City Looking to Update Recycling Rules

According to the city code, those who live in residential areas using the city's garbage disposal services who do not separate newspapers from the rest of their trash, bundled in stacks no higher than 12 inches for pickup, are subject to a $10 fee.

But this is no longer the mandate, and the city code is out of date when it comes to recycling, according to Stacey King, administrative assistant and recycling coordinator for the city's Department of Public Works.

"We are working on updating it to reflect the current program," she said in an email to Patch.

The, well, out-dated-ness was highlighted when a reader commented on a .

"Just to clarify, newspapers can go in the recycling bin with the other recyclables, right?" reader Katie asked.

The answer is yes.

"Since the City now collects recycling single-stream, ALL recyclable items (glass, metal, plastic food and drink containers, paper and cardboard) should be combined in the blue recycling carts. This means that newspapers should also be included in the blue cart," King wrote in the email.

King directs residents to the city's website for recycling rules that are up-to-date. Included on the website is a chart listing what items belong in the blue recycling cart, and what items to throw out. Some surprising information:

• While clear, green and brown glass is recyclable, blue glass is NOT;
• paper towels, paper plates and napkins are NOT recyclable;
• plastic flower pots and plastic lawn furniture are recyclable;
• shredded paper MUST be tied in a bag;
• Throw away really greasy pizza boxes and other items of high food contamination.

The site also details recycling options beyond curbside collection. Residents can request special pickups for things like grass clippings, electronics and tires, or contact various organizations that accept items like cars, batteries and books.