By shifting the collection method to 96-gallon carts, it is estimated Omaha will generate 10,000 tons of additional recyclables per year. | Lightspring/Shutterstock
The city of Omaha, Neb. will receive $825,000 from The Recycling Partnership to significantly expand local collection infrastructure.
The Recycling Partnership, a national industry group backed by brand owners and other corporate stakeholders, on Jan. 5 announced the grant in Omaha, Neb., a city of about 478,000 residents. It’s the largest sum the organization has distributed for a single cart project in the six years the initiative has been active.
The $825,000 in financial assistance will help Nebraska’s largest city pay for 135,000 new recycling carts, replacing 18-gallon bins. By shifting the collection method to 96-gallon carts, the partners anticipate the city will generate 10,000 tons of additional recyclables per year.
Paul Dunn, solid waste program coordinator for the city of Omaha, described the project as part of a “top to bottom overhaul of waste collection in Omaha.” He noted the city’s program dates back to 1976, when curbside newspaper collection was launched.
The funding will also pay for education and outreach initiatives covering the new collection process, according to the project partners.
The Omaha grant project is tied to funding from the PepsiCo Foundation and is connected to The Recycling Partnership’s 2019 Leadership Summit, according to the project partners.
The industry group estimates it has delivered more than 900,000 recycling carts across the U.S. over the last six years.
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