Metro Nashville’s budget for this upcoming year was approved this week, and it includes funding for two major recycling projects. But not included was a proposal to double residential recycling pickup, from its current schedule of once a month.
East Nashville resident Ian Skotte and his wife fill up their 96-gallon recycling bin to the brim every month. It gets to the point, he says, where he has to start throwing out things like cereal boxes.
“There have been many times where I’m literally jumping from my deck into the recycling bin to crush it down to make sure that we can get as much in there as we can.”
Public works had requested the extra pickup not just for dedicated residents. The department also hoped the regularity would encourage those who don’t recycle to start doing so — which Skotte thinks makes sense.
“It just comes down to the routine of it. If it came every week like the garbage trucks would, people would notice that this is what you’re supposed to do,” he says.
Although Mayor Karl Dean didn’t champion that request in his recommended budget, he did include two other major public works projects for next year. One puts money toward a new recycling and waste convenience center on Ezell Pike in South Nashville. The other adds 175 public recycling bins downtown, geared toward tourists and business people.
Residents with Metro recycling service can request additional bins at no cost by calling 615-880-1000.
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