An editorial in today’s Springfield Republican praises a successful recycling initiative:
Single-stream recycling scores big in Springfield
The practice makes recycling easier by allowing homeowners to put their cans, bottles and paper products into one 95-gallon barrel instead of placing the materials in separate bins…
What started as a pilot program for 800 homes in the East Forest Park neighborhood has mushroomed into a major effort after recycling rates doubled in the pilot area under the single-stream method, city officials report.
Springfield is not alone. Boston practices single-stream recycling, and Chicopee is preparing to bring its program citywide in the fall…
Springfield’s adoption of single-stream recycling is another example of how the city is remaking itself from the ground up and has its priorities straight.
See also:
MassDEP: “Draft 2010-2020 Solid Waste Master Plan: A Pathway to Zero Waste” (7/1/10)
Since 1990, when MassDEP issued the first Solid Waste Master Plan, the Commonwealth has made great progress, recycling 44% of the waste we produced in 2008. This is one of the best recycling rates in the nation, but its growth has leveled off and we continue to dispose of materials that have significant value and environmental impact…
Northampton recycling rate: 40%
Videos: City Council Approves Drinking Water Protection Ordinance 6-3
Solid Waste Management Alternatives Study (PDF, 2.7MB)
Key Portions of the Solid Waste Management Alternatives Study