January 26, 2009

Contact: Cristal Rollins Community Programs Coordinator

(972) 462-5191 CRollins@ci.coppell.tx.us

Recycling Carts to Arrive in Coppell Residential Drives

Beginning in February, single-family homes in Coppell will receive a blue, 65-gallon recycling cart. These carts replace the smaller recycle bins that have been used by residents since 1991. Waste Management, the city’s authorized trash/recycling hauler, will begin delivering the blue recycling carts to homes in February. Once your cart arrives in your driveway, please begin using it only for your recyclables on your next recycling collection day. The smaller Waste Management-provided bins must be placed out on the next recycling collection day to be picked up within 72 hours. If you purchased your small bin from the city you have the option to keep it. When your recycling cart arrives, please make note of your cart’s serial number and write your address on the inside of your cart lid. This will be helpful in the event that your cart is lost or stolen.

The recycling carts are replacing the small bins will be the only change in your refuse service. Every household will continue to recycle on their same recycling collection day with the same acceptable items. Continue to follow the existing ordinance to store receptacles within the private property line for back entry and behind the building line for front entry. Trash, recycle cart and yard trimmings recycling may be placed at the end of the driveway as early as noon the day before collection and empty receptacles must be returned to storage by noon the following day. Remember, residential yard trimmings (grass, leaves, bundled branches) are picked up on your recycling collection day by a separate truck. Place your yard trimmings in an open trash can or kraft bag next to your recycling cart on your collection day. Branches need to be 5 foot bundles tied with cotton string.

The new carts will provide citizens with the opportunity to “Make Your Cart Count” and help Keep Coppell Beautiful and the City meet the goals of increasing the number of Coppell homes that recycle and increasing the pounds of recyclable materials diverted from the landfill. One of the recycling goals is to double the diversion rate, which is the amount of waste in pounds that are recycled instead of going into a landfill. The new larger carts provide residents with almost four times the amount of container space for their household recyclables. This additional space offers more opportunity to recycle.

The other goal of the “Make Your Cart” campaign is to increase the number of Coppell households that recycle. Currently, approximately 50% of homes in Coppell set out their recycle bins and the goal is to increase to 65%. Residents can do their part by taking advantage of the convenience that the new carts will provide. The carts can be easily rolled to and from the end of your driveway and are protected from the elements with the hinged lid.

For additional information on the new recycling carts and for more information on recycling in Coppell, as well as Keep Coppell Beautiful, please visit the city’s website (www.ci.coppell.tx.us).