Plastics, glass and paper no longer have to be separated at the recycle center on Signal Mountain.
Life just got a lot less complicated for recyclers on Signal Mountain.
On Monday, Signal Mountain Recycle Center switched to single-stream recycling.
The change means users no longer have separate plastics, paper, glass and other recyclables and then drop them in designated containers at the recycling center.
Instead, everything except cardboard gets dumped into containers together.
“I could get used to this,” one longtime recycler said happily as she emptied a garbage bag full of recyclables into the container – and then threw the plastic garbage bag in after it.
Town officials are enthusiastic about the new system, and predict it will encourage more people to recycle.
“This is really great news for the town and should help us take more materials out of the waste stream which will save us some money,” Mayor Bill Lusk said. “We will now be able to recycle all types of plastics – especially 5’s and 7’s.”
Further, he noted, “Trips to the center should be quicker and easier, the facility better organized and with ample containers to prevent overflow situations.”
The change is possible, Vice Mayor Susan Robertson said, thanks to new technology.
“Rock-Tenn, our recycle contractor and hauler, has a new machine with the ability to automatically sort materials at its plant,” she explained.
“Plastic 1-7 and plastic bags (but not Styrofoam) can now be accepted,” according to the vice mayor. Previously, the center could recycle only those plastic materials marked “1” or “2.”
As recyclers come and go at the center and a bin fills up, another is opened.
“Only cardboard will be collected as usual because of the volume we get,” Ms. Robertson said. “It will still be dropped off at the compactor.”
To help get out the word about the new system, the town will mail a brochure to all its residents that explains the changes.
The text of the brochure follows:
Town of Signal Mountain Tennessee
1151 Ridgeway Ave.
886-4341
Hours of Operation
Tues: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Wed, Thur, Fri: 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Sat: 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
The Recycle Center is free of charge for all Residents and Non-Residents.
Recycling at the Signal Mountain Recycle Center is easier than ever. Rock-Tenn, the Town’s recycle contractor, has built a new multi-million dollar computerized plant that will accept plastic #’s 1-7 and automatically sort materials too.
We now have the capacity to recycle the following:
* Plastic #’s 1 – 7 (except styrofoam)
* Plastic bags
* Clear and colored glass
* Steel and aluminum (cans, pie trays, foil, etc.)
* Newspaper and mixed paper
Items no longer need to be sorted and can all be deposited together in the containers marked “In Use”. When they are full, attendants will open others. Please rinse all food from containers before recycling. You may leave caps/lids on all items.
Cardboard will be Compacted As Usual
Because of the high volume received, the Town will continue to compact corrugated cardboard. Please remember to remove all packing material, plastic, and styrofoam from cardboard boxes before placing them into the machine. Note: Only attendants may operate the machine.
Please dispose of styrofoam elsewhere as the Center cannot handle it at this time.
Electronics:
Computers (desktops & laptops)
Monitors & printers
TVs (flat screen only, no CRT/Tubes)
Stereo equipment
Cell phones
Digital cameras
VHS & DVD players
The following drop-options are for non-commercial householders only:
Hazardous Materials:
Paint & spray paint
Pesticides & insecticides
Wood preservatives
Drain openers
Herbicides
Household cleaners
Adhesives
Brake fluid
Fertilizers
PP thinner
Solvents
Oven cleaners
Fire extinguishers
Propane tanks
Antifreeze, oil, styrofoam, and televisions will be accepted at the Transfer Station at 714 Mississippi Ave.