Dive summary:
- Recycling rates for San Jose, Calif. businesses have tripled in the last six months of 2012 with the use of a new commercial waste collection service.
- During July 2012, San Jose recycling rates were 22% but by December they had reached nearly 70% and city officials think it is possible to reach 80% by next year.
- Previously, each of the cities 8,000 businesses contracted with their own waste haulers but, by switching to a single hauler system, the city was able to achieve a much-needed spike in recycling.
From the article:
“We’re on track to achieve 80 percent waste diversion by 2014,” said San Jose Council member Sam Liccardo, who chairs the city’s Transportation and Environment Committee. “That’s good news for everyone because this helps extend the life of our landfills and reduces associated taxpayer costs, which can be significant.
“And with a single, streamlined collection service,” he added, “we have reduced the number of garbage trucks driving through busy business districts. These are among the steps that help move San Jose towards a sustainable future.” ...
