For several years, McKeesport has offered single stream recycling, which allows paper, cardboard, plastics No.1-7, glass bottles, and aluminum or bi-metal cans by placing everything in a single bin. While some residents had small recycle bins leftover from a previous program, most who recycled on a regular basis had to purchase larger bins to accommodate their household needs. Residents using large bins should bag their recyclables at a weight not to exceed 30 pounds so that bags can be easily lifted into the hauler’s trucks. Bags tend to become heavier with less volume when filled with glass bottles or paper, as opposed to plastic bottles or aluminum cans.

Thanks to a $216,934 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, the city was able to purchase more than 4,000 recycling bins as well as a leaf collection machine. The city was obligated to match $24,104 to cover a portion of the project’s cost.

“This is a great opportunity to teach McKeesport residents about the value of recycling from both budgetary and environmental perspectives,” Mayor Michael Cherepko said. “Every recycled item reduces the amount of trash hauled to the landfill by our provider. That reduction reduces our landfill deposit costs and allows us to be an environmentally responsible community.”

Providing residents with household bins – available in 95- and 32-gallon sizes – provides a greater opportunity to participate in the recycling program. The city has been educating residents on the do’s and don’ts of its local recycling initiative for several years, and the bins offer more incentive to participate, city officials said.

“It is our hope that the ability to distribute these bins to our residents will remove a barrier that was preventing some households from recycling,” community development director A.J. Tedesco said. “We wish to thank the DEP for partnering with us in this endeavor and bring this service to our community.”

City officials said America Recycles Day, a national initiative to keep America beautiful, is the perfect opportunity to promote recycling efforts in McKeesport. The city registered its bin promotion as an affiliate of America Recycles Day.