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Civic
Recycling |
On-the-go pedestrians in San José may conveniently recycle
their plastic or glass bottles and aluminum cans in any of 800 public
litter cans that have been retrofitted with special recycling tops.
A Retrofit of Existing Cans
The new recycling top is self-contained and fits on top of the public
litter cans now found downtown, in transit areas and in some business
districts, such as Japantown. Two 4-inch round openings for receiving
the bottles and cans are clearly identified with the international
recycle logo and the word “RECYCLE”. The scavenger-friendly
design has a 2-gallon to 5-gallon capacity, depending on the style.
Plastic, aluminum, and glass beverage containers may be recycled
in the top, while trash is still placed into the garbage can below.
Funding Source
Funding for the recycling tops and installation comes from unclaimed
California redemption value (CRV) deposits. This funding source
is administered by the California Department
of Conservation (DOC) to increase municipalities’ recycling
activities. In 2000, the City of San José used DOC funds
to purchase and install 500 new recycling containers throughout
133 local parks. Almost 100 tons of bottles and cans were collected
from the City of San José parks from July 2002-2003.
Civic Recycling Benefits
Earlier this year, the City of San José was credited by the
California Integrated Waste Management Board for diverting 64% of
its waste from local landfills in 2000. By reducing litter, increasing
the visibility of the City’s recycling program and serving
as a role model to other cities, the new recycling tops will complement
the City of San José’s overall recycling achievements.
Parks Recycling Program
From large regional parks like Kelley and Alum Rock to small "tot"
lots such as Gregory and Huerta, the parks recycling program brings
recycling where you play.
There are over 500 containers located throughout 133 local parks.
San José has about 5.6 million visitors annually and the
parks recycling program gives everyone an opportunity to pitch-in
and recycle.
The containers are clearly labeled with the word ‘RECYCLE’
and come in two different styles. One style is a domed-top steel
can while the other is a slant-top can, with slats made of 100%
recycled plastic.
The parks recycling program is one of the ways the City of San
José’s Environmental Services Department is working
towards encouraging residents and visitors to recycle where they
live, work and play. This program was funded by a grant from the
state Department
of Conservation.
Public Litter Can Manufacturers
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