New carts to make recycling easier, more effective in Clark County

Vancouver, WA -- A big change in the curbside recycling program begins Monday, April 6, for more than 40,000 Clark County households. Over the course of 10 weeks, residents in many areas will receive rolling carts to replace the three-bin recycling system currently in place. Pilot testing in selected areas last year showed improved recycling rates, which will help to move the county closer to its goal of 50 percent recycling of the waste stream.

This spring’s recycling program roll-out will include single-family residential customers in urban unincorporated areas of Clark County, the cities of Battle Ground and La Center, and the town of Yacolt. Rural recycling subscribers will receive their new carts in August.

The new carts allow residents to put most recyclable items in one container. In addition, the list of accepted items will expand to include yogurt and butter tubs, nursery pots, and plastic buckets up to five gallons. Glass bottles will be recycled separately, outside the cart, as will other materials such as used motor oil, anti-freeze and batteries.

Residents will receive a postcard two weeks in advance of cart delivery, followed by an informational brochure one week before delivery. The new roll cart will have an information packet attached, including a poster and decals. Residents should keep at least one existing recycling bin to use for recycling glass bottles in the new program. Any unneeded recycling bins should be put out empty at the curb, for free removal the first Saturday after the cart is delivered.

The city of Washougal has recently approved a roll-cart program and will transition in late summer or fall. Camas is not implementing a cart program at this time, but is actively discussing the option. Ridgefield has not yet discussed a transition to carts.

The City of Vancouver, which participated with Clark County in the pilot program for the cart system, is also continuing to discuss carts and options with its contract hauler Waste Connections. More information will be posted on Vancouver’s Solid Waste Services Web site at www.cityofvancouver.us/solidwaste as it becomes available.

Clark County and Waste Connections both have Web sites with more information, including a cart delivery schedule. The county site is www.clark.wa.gov/recycle/recycles/residentialcarts.html. Waste Connections’ is at www.wcnorthwest.com. Residents may also call (360) 892-5370.