The Philadelphia City Controller this week recommended the pilot single stream recycling program run by RecycleBank be expanded to the whole city if its success continues. The report said the program could save Philadelphia $17 million in disposal and other costs annually.

RecycleBank reported recently its pilot recycling program in the City has tripled recycling rates and the amount of material collected. Households went from recycling just 9 pounds of material to over 30 pounds and participation jumped from 30 percent to 90 percent.

The City Controller made his recommendation in a report to City Council on the effectiveness of the City’s current recycling program which said raising the City’s recycling rate from the current 6 percent to 35 or 40 percent would net savings of about $17 million in avoided disposal and other costs annually.

The report also recommended the City step up its recycling education programs, increase the scope of materials subject to mandatory recycling and issue a quarterly recycling performance report.

NewsClips: Philly Could Save $17 Million by Expanding RecycleBank Program

8/12/2005