FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 1, 2012

Cary Expands Curbside Recycling Program
New accepted items include lids, shredded paper, metal cookware, chipboard and paper egg cartons/cup holders

CARY, NC – In tune with Cary citizens’ culture of conservation and environmental stewardship, the Town of Cary is proud to announce another expansion of its Curbside Recycling program. Starting today, the Cary Recycles program is accepting metal and plastic lids; shredded paper; metal cookware, including pots, pans and baking sheets; and chipboard/paper egg cartons and drink holders; these materials are now also accepted at the Town’s Citizen’s Convenience Center, 313 N. Dixon Avenue.

“Our expansion reflects both the advancement in recycling technology and the increased interest expressed by our citizens to recycle more at the curb,” said Town of Cary Public Works Director Scott Hecht. “With a few simple preparation steps, we hope to greatly increase our recycling efforts.”

To ensure items are accepted for recycling, citizens are reminded to:
• Cap it. All lids must be placed securely on the original bottle, tub or jar.
• Bag it. All shredded paper must be placed in a tied, transparent plastic bag; grocery store bags are not preferred since they are difficult to see through, increasing the chance of the contents not being recycled.
• Check it. Only plug-free metal cookware and chipboard/paper egg cartons and drink holders unsoiled with food will be accepted for recycling.

Implemented in 1989, Cary’s recycling program is just one example of how the Town works to lead the state in preserving and protecting natural resources. In Fiscal Year 2012, Cary citizens helped to divert over 49 percent of waste from the landfill. The last expansion to the Curbside Recycling program was in 2008 in conjunction with the introduction of rollout recycling carts. The Town holds year-round workshops and special events focused on recycling, including biannual Litter Sweeps, Earth Day, Reuse Rodeo and America Recycles Day.

For more about recycling opportunities in Cary, including a full list of over two dozen materials accepted at the curb, search “Curbside Recycling” at www.townofcary.org or call (919) 469-4090.

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PRIMARY CONTACTS:
Srijana Guilford, Conservation Specialist/Communications, (919) 462-3872
Scott Hecht, Public Works Director, (919) 469-4093
Deanna Boone, Deputy Public Information Officer, (919) 462-3908
Susan Moran, Public Information Director, (919) 380-4240

RELATED LINKS:
Curbside Recycling Program

Citizen's Convenience Center