6/2/2009

City Improves Efficiency in the Collection of Garbage, Brush and Recyclable Materials

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (June 2, 2009) — At a press conference held today at the John F. Germ Recycling Center at Orange Grove Center, Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield announced several improvements to the City’s Public Works department, including the increase in curbside recycling collection from monthly to biweekly.

“As a community, we have significantly improved our recycling habits and are working hard to do our part for the environment,” said Mayor Littlefield.  “Prior to 2007, half of the recyclables collected curbside had to be redirected to the landfill because those materials were either not recyclable or recycled incorrectly.  After implementing the education campaign in 2007, we saw that number drop to less than 13 percent.  If the monthly tonnage history from the last two years is any indicator of what is to come, that number should continue to go down.”

Citizens must register to join biweekly curbside collection, and may do so by visiting www.recycleright.org or by calling (423) 643-JOIN.  Biweekly pickup for recycling begins September 2009.

In addition to increasing curbside recycling collection to biweekly, the City will be implementing a new brush service entitled “Brush on Demand.”  This service will allow citizens to report their brush piles to 3-1-1 for collection as opposed to awaiting their pickup week.  This service begins July 1, 2009.  Public Works crews will be routed daily to collection locations by request.

Beginning this August, approximately 18,000 citizens of Chattanooga will have a new garbage collection day, which is the result of an employee schedule revision to increase efficiency.  These citizens will be personally notified of their new pickup day by mail this July.

“These citywide service enhancements have the anticipated outcomes of increased efficiency, improved service and cost savings,” added Mayor Littlefield.  “Once fully implemented, we anticipate our annual savings to be between three-quarters of a million dollars and one million dollars.”

For more information about recycling in Chattanooga, please visit www.recycleright.org or call 643-JOIN.  For more information about citywide services, please call 3-1-1 or visit www.chattanooga.gov