Educating residents about reduce, reuse, and recycle principles will advance this objective in several ways. One of our priorities in Durham is reducing the amount of contaminants and trash in our recycling collections. Currently, a significant portion of our recycling collections contains materials that cannot be recycled, which can reduce the value and effective sorting of truly recyclable material, requires unnecessary transportation of the materials to the processor, where those materials need then to be separated out and discarded.  Some contaminants such as plastic bags and other “tanglers” can even cause damage to processing equipment.  This ultimately costs the City money and undermines the relationship to the recycling processor. Furthermore, education will help residents understand the value and importance of the reduction and reuse components of waste diversion, which, when combined with recycling,  can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change, prevent pollution by reducing the reliance on natural materials, save energy, help sustain the environment for future generations, reduce the amount of waste that will need to be recycled or sent to landfills, allows products to be used to their fullest extent, and saves money. 

• Public Outreach: Collected survey data from the internal recycling survey (America Recycles Day).

• Big Issue Campaigns: Recycle Right remains the primary campaign for the remainder of the strategic plan. Spectrum TV promotions are ongoing.

• Education & Marketing – Food Scrap Diversion: Continuing to promote awareness and participation. Promotional materials for the South Side food waste drop bin are in development.

• Buy-Recycled Policy for City Departments/Employees: Met with Purchasing the week of January 6. The revised policy is on track for completion this fiscal year.

• Waste Characterization Study & Reusable Materials:

  • Submitted a budget request for phased studies.
  • The waste portion of the study is set to begin this fiscal year, allowing for targeted feedback and education in specific neighborhoods.

• Improving Recycling Quality with Processing Contractor:

  • Contract allows up to three route audits per month.
  • Working with the vendor to facilitate audits.
  • Evaluating optimal days/times for curbside audits and WM load deliveries.
  • These efforts will provide focused feedback and education to specific neighborhoods.