Racine Alderman Pete Karas is pushing for a renewed citywide focus on recycling.
Karas met with representatives from the City of Racine, the Civic Center, The Oasis, Racine County Visitors and Convention Bureau, Downtown Racine Corp., and others to discuss improving recycling rates, which are at a 10-year low.
“We concurred that this program needs more study and public awareness to ensure success, instead of instituting new government regulations and mandates at this time," Karas said. "Education of the public is going to be the first step towards success.”
The city parks and public works departments are testing a program that would make recycling containers more available throughout the city. They will be monitored to see if they're used.
More important, however, is voluntary involvement. Cuts in city spending mean more businesses and residents will have to take the lead on recycling.
“For this program to succeed we need the people, groups, and businesses of Racine to buy in with their voluntary participation,” Karas said. “With the City’s recycling coordinator position eliminated in 2004, the City does not have the staff or money to aggressively provide additional recycling education, making the public’s voluntary involvement essential."
Karas will start the public information campaign with a website, www.RacineRecycles.org. The site is expected to be running by mid-November. Anyone interested in helping with the site, or suggesting possible content, should write to: Recycle@RacineRecycles.org
Great Idea! And with prices on recycling going up, this can even pay for itself.
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