For some Ames residents, recycling has been part of everyday life for years. For others, the city’s new curbside recycling program is their first introduction to separating recyclables from the rest of their trash.
“The only time I remember recycling was when I was a kid,” Ames resident April Erickson said. “My parents always thought it was important.”
Erickson, who moved to the city in 1998, said her family always valued recycling growing up. Erickson said she was excited to learn the city offered curbside recycling services.
“I absolutely love it,” she said. “I think it is great that the city is looking after the environment.”
The city launched its curbside recycling program in July, giving its residents recycling bins and a new way to dispose of materials such as cardboard, glass and specific plastics.
If Erickson had questions about the program, she said she could call the city for answers. She also bought an additional bin so her family could easily separate trash from the recycling.
Erickson said she knew the recycling service would add an additional charge to her utility bill. However, not all Ames residents have been happy with the extra cost.
Where residents can find recycling frustrations
Residents expressed their frustrations about the new program, including concerns about the cost, rules and the ability to opt out of the service altogether. Several residents along alleys can’t get recycling picked up where they want, which led dozens to opt out of the program altogether.
For Beth Lin Hartmann, who has lived in Ames for 17 years, recycling is not a new concept.
“We have always recycled cardboard and glass with the city by taking it downtown, so we love this option,” Hartmann said.
Hartmann and her household are trying to follow the rules for what can and cannot be recycled, but some of the guidelines have been difficult to understand.
“We work hard to follow the rules – although, I think some are still not clear,” she said.
Hartmann said she is particularly confused about what types of plastic can be recycled. She said the information sent to residents explaining the program can be difficult to interpret.
Determining what items can be recycled
One area of confusion is which plastics can go in their recycling bins. Ames accepts No. 1 and No. 2 plastic containers, including water and soda bottles, milk jugs and laundry detergent containers. The curbside recycling program does not accept plastics labeled No. 3 through No. 7.
Additionally, residents are asked to make sure recyclable items are empty and free of excess food or drink before placing them in their bins.
Questions like Hartmann’s reflect some of the concerns Ames residents have shared since the program began. While some residents are excited about the service, others question the cost and whether the program is necessary.
Still, officials say participation has been high during the program’s first few months.
Nolan Sagan, sustainability coordinator for the city of Ames, said overall the rollout has been smooth and that residents have done a good job learning the new system.
Approximately 75% of Ames households participated in curbside recycling in August.
The city initially received questions about why the program was needed and how it worked, Sagan said. Now, questions typically revolve around which materials are accepted and when recycling is collected.
While recycling can give used materials a new purpose, Sagan said reducing overall waste is still important.
“It’s much better to avoid generating the waste in the first place if you can, or to find a creative way to reuse it,” Sagan said.
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