The city of Ames is preparing to launch its first community-wide curbside recycling program next month, marking a major shift in how residents handle household waste and recyclable materials.
Last week’s delivery of blue recycling carts marked the city’s transition from a waste-to-energy model of waste management toward a transfer-station model that takes in loads for processing and transport.
What to know
Here’s what Ames residents should know about how curbside recycling will work:
Residents will be able to place paper, cardboard, glass containers, metal food and drink containers, and No. 1 and No. 2 plastic bottles and containers into their bins.
Items that can not be recycled include objects such as plastic bags, Styrofoam, tissue paper, clothing, and electronics.
A list of acceptable recyclables is labeled on the top of the new recycling bins, but resources are also available on the city’s website.
No sorting required
The program will use a single-stream recycling system and so residents will not need to sort recyclable materials before putting them into the bins.
Under the program, single-family homes and multi-family properties with four or fewer units will receive a 96-gallon recycling bin.
Collection will occur every other week and service will be billed through Ames Utilities.
“It is important for people to participate, but also do it correctly,” said Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen, the Ward 1 representative to the Ames City Council. “We want the recycled materials to be clean and uncontaminated.”
Other recycling options
Although some items are not accepted curbside, residents will have options for recycling any additional items. For those who aren’t able to move their recycling bins, the city offers a walk-up service.
The recycling cart will be picked up from a location that is visible from the street, dumped in the truck and returned to its location, according to the city’s website.
Current existing cardboard drop-off locations will remain open throughout Ames.
“Being cognizant of what goes into the recycling bin and what goes into the waste stream is extremely important,” said Public Works Director Justin Clausen when asked how the community can stay educated.
Additionally, Clausen urged residents to actively participate and ask questions like, “What do I do with a light bulb?”
(“All light bulbs, incandescent or fluorescent, can be dropped off at Resource Recovery at no charge,” according to the city website.)
Ames’ Resource Recovery Plant will continue operating drop-off recycling services for items such as clothing, shoes and other materials not accepted in recycling bins.
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