Georgia City cuts recycling program

Recycling Today, August, 2004

The city of Macon, Ga., stopped curbside pickup of metals, glass and plastics in July. The city is still collecting newspapers and magazines, however, which make up nearly 70 percent of the recyclables collected.

According to a report in the Macon Telegraph, the city is cutting back the recycling program to save money during a budget crunch. Macon is sending out garbage trucks equipped with bins to collect magazines and newspapers, rather than dispatching dedicated recycling trucks.

These modifications allowed Macon to cut the recycling department's $465,000 budget, which was expected to rise to nearly $500,000 this year, according to the Macon Telegraph report.

Residents interested in recycling other items, such as plastics and cans, will have to take the materials to independent recyclers in the area.

Laura Jackson, Macon's recycling coordinator, told the Macon Telegraph that the city hopes to partner with a private company to offer drop-off points for some recyclables at no charge to the city. Additionally, the city is looking for a company to set up recycling cans with garbage cans in public places.