New Rochelle’s Park And Rec Recycling Practically Non Existent

Written By: Talk of the Sound News

New York City is going all out when it comes to Recycling……. but New Rochelle is not following.

Apart from Glen Island park, recycling bins at New Rochelle Parks are non existent. None of the ball fields are sporting recycling cans, none of the playgrounds, none of the tennis courts.

The Source separation law is in effect since the late 80ies and here we are in 2013 and there are still no Recycling cans in sight.

How can we teach our children about recycling if no logistics are provided.

Especially at the ball fields, because, guess what, there are mainly bottles and cans discarded there. I did a survey and found 800 beverage containers per weekend day at the ALMS and Ward Ball fields alone. And no recycling can!

Here is an article on what Central Park is doing, it should be an example to New Rochelle.

Central Park recycling to get an overhaul

May 28, 2013
By Kerri Jansen @TheKerriJansen

Trash and recycling bins in New York City’s Central Park will be replaced with more than 700 new receptacles.

The Central Park Conservancy, in partnership with aluminum recycler Alcoa Inc., will replace existing plastic bins with receptacles made from 30% recycled aluminum, as well as adding more than 400 new bins, the Conservancy announced. The new bins are designed to prevent trash overflow and access by pests.

“With three times as many people visiting the park now compared to 1980, the Conservancy has to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to smart management,” Douglas Blonsky, president and CEO of the Central Park Conservancy, said in a statement. “New bins in smarter locations means a more environmentally friendly, efficient collection system that helps 40 million visitors a year continue to enjoy the park they love.”

The additions will nearly double the number of recycling receptacles in Manhattan, the Conservancy said.

2 thoughts on “New Rochelle’s Park And Rec Recycling Practically Non Existent”

  1. You are correct
    You are correct i do not see any bins around for recycling. I’m sure are parks and rec department are aware of this. This is more likely a budget problem many things make me say this
    1-Lack of man power to do such a job.
    2-equipment the pails,the trucks etc etc
    This department is cut to the bare bone i’m surprised they can cut the grass never mind pick up garbage.

    1. just an organizational problem
      Those are exactly the excuses I am hearing. But it is only an organizational problem.

      Recycling is the law, saves money and the environment and one cannot solve a problem if the logistics are not provided.

      Let me lay out the solutions

      Ball fields: The law says the the generator is responsible to recycle. At the ball fields it is the leagues that are using the fields. They should be responsible to provide recycling bins for field side collection, and the City should provide an exit bin for collection.

      Solution: ask each team to have a portable recycling bin (one of those stands that just holds a bag)and hold them responsible for their members and parents recycling etiquette. Have one larger Recycling bin at the exit point, right next to the garbage can.

      Most people will do the right thing if the logistics are provided and are somewhat convenient.

      Parks: Start with placement of bins right next to the garbage bin. In Glen Island they are a bit all over the place with no rhyme or reason. Add bins progressively, ask for local businesses to donate bins. Paint existing bins blue to re-allocate them, add signage. Run a Recycling Bin Decorating Contest. The possibilities are endless.

      It is a lack of will power and not a lack of money.

      There is no additional man power involved when it comes to picking up garbage vs recycling. It may require using a different vehicle to pick up. Is it really necessary to send out a huge truck with hopper and two people to pick up garbage at the parks? Or would it be better to have a smaller truck, with a dual chamber?

      I have been to many municipalities,and I admit, it is not an easy problem to tackle, but to tackle it we must and we better get started.

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