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Allentown Initiates Single Stream Recycling

06/03/2016
Allentown Initiates Single Stream Recycling

Mixed “Single Stream” recycling begins in the city of Allentown on Sunday night, June 5. This change is intended to make recycling easier for residents and increase the overall quantity of recyclables in the city.

Single stream recycling allows customers to mix all recyclables in either their green or blue bin. The cans, bottles, paper and cardboard that used to be separated into the green and blue bin can now be mixed together, making it easier than ever!

Under the new contract with Waste Management, the hauler will begin collecting all the recyclables in the same truck, saving taxpayers money. The city estimates it will recycle approximately 6,800 tons of material this year.

Acceptable single stream recyclables and some examples include the following:
Flattened cardboard & boxes
Plastic bottles & containers (#1- #7)
Food & beverage cartons (milk, juice & soup)
Food & beverage cans (aluminum & steel)
Aluminum foil and pie plates
Glass bottles & jars (food & beverage)
File folders and office paper
Mail, magazines and newspapers
Paperboard boxes (cereal, food, tissue and boxes, paper towel rolls)
Phonebooks
Paperback books

Following some guidelines for preparing recyclable material is important. Putting non-recyclable items in the bins causes contamination problems and added processing expenses.
• No trash or food waste
• No plastic bags
• No foam cups or foam containers
• No ceramics
• Lightly rinse recyclable materials.

“We are very pleased that we can now provide single-stream recycling for the city’s residents and small businesses in our curbside recycling program,” said Mayor Ed Pawlowski. “The new service is easy and convenient and will help raise awareness of recycling and its impact to preserve our environment.”

Allentown Bureau of Recycling and Solid Waste Manager Ann Saurman said, “Increasing recycling and making it more convenient has always been an important and continuous goal for the city. I appreciate this citywide effort to make it a successful program. Residents are encouraged to read the educational materials being mailed to their homes and call our office or visit our website for more information.”

What should I know?

· Recyclable cans, bottles, paper, mail, newspaper and cardboard boxes can now be MIXED TOGETHER in either the blue bin or the green recycling bin.
· Please do not place trash or plastic bags in the recycling bins. This causes contamination and is a BIG problem!
· Please do not place recycling bins or trash cans in the street for collection; they should be placed on the sidewalk

Will I get new Recycling Bins?

Please continue to use your blue and green bins. The city only replaces bins that are broken and unusable.

In the coming weeks, residents will receive a postcard magnet from the city and Waste Management. This magnet will further explain what should and shouldn’t be placed in either bin for collection.

For more information please the Recycling Bureau website at www.allentownpa.gov/recycle.

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