Riverside City officials announced yesterday the launch of an ambitious new recycling program designed to significantly reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. The comprehensive initiative, which will begin citywide implementation next month, aims to increase the city's recycling rate from the current 35% to 65% within three years.
"Environmental sustainability is no longer optional—it's essential for our community's future," stated Mayor Patricia Reynolds at the press conference. "This program represents our commitment to preserving our environment for future generations while also creating economic opportunities through the recycling industry."
Under the new program, all residential properties will receive three different colored bins for separating waste: blue for paper and cardboard, green for organic materials including food waste, and yellow for plastics and glass. The city will provide free educational materials and workshops to help residents understand proper sorting techniques.
The city has partnered with EcoRecycle Technologies, a regional waste management company, to process the collected materials. This partnership is expected to create approximately 150 new jobs in sorting, processing, and transportation. Additionally, revenue generated from selling recycled materials will be reinvested into expanding the program and maintaining public parks.
To encourage participation, the city will implement a tiered pricing system for waste collection. Households that properly separate their recyclables will pay lower fees, while those who continue to send all waste to landfills will face higher charges. Educational outreach programs will target schools and community organizations to build long-term recycling habits among residents.