EASLEY ─ Why recycle?

According to Easley Public Works officials, “recycling is good for the environment, human health and the economy.”

“The recyclables that you place in your curbside bin have value,” they stated in the city’s Spring/Summer newsletter. “By turning recyclables into materials that can be bought and sold, recyclables create jobs and add significantly to the state’s economy.”

And recycling promotes the sustainable use of natural resources, saves energy, reduces pollution and lessens the need to build landfills and incinerators.

In December 2009, the city reached a goal set by the county of 20 percent recycling, and now officials hope with residents’ help to reach the lasted goal of 31 percent.

“The city needs your help in achieving this goal by increasing the percentage of recyclables that we generate,” public works officials state.

David Lappin, Streets & Solid Waste supervisor, said the city is averaging a 22.5 percent recycling rate now and continues to make strides every month.

And for those who do not recycle, officials are asking them to consider taking up the habit.

“The process is very simple – just come by the public works office and pick up a recycle bin and start using it,” Lappin said.. “You can mix all recyclables in one bin, and we will sort the items as needed as we put them on the truck.”

The first bin is free, and additional bins can be purchased for $6, he said.

And the city will pick up the bins curbside on the same day as they pick up garbage.

“It’s not a hard thing to do,” Lappin said.

Among the items that can be accepted for recycling are: glass, transparent and translucent food and beverage bottles and jars, paper labels, rings and lids on glass containers, tin/steel cans, tin plated, food and beverage containers, all sizes; aluminum used beverage containers and foil clean of food, plastic bottles; HDPE, PET and other plastic bottles and jugs, including plastic milk jugs, water jugs, detergent bottle dishwashing soap bottles; caps and labels; old newspapers; old magazines; beverage cartons; small cardboard boxes; brown paper bags; junk mail; envelopes with windows; copier paper notebook paper and computer paper; and boxboard (dry food and cereal boxes, shoe boxes broken down).