Routes the same, containers change
Read more: Local, Business, Education, Community, Ft Madison Recycling, Blue Bins, Containers, No more Pick up
FT. MADISON, IA. -- These blue bins are going to start showing up all over Fort Madison. Starting in March, residents will need to fill them up with recyclable items, then leave them at the curb for pick-up.
City Parks and Recreation Director John Luna told me the plastic bags residents have been using can't be recycled, and they're a nuisance because the wind blows them all over the place. Another problem with the plastic bags, I was told, *some* residents put trash or other items in them that can't be recycled.
Luna estimates more than 500 Ft. Madison households recycle. He hopes these changes will make recycling easier and more popular.
"I do believe so. Once the story broke that we'd make these changes, we've already got tons of phone calls about people wanting to get involved, wanting to take part. I believe it's a win win for the entire community,' said Luna
Not only will this process be easier for you at home, it will take a load off of workers. Lee County Works director Carla Smith tells me a load like this takes workers about three days to sort. With the new process, it should take only a day-and-a-half to two days.
A couple of other things you should know. Workers no longer will pick up glass for recycling. You'll have to take it to the recycling site. Also, the waste authority will accept all kinds of recyclable plastics. Starting in March, you can recycle plastics numbered one through seven.
Residents will need to take a January or February water bill to the Great River Regional Waste Authority office to pick up a free recycling container. If you want more than one container, extras will cost seven dollars each. Plastic bags will no longer be acepted. And glass won't be picked up. It has to be dropped off at the waste site.
Acceptable items: Cardboard, Newspapers and Magazines, Office paper, Tin cans
Unacceptable items: Carbon paper, blueprint paper, film, photos or anything with a spiral binder or fastener. Also, plastic toys, waste cans, laundry baskets, buckets, etc. Styrofoam, food waste, insulation, house siding, clothes.
For more on the changes and route information go to www.fortmadison-ia.com
