Zachary Implements New Recycling Guidelines with Waste Management

The city of Zachary has announced new guidelines for its residential recycling program in partnership with Waste Management. This initiative aims to streamline recycling processes and enhance the efficiency of waste collection services. Starting March 15, 2024, residents will see changes in how recyclables are collected and sorted.

Under the updated program, all recyclables must now be placed in the designated 96-gallon green cart with a gold lid. These carts will be serviced by automated trucks, which replace the older rear-load system that was previously in use. Collection days will vary depending on the location within the city, occurring on either Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday. Residents are encouraged to visit wm.com to sign up for the new recycling service.

To ensure effective collection, residents should adhere to specific placement guidelines. Carts for garbage and recycling need to be positioned at least three feet apart from each other and any obstructions. Furthermore, the carts should be placed curbside the night before collection, as pickups will begin at 05:00.

The recycling program specifies that all recyclables should be emptied loose into the cart without any bags or liners. The list of accepted items includes:

– Newspapers, magazines, and scrap paper
– Flattened cardboard
– Plastics labeled No. 1 to No. 7, including milk cartons and juice boxes
– Rinsed aluminum and tin food and beverage cans
– Cereal and cracker boxes (without liners) and rinsed juice/milk/cream cartons

Conversely, there are several materials that cannot be recycled through this program. These include:

– Plastic bags and foam products
– Glass bottles and containers
– Household garbage and yard waste
– Hazardous waste, such as electronics and batteries
– Soiled paper products and various other items like furniture and clothing

In light of the new recycling services, the city has also outlined the garbage and recycling rates for 2025. For households within city limits, the monthly rate stands at $33.30, which comprises $24.50 for garbage and $8.80 for recycling. Seniors residing within the city limits will benefit from a reduced rate of $18.15, which includes $13.75 for garbage and $4.40 for recycling.

As Zachary transitions to this new recycling program, the city encourages residents to familiarize themselves with the guidelines to ensure a successful implementation. By adhering to these rules, the community can contribute to a more sustainable environment through improved recycling practices.