Celebrate America Recycles Day

Over the last 9 years, recycling in Concord has increased by 115%. In 2016, 4,868 tons (which is nearly equivalent to 10 million pounds) of recycling was collected. This compares to 8,740 tons of trash collected last year. Nationally, the recycling rate is 34% and has increased significantly over the past 30 years.

Still, more can be done. The United States is a top trash generator in the world. However, Americans can be oblivious to just how much trash accumulates since it becomes “out of sight, out of mind” thanks to proper waste management. Reducing solid waste and increasing recycling has been a big priority for the City of Concord. Concord has successfully reduced trash tonnage by 40% with the introduction of the City’s Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) trash bags in 2009. Unit-based pricing systems have proven to reduce trash volumes and increase recycling rates. Single-stream recycling is another initiative by the City of Concord to make recycling easy without the hassle of sorting materials.

“Everyone can do a little bit more to recycle – whether it is to learn more about recyclable materials, reduce waste by recycling more household items, or encouraging others to do their part,” says Adam Clark, Solid Waste Manager for the City of Concord. Get involved by participating in America Recycles Day on November 15, 2017. America Recycles Day is a nationwide initiative by Keep America Beautiful dedicated to promote and celebrate recycling in the United States. Concord General Services is requesting Concord residents to visit AmericaRecyclesDay.org to take the #BeRecycled Pledge now through America Recycles Day. Concord residents that take the pledge can share it on Facebook or Twitter and tag Concord General Services (@ConcordNHGS). Let’s all pledge to do more to reduce waste. Visit www.concordnh.gov/solidwaste for more information.