Jan 31, 2003
New Garbage Rates Encourage Recycling
Fort Worth City Council approved new garbage rates today that could lead to
lower bills for residents who learn to recycle and reduce the amount of
garbage they throw away. The new rates will take effect after June 30, when
once-a-week garbage service in carts begins.

Currently, all residents pay the same amount for curbside garbage service--
$13.75 per month. New pay-as-you-throw rates will be based on the size
garbage cart a resident chooses:

32-gallon garbage cart $8 per month

64-gallon garbage cart $13 per month

96-gallon garbage cart $18 per month

Before choosing a garbage cart size in April and May, each household will
receive a recycling cart and information about how to recycle more trash.
Residents who recycle more will have less garbage and, therefore, need a
smaller size garbage cart. A recycling cart will be delivered to each
household in February or March at no additional charge.

Blue Recycling Carts
Beginning March 31, residents will put recyclables in the 64-gallon blue
recycling cart instead of the rectangular, green recycling bin. Not only does
the cart hold more than the bin, it’s also easier to take to the curb because
it has wheels.

Also beginning March 31, many more items can be recycled. The city’s new
recycling program will accept glass and ceramics of all colors and more types
of paper-including cereal boxes, dry food packaging and soda and beer cartons.
Also added to the recycling list: rigid plastic containers with Nos. 1 through
7 recycling symbols on the bottom and even the plastic or metal lids to most
containers. Residents will find they have much less trash to throw in the
garbage, if they recycle everything on the new list.

Recycle Yard Trimmings
In addition to recycling more household items, Fort Worth will begin recycling
yard trimmings on March 31. Residents will put leaves, grass clippings and
other small garden trimmings in paper yard bags instead of plastic bags. Paper
yard bags, available soon in retail stores, are made of a special 2-ply,
heavy-duty paper that resists tearing and holds up even if it gets wet. But
most important, paper yard bags can be composted-plastic bags cannot. When
residents fill paper yard bags and set them at the curb on their recycling
day, they’ll be collected and turned into gardening mulch and compost-not taken
to a landfill.

Residents may continue to set out bundles of limbs and small brush, tied with
twine or string, as long as bundles are no more than four feet long and less
than 18 inches in diameter. Place bundles at the curb on your recycling day;
they will also be turned into mulch.

Big Trash and Brush
For larger limbs, old furniture and other trash that’s too big for garbage and
recycling crews to handle, the city will continue to offer special pickup of
big trash and brush. However, beginning March 31, instead of having to time
yard work to a set out day, residents simply call 817-392-EASY to request
a pickup. Items will be picked up within three to seven days, and residents will
get up to four free pickups per household per year.

For more information about current or new garbage and recycling services call
817-392-EASY (3297) or visit:
www.fortworthgov.htm or www.fortworthgov.org/dem