By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Marlborough – The extraordinary shift of solid waste to the recyclables collection program saved the city more than $450,000 during the last 12 months, according to city officials. This compares to costs the city would have had to pay to the collection and disposal contractors under the former method.
“Recent figures suggest the city is now recycling more than 42 percent of curbside solid waste compared to an average of 13 percent for the four years leading up to the new program,” Thomas Temple, Department of Public Works (DPW) assistant commissioner of operations, wrote in a report to residents.
“Our second year results have been amazing, but we still have more work to do,” he noted, citing steps being taken to engage large multi-family and condominium facilities. “We will soon be implementing our new recycling program within the schools in an effort to eliminate large quantities of recyclable products from its waste stream and educate our young people about the importance of recycling.”
In his report, Temple thanked residents for making the second year successful and urged all to encourage friends, neighbors and family members to recycle.
As in the past, missed pick-up, damaged containers and associated issues can be reported on the DPW hotline at 508-624-6910, ext. 7700. Problems can also be reported on the city's homepage: www.marlborough-ma.gov, click on “Marlborough Works” and follow the simple instructions.
