Community News: Buena Vista curbside recycling begins week of June 16th

News release
Published: May 16, 2008

Read the news release below

Buena Vista residents will soon receive a blue recycling tote for the new city-wide curbside recycling program. The 18 gallon totes will be delivered to every home the week of June 9th and the first pickup take place the week of June 16th.  Officials believe the recycling program will save the city and the residents’ money in both the long and short term.

According to estimates, the City of Buena Vista will save several hundred thousand dollars over the next ten years. The City will cover the cost of totes provided to residents and large containers to be placed at public schools. The combination of two local businesses, AutoRecyclers and Hamilton Contracting, will cover the costs associated with pick-up, sorting, and disposal. 

“This is a true public/private partnership and we all believe it is of benefit to the community,” said Tim Reamer, Director of Economic Development.  “Every ton of waste that doesn’t go into the landfill will save the City and residents money. This reduction of waste becomes increasingly important with the closure of the landfill looming and the sharply increased tipping fees that will result.” said Reamer.

Officials believe that this program will make recycling in Buena Vista more convenient than ever. With curbside recycling (really, alleyway recycling), residents will be asked to set their recyclables out with their regular trash pick-up once per week.

How it Works:

#1. A Blue Tote Will Be Provided

Totes will be delivered to every household in Buena Vista during the WEEK OF JUNE 9th. RECYCLING BEGINS THE WEEK OF JUNE 16th.

The City of Buena Vista provides every household with an 18 gallon blue tote free of charge. Residents can use the tote to collect recycling throughout the week and place the tote outside the night before their regular trash pick-up to dispose of recycling. Residents that have a consistently large amount of recycling may request a sticker from the City of Buena Vista that can be used to designate an additional container for recycling materials.

#2. Put Only Recyclables in Your Tote

Only certain materials may be placed in the blue tote provided.

Paper—includes items like newspaper, cardboard, magazines, junk mail, and more. REMEMBER: place your loose paper in a plastic or paper grocery bag to keep it from blowing around and place large cardboard under your tote.

Plastic—accepted products are marked with a number 1-7.  Remove and throw away caps and lids.

Metal—Aluminum and tin can be placed in the tote. Again, throw away caps and lids.

Glass—Only bottles and jars can be recycled in your blue tote.

REMEMBER: With plastic, metal, and glass; just rinse out the container and ensure that it is completely empty of water and all other contents.

Not everything that can be recycled can go into the totes. Items like batteries, large metal, old cell phones and consumer electronics may be taken to Auto Recyclers on Sycamore Avenue. Several locations in Buena Vista and the area will accept used motor oil. Even items like books and clothing may be recycled in a sense by donating them to Goodwill; and, old blankets that are not appropriate for Goodwill may be given to the ASPCA.

#3. Take Your Tote Out with the Garbage.

Your recycling will be picked up on the same day as your trash, only earlier! Be sure to put your blue tote out the night before to ensure pick-up. You place the blue tote next to where you would normally place your garbage. Be sure to place the heaviest items on top in case of wind. After your bin is empty, just take it back inside for the next week.

Additional Questions

Residents with questions can learn more by visiting http://www.buenavistabusiness.com and clicking the “Recycling Info” links on the right. Additional information will be provided by the City of Buena Vista through a series of informational mailers and meetings over the next six months.

A community recycling informational program, sponsored by the Rockbridge Area Conservation Council, is scheduled for May 20th at the Buena Vista Fire Station. The program begins at 7 pm.