Curbside Recycling

The Canton Curbside Recycling Program is a joint venture between the City of Canton, Ohio and the Stark-Tuscarawas-Wayne Joint Solid Waste Management District. Operated by the City of Canton and partially financed by the Solid Waste District, this program offers free curbside recycling service to all residents of the City of Canton who receive City sanitation services.

To participate in the Canton Curbside Recycling Program, all you have to do is follow these five simple steps:

1. Write your name and address on the label of your recycling container after it arrives.
2. Lightly rinse all cans, bottles and other containers to remove food and other contaminating substances, being sure to remove all lids from plastic and glass bottles and jars.
3. Separate your paper products from all other materials by using a paper bag or bundle them with twine to prevent mixing.
4. Place your full recycling container next to your trash cans on garbage day.
5. Pat yourself on the back for doing your part to help save our environment!

While these five steps might seem almost too simple to be true, this is all you have to do to participate in the Canton Curbside Recycling Program!

History

The City of Canton began exploring a free, curbside recycling program as early as 2006 when a District-funded survey was taken of Canton residents regarding the subject. Survey results showed that residents were willing to participate in a recycling program so long as (1) it was easy, and (2) it was free. Following this survey, a feasibility study was conducted by consultants paid by the District. Their findings, coupled with the recommendation of the Solid Waste Task Force, led to Canton City Council authorizing the creation of a curbside recycling program in Canton.

Funding

The District has awarded the City of Canton two start-up recycling grants in fiscal years 2007 and 2008 totaling $833,500. The first $700,000 grant was intended to pay for start-up costs for the program, which was limited to the purchase of 3 recycling trucks and 30,000 plastic recycling containers for city sanitation customers. Following a sharp spike in the price of oil and petroleum-based plastic products, the prices of both the recycling trucks and plastic containers rose to such an amount as to require the City to request additional funds in April 2008.

Second Start-Up Grant

The second start-up grant awarded to the City by the District (in the amount of $133,500) will cover the cost of:

• Distributing the bins to 30,000 sanitation customers
• Education and public outreach efforts (i.e, advertising, direct mail, promotional material, etc.)
• Additional recycling containers

Following the first year of operation (fiscal year 2008), the City will take on full responsibility for the operating costs of the program, which includes, but is not limited to salary, maintenance, capital expenditures, and additional marketing/outreach programs. Should the City of Canton not be able to sustain funding to required levels, the District may be forced to take the program over-under the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines in subsequent funding years.

Additional Information

For additional information about this program, contact the City of Canton Curbside Recycling Program, or contact the Stark-Tuscarawas-Wayne Joint Solid Waste Management District.