The City of Buffalo is expanding its recycling program, hoping to raise the rate of recycling from 8% to 16%, holding the line on the residential garbage fee and increasing revenues.
The first step began Wednesday morning on Crowley street.
The first of 70,000 Buffalo Green Cart recycling totes was rolled off a trailer, on to the driveway of Rose Marie Brock's home in the Riverside section of Buffalo. Brock, who's lived in the neighborhood for nearly 48 years, is a long time recycler and is quick to list the items she recycles.
"Cans, jars, papers cake box -- everything -- big cardboard I break up and tie up," said Broke.
Buffalo residents presently use 18 gallon recycling bins, Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown was joined by Public Works Commissioner Steven Stepniak was on to present the new tote to Brock, Stepniak said the totes are significantly larger.
"What are the capacities? Can you break those down for me?," asked Pastrick.
"I sure can. There's a 35 there's a 64 there's a 95 the majority the residence will be getting the 64 and our calculations were figure there would be plenty of space for a two week or by weekly collection," said Stepniak.
By moving from a weekly to bi-weekly collection schedule for recyclable material, Stepniak believes the city will save fuel and contribute to a reduction in greenhouse gases. North District residents are first to receive the new green recycling totes. Why?
"Our statistics have shown you have been the best recycling district out there," said Stepniak.
The city expects to have all 70,000 recycling totes distributed to residents within 45 days.