The Purpose of Recycling

Recycling protects and expands U.S. manufacturing jobs and increases U.S. competitiveness, reduces our reliance on landfills and incinerators, prevents pollution caused by the manufacturing of products from virgin materials, decreases emissions of greenhouse gases that contribute to global climate change, protects our health and environment when harmful substances are removed from the waste stream, conserves our natural resources because it reduces the need for raw materials, and help sustain the environment for future generations.

State Program Overview

In 2010, Governor Markell signed legislation requiring that curbside recycling be offered by all public and private solid waste collection providers in order to maximize the diversion of recyclables from disposal. By doing so the state will conserve resources and energy, extend the life of the landfills, create jobs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote sustainability.

The Town of Smyrna initiated its recycling program on July 1, 2011.

Recycling & Other State Requirements

No later than September 15, 2011, all persons providing solid waste collection services must provide every single-family customer - as well as customers with on-premise sales of bottled beverages such as restaurants and bars - with single-stream recycling collection service at a frequency of not less than every other week. The service must include delivery of a recyclables storage container that is adequately sized for the customers' use such that recycling is encouraged and disposal is discouraged.

Recyclable items include:

• Number 1 and Number 2 plastic containers
• Fiberboard
• Glass
• Newspaper
• Office and mixed paper
• Cardboard
• Steel/tin
• Aluminum cans