Pilot recycling program in one midstate county is declared a success

07/06/2007Scott Gilbert(York) -- A pilot program in York County has confirmed that giving residents bigger recycling bins leads to the collection of more materials. However, just how much more has surprised some officials. Last September, residents in New Freedom were given 22-gallon recycling bins to replace their 14-gallon tubs they had been using. The county also distributed educational pamphlets in the borough. The amount of recycled materials gathered there over an eight-month period ending in April jumped by 72 percent from the same time frame a year earlier. Ellen O'Connor, with the York County Solid Waste and Refuse Authority, was thrilled with the results. O'Connor says grants are available to help communities pay for up to 90 percent of the cost of new bins. Fifty-five of York County's 72 municipalities have curbside recycling programs. http://www.witf.org/FM/news.php