HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-01-2012 City Urges Residents to Reduce Plastics in Yard Waste SovTxsF
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CITY OF SOUTH BEND
PETE BUTTIGIEG, MAYOR
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 1, 2012
Contact:Debra Johnson,Director of Communications
Phone: 574-235-5853
CITY URGES RESIDENTS TO REDUCE PLASTICS IN YARD WASTE
Residents Asked to Switch from Plastic to Paper Bags
SOUTH BEND Mayor Pete Buttigieg,along with the Department of Solid Waste and
Organic Resources,is asking South Bend residents to switch from plastic to paper bags
for future yard waste pickup. The Department of Solid Waste seeks participation from
city residents to assist with the transition.
"We are asking residents to switch from plastic to paper bags to save the city and
taxpayers' money, offer cleaner options,and create a more efficient pickup system for
city crews,"Mayor Buttigieg said.
The City is transferring from plastic to paper bags for the following reasons:
Cost savings in excess of$40,000 in landfill tipping fees per year
Fuel savings from reduction in trucking of waste plastics to the landfill from
Organic Resources
Reduces labor and equipment costs due to less time separating plastics and natural
waste
Environmentally friendly as paper bags are made of natural products and
disintegrate faster than plastic bags
On trash collection days, items for pick up should be placed in front,at the curb, in an
open area,unobstructed by trees,power lines, and not leaning against buildings or fences.
Yard waste and trash needs to be separated by 4 feet and vehicles should not block or
park in front of the yard waste.
"We will take action to ensure that the community is completely made aware of the
changes," said Andre Price,Department of Solid Waste Supervisor. "We will host
neighborhood informational sessions,provide the first free paper bags, and place door
hangers on residences around the city. To be clear,this is not a requirement,but we are
1400 COUNTY-CITY BUILDING- 227 W.JEFFERSON BOULEVARD-SOUTH BEND,INDIANA 46601
PHONE 574/235-9261 FAx 574/235-9892
SovTxsF
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CITY OF SOUTH BEND
PETE BUTTIGIEG, MAYOR
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
asking for residents' participation to help the city process this waste in a cleaner and
greener fashion."
The Department of Solid Waste intends to explain the voluntary changes and answer any
questions at scheduled informational sessions on the following dates:
August 18 at LaSalle Squared,3701 Prast Boulevard
August 25 at Broadway Christen Parish, UMC 1412 Carroll Street
September 8 at Greenhouse Community Garden,2105 W. Mishawaka Avenue
Visit http://southbendin.gov/city/departments/solid waste/ for more information.
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1400 COUNTY-CITY BUILDING- 227 W.JEFFERSON BOULEVARD-SOUTH BEND,INDIANA 46601
PHONE 574/235-9261 FAx 574/235-9892