Newport Gets First Landfill Rebate as Recycling Rates Shoot Up

The city’s new automated trash and recycling program has helped Newport increase its recycling rate to 29 from 24 percent over the last fiscal year, earning the city its first-ever rebate from Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation, which operates the Central Landfill in Johnston.

The savings is small, just $6,544.33, but the fact that recycling rates increased so much in less than a year is a big deal for William R. Riccio Jr., the city’s director of public services.

“The numbers went up significantly,” he said. “People are embracing the program and doing a great job.”

And Newporters who have tried to recycle more and embrace the new waste program, which came with a lot of growing pains, deserve tons of credit, Riccio said.

“Congratulations! You guys are hitting it,” he said.

The $6,544.33 represents a $1 per ton savings on the garbage sent to the landfill. By increasing the recycling rate to 29 percent, Newport’s tipping fee for fiscal 2015 was reduced to $31 from $32 per ton.

The next target is to get the rate above 30 percent, which is all but guaranteed next year since the 29 percent rate includes about five months under the old, non-automated trash program. Riccio said he thinks the city’s ongoing rate right now is about 30 percent or more. As a result, Newport should get a $2 per ton discount.

The target after that is 35 percent, which will shave $3 per ton off the cost.

To get there, the Newport Clean City program will keep up its advocacy and community engagement. On Wednesday morning, Riccio said he had just watched a group of teenagers hit the streets for the launch of the new Clean Team program, which was spearheaded by City Councilwoman Lynn Ceglie.

The Clean Team members will be working to beautify and keep heavily-trafficked areas of the city free of litter and trash. And the program is an example of ongoing efforts to get recycling rates up.

“Recycling efforts not only protect the environment but also save taxpayers’ dollars,” Riccio said.

The Newport City Council voted to approve the new automated cart-based waste pickup system last spring.

One complaint about the new automated cart system has been how to deal with overflow. Many folks struggle to fit everything into the bin some weeks, especially around the holidays or special occasions, even with aggressive recycling.

In response, the city launched a new overflow trash bag program last month. Residents can buy special bags to place next to the carts for pickup on trash day.