Philadelphia Sets All-Time Record For Recycling

Mayor Michael A. Nutter announced this week residential recycling in Philadelphia has reached an all time record with a 46 percent increase in household recycling over the last year.

For fiscal year 2009 (July 2008 – June 2009) the Streets Department collected 75,060 tons of waste from Philadelphia households, a 23,734 ton increase from last year. The average household with City collection recycled 278 pounds of their waste last year, 88 pounds more than in the previous year.

The diversion rate, the amount of residential waste that ends up in recycling compared to trash, reached a record 12.4 percent, an increase of 5.3 percent since Mayor Nutter took office in January 2008. This amounts to saving of $4.8 million in avoided landfill costs.

"Recycling is becoming a way of life in Philadelphia, with so many opportunities for all citizens to get involved," said Mayor Nutter. "It's not just about achieving environmental goals. Recycling saves us real money – a different kind of green."

Deputy Mayor for Transportation and Utilities, Rina Cutler believes this is just the beginning of an important trend, "Our work is not done, Greenworks Philadelphia sets out ambitious recycling goals including a 20 percent diversion rate by 2011 and 25 percent by 2015. We will achieve those goals."

Streets Department Commissioner Clarena Tolson noted that it is easier than ever for Philadelphian's to recycle. "Since the implementation of weekly, single stream recycling to over 540,000 households in January, residents can now place glass and mixed paper out at the curb in the same recycling bin and add plastic containers (#1 and #2) and flattened cardboard to the mix. If one recycling bin is not enough, add another container with the word "Recycling" written on it."

Weekly single stream recycling began in January 2009 in neighborhoods across Philadelphia. The City has also stepped up public recycling efforts during major events, collecting more than a ton of recycling at the July 4th celebrations, Mummers Parade, Broad Street Run and the Phillies World Series parade.

In addition to this historic achievement, the Streets Department has completed the installation of 500 Big Belly solar-powered litter baskets and more than 200 public recyclers. This technology saves money, introduces sidewalk recycling and keeps our streets clean.

As a testament to the City's commitment to making it the greenest city in America, the Recycling Office is proud to announce it has been awarded a 2009 Waste Watcher Award for making reducing, reusing, recycling and composting top priorities throughout the year.

Each year, the Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Waste Industries Association and the Keystone Chapter of the Solid Waste Association of North America recognize Pennsylvania's most outstanding recycling programs.

The Philadelphia Recycling Program was selected because of its commitment to recycling and waste reduction, and will be showcased as an example to others in the Commonwealth.

For more information, visit the Philadelphia Recycling webpage.