Dive Brief:
- Niagara Falls, NY, passed an ordinance that went into effect Jan. 1 that made trash bags and large bulk items not placed in carts a violation for businesses and residents.
- The city said that the change has resulted in an increase in the recycling rate, from 4% before the ordinance went into effect, to its current rate of 14%.
- Donna Owens, the city administrator, estimates that a minimum of 80% of commercial and residential customers are following the new law.
Dive Insight:
The city used funds generated by the local casino to pay for the program. Niagara Falls also established a Solid Waste Education and Enforcement Team (SWEET), which aims to spread awareness to the public about the in and outs of waste disposal and recycling.
The city tracks the recycling rate quarterly. It said the 10% increase reflects the timeframe after carts were distributed, but before the law went into effect.