New recycling program in St. John's is a success

The new recycling program is working in St. John's.

There is a 30 to 40 percent increase in recyclable material collected this January and February compared to the same months over the last five years.

New regulations came into effect in January that required garbage put at the curb be in clear, colourless bags - except for one 'privacy' bag per week.

Beginning in April, crews will spot-check for the use of clear bags for garbage. During this phase, stickers will be left to remind or acknowledge residents for using clear bags for garbage. Waste and Recycling staff will continue to collect garbage that is not in clear bags, but our focus will shift more towards education and ensuring all residents transition to the clear bags.

Councillor Maggie Burton said the priority is to keep recyclable materials out of the landfill.

"Our priority is to keep recyclable materials out of the landfill. Some of the goals of using clear bags for garbage was to remove hazardous waste from garbage and increase recycling in our city. Seeing more recyclables going in blue bags instead of garbage shows the new regulation is working towards us being a sustainable city."