Youth Learn Why Municipalities Go Green

At the October meeting of the Sanford/Lee County Youth Council, members were treated to presentations about Lee County's and the City of Sanford's recycling programs.

Joe Cherry, the superintendent of Solid Waste at Lee County Government, explained how the county uses its recycling program to eliminate waste, reduce the amount of waste ending up in landfills, and to better recover after storms.

Laura Spivey, the City's Public Works administrator and grant writer, shared with the youth council how the Sanford City Council came to the decision to offer municipal recycling. She also discussed the different factors that go into that decision, such as the cost of recycling containers and pick up, as well as keeping an eye on the City's carbon footprint.

Finally, the members visited the City's state-certified compost facility. They were able to see how the City turns plant matter and other natural debris into an operation that benefits both Sanford and its residents.

For more information about the Sanford/Lee County Youth Council, call Karen Kennedy at 919-777-1113.

The State of Recycling In Sanford

Great news — recycling in the City of Sanford is at an all-time high.

In December of 2012, the City replaced Waste Management’s small green bins with large, 96-gallon roll out carts for recyclables.

By The Numbers

In the first quarter of 2013, residents recycled 355.62 tons, a 100-percent increase over the same time period in 2012. In turn, residents sent 204.22 fewer tons to landfills.

So what does that mean? “The program’s working,” says Larry Craig, Solid Waste Superintendent. What’s more, residents are recycling at a higher rate than projected – and that could lead to cost savings down the road.

The success of the recycling program “is a tribute to our citizens,” points out Mayor Cornelia Olive. “They have just responded so well to this initiative.”

Next Up

You can expect more changes to the City’s Solid Waste Services, Craig notes. The City will phase out the old garbage carts and replace them with new ones starting in June, he says.

Ready, Set, Recycle!

The City of Sanford's new roll-out recycling carts will begin hitting City streets on Monday. Inside each cart is an informational brochure that explains what you can expect.

The Details

Who: All residents within the city limits.
When: New carts will be delivered between December 10 and December 18.
What: Your pickup frequency will change from every week to every other week. See what you can -- and can't -- recycle here.

An informational video began airing on Charter channel 11 this week. Click below to watch it. Or click here to read about the program in The Sanford Herald.

For Spanish speakers, we have a shorter version of the video:

Questions?

You can call the City Service Center at 919-775-8247 with any questions or concerns. You can also access more information on our website in the News & Announcements section.

City Ready To Roll Out New Recycling Carts

New 96-Gallon Cart Will Have Residents Thinking Green

SANFORD, N.C. – The City of Sanford will soon make recycling easier and more convenient.

During the week of December 10, Waste Management will pick up its 18-gallon green recycling bins from all residences inside Sanford’s city limits on their regularly scheduled pickup day. In place of the bins, the City has contracted Cascade Cart Solutions to deliver new, blue 96-gallon roll-out recycling carts between December 10 and December 18.

Many recyclable items wind up in landfills because residents either don’t know the items can be recycled or can’t fit the item in their small bins. Typically overlooked items include phone books, milk and juice cartons, glass jars and bottles, and pie tins.

“We hope this larger cart encourages more residents to recycle,” says Larry Craig, Solid Waste Superintendent with the City of Sanford. “And we hope those who already recycle will fill their new carts with even more items,” he notes.

No resident will be left unsure about what can be recycled and what can’t. The new blue carts will have a full-color infographic molded right into the top of the lid that shows the recycling categories. The infographic also has a list of non-recyclables, which includes light bulbs, yard waste, and hazardous materials.

With the new carts comes an updated recycling schedule, Craig points out. Pickup will change from every week to every other week. Inside each cart, residents will find a brochure that explains the change, including a pickup schedule. Brochures will be labeled yellow or green according to the week your cart will be emptied.

For more information about the new carts or for a copy of the updated pickup schedule, call the City of Sanford’s Service Center at 919-775-8247.