Recycle Rate Triples!

The City of Key West is pleased to announce a four week average recycling rate of 19 percent, nearly three times the average rate prior to the City’s move to the new one day a week, 1-1 -1 solid waste collection program.

“We’d really like to thank the residents of Key West for adapting so quickly to the new program,” said City of Key West Utilities Director Jay Gewin. “They showed amazing patience during the first several weeks as the bugs were worked out of the new routes, and the results are reflected in the increased recycling rates.”

While continuing public outreach and education, Solid Waste Coordinator Will Thompson will refocus attention to increasing commercial recycling.

“With 61 percent of the city’s waste stream coming from commercial sources, increasing business recycling is crucial to increasing our overall recycling rate,” Thompson said. “Many business owners are surprised to find out how much money they can save on their solid waste collection bill by recycling. It can be pretty significant. We want to hear from any business interested in recycling. We can help in organizing your space, finding room for additional recycling containers, and educating your staff.”

The City will soon be hosting several round table discussions with business owners who currently recycle and any business owners interested in hearing firsthand how they can make recycling work for their business.

“When an owner finds out how much money they have literally been throwing away by not recycling, they tend to be a bit surprised,” said Thompson. “We’ll help them over that and start putting the savings back on their bottom line.”

For more information, contact Will Thompson at 809-3776, or [email protected].