The Art of Recycling

On April 25, the “green smART project” unveiled eight artistically designed recycle bins on the steps of the Main Branch of the Lakewood Library. The bins were on display the Library steps for several weeks, and are now been placed in various locations along Detroit and Madison Avenues. Each recycle bin has been placed next to, or very near, an existing trash bin. The uniquely crafted recycle bins should be used for glass, plastic and cans. All other debris should be thrown into the regular trash bins.

Many thanks to GreenSmartGifts, Lakewood is Art, Local Girl Gallery, Alladin’s, Wobblefoot Gallery, Geigers, Ideas in Focus, Mary Ann Hastings and Associates, Nationwide Insurance and the Lakewood Observer for their sponsorships and efforts to the project a success.

New Automated Refuse Collection Trucks

The new automated refuse collection trucks will be on their way soon. After the new bins are distributed city-wide, the City will roll out its fleet of new automated refuse collection trucks.

We're switching to automated refuse collection to save taxpayer dollars and reduce our impact on the environment (through increased recycling and fleet reduction). Its part of the City's Green Refuse and Recycling Initiative.

This month, all households will be given a special heavy-duty 96 gallon (larger than three regular trash bins) wheeled trash container to put their weekly trash into. The special containers will be picked up by City of Lakewood automated refuse trucks.

The new trucks trucks require less labor and fuel than the current system. The containers will be dumped into the trucks using a hydraulic lifting system. This will significantly reduce worker injuries and increase efficiency of Refuse Department employees. Refuse collection will still be done by City of Lakewood employees, not contractors.

More information is available here (pdf) and here (web).

Start Using the New Refuse Cans Right Away!

Starting this week, new refuse bins are being delivered to every address in Lakewood. Start using them right away.

The way that refuse is collected will change. The new 96 gallon refuse bins (about the size of three traditional cans) should be wheeled to the tree lawn on your normal collection day.

For residents:
•	Sturdy wheeled carts are easy to maneuver
•	Capacity of carts is equal to three or four regular trash cans
•	No carrying/lifting heavy trash
•	Carts with tight lids keep rodents and pets out
•	Clean neighborhoods with no litter on streets after pick-up The Dimensions of the cart are 43.25" (H) by 29.75" (W) by 35.25" (depth from front to back handle)

For your tax dollars:
•	Improved efficiency
•	Decreased fuel costs
•	Decreased vehicle repair costs
•	Decreased number of vehicles necessary for refuse collection
•	Reduced employee injuries
•	Reduced fuel usage and emissions

How will automated refuse collection work?
•	Starting in May 2009, each Lakewood home will receive a 96 gallon, wheeled refuse collection container. When the container is delivered to your home, begin using it for all general refuse.
•	Residents will place this container on their tree lawn by 6:30 AM on their collection day and a refuse truck with a mechanical arm will lift the containers off the street, empty it into the truck and return the container to its original position.
•	The City will make accommodations for those with special needs.
•	Recyclables and large item collection will remain the same.
A big part of this Initiative is to increase recycling efforts citywide. Throughout 2009, the City will place a stronger emphasis on raising residents’ awareness about our recycling programs and encourage all residents to recycle. In Lakewood, residents can recycle all glass bottles and jars, metal food and beverage containers, all plastics with the recycling symbols #1-7, plastic grocery bags, paper, cardboard and yard waste. For more information about recycling, click here.

Holiday Schedule Changes for City Services

City Hall will be closed Friday, April 10th to observe Good Friday.

So, the folks who collect our refuse and recycling are going to hustle to get five days of collection squeezed into just four days. If your normal collection day is Monday, nothing changes. But, if your normal collection day is Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, then we might get there a day early, so get that stuff out of the house just in case. And if your normal collection day is Friday, well, get it ready for Thursday collection.

Don't forget that refuse and recycling should not be placed on the curb or tree lawn until after 6:00 p.m. on the night before your collection day and should be available for collection by 6:30 a.m. on the collection day. Call Refuse and Recycling at (216) 252-4322 if you have any questions or need special accommodations.

Green Refuse Iniative

The City has made important improvements to the way refuse is collected to be more efficient, more economical and more environmentally responsible.

Over time, the City’s Green Refuse and Recycling Initiative will benefit Lakewood by saving millions of dollars, dramatically increasing citizen recycling, and reducing Lakewood’s carbon footprint by hundreds of tons every year.

The way refuse is collected from your home will change. Starting in May 2009, each Lakewood home will receive a special 96 gallon refuse collection container. When the wheeled container is delivered to your home, begin using it for all general refuse.

Residents will be responsible for placing the container on their tree lawns by

6:30 A.M. on their collection day. The City will make accommodations for those with special needs.

Watch for more information regarding this new program, and the rest of the Green Refuse Initiative in the coming months. For more details visit www.OneLakewood.com.