwhile for 2008.
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Posted by polishpower77 on Oct. 4, 2007 at 12:16 p.m. (report)
YES!! Someone has the same problem as I do. I swear my bin fills up within a week of Pabst Blue Ribbon bottles, that maybe due to the fact that I drink too much, but that is besides the point. I think recycling pickups should be bi-monthly at least.
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Posted by stacy on Oct. 3, 2007 at 1:44 p.m. (report)
I 100% agree!! I cannot count the number of times I've gone out to my overflowing recycling bin with more recyclables in my hand and thought perhaps my husband and I were over-consuming. Yet my neighbors' bins needed a good dusting, but that's the start of a whole other issue. I am not brave enough to sneak mine in their bin, though they probably wouldn't notice. I have since audited our habits and came to the conclusion we are not over-consuming it's just the once a month that isn't meeting this diligent recycler's needs. (Technically, I don't think recycler is a word, but, hey, new words are invented all the time to keep up with cultural and societal innovations, so I hereby deem "recycler" a word).
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Posted by phoner on Oct. 3, 2007 at 1:22 p.m. (report)
Milwaukee only picks up recycling once a MONTH? that is crazy! Racine picks up every week. Nobody will recycle if it's a hassle.
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