2017 Recycling Goal

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2017 Recycling Goal
The goal for 2017 increased to 1,974 tons, which is a 4.2% increase from 2016.  Columbia Heights residents recycled 1,063 tons through August, which saved the City's Refuse fund almost $71,000 in trash disposal fees.  This is notable, but still about 18% less than anticipated.  We can still easily make the year-end goal if each household recycles at least 100 pounds every month.  Please share recycling ideas with friends and neighbors, and remind everyone to recycle 100 pounds next month.

IN TONS 1st Half July August 2017 Goal
 Goal 951
182 168 1,974
 Achieved 792
131 140 1,063
 Over/(Short) (159)
  (51)   (28)      (911) 
 Percentage 83%
72%
 83%    54%

Benefits of Recycling

  • Less use of landfills and raw materials (petroleum, trees, minerals).
  • Reducing solid waste (trash) disposal saves the City money.
  • Recycling provides money for the Refuse fund to subsidize the cost of recycling programs and operations. 
  • Recycling costs less than one-fifth of trash collection and disposal.
  • Households can save money by recycling more and switching to a smaller (and less expensive) garbage container service.
Other Ways to Reduce Solid Waste Disposal Costs 
Use the Recycling Drop-off Center  at 3801 Madison Street. 

Separate organics (all food scraps and food soiled paper) from the trash and drop off at the Recycling Center.  Call the Public Works Department at (763) 706-3700 to receive a free starter kit and the required bags for organics disposal.

Recycling reusable material makes more sense than dumping in a landfill.
Landfill    OR     Recycle Center


Don't Throw Away, Donate Today
Donate or sell large household items such as furniture, mattresses, etc.  See your Anoka County Recycling Guide for information and ideas about donating or visit the Anoka County Recycling and Disposal Directory.

Anoka County sets the residential recycling goal. The City of Columbia Heights participates in the SCORE (Select Committee on Recycling and the Environment) grant program administered by Anoka County Recycling & Resource Solutions.

What are some household recycling tips?
  • Read the label on top of the recycling cart which has instructions.
  • Place a recycling container (bin, box, paper bag) next to each garbage container in the house.
  • Residents can exchange the 60 gallon recycling cart for a 90 gallon recycling cart for the same low rate.
  • The hauler will always take extra recycling material outside the cart that is properly prepared (use an old recycling box or paper bags).
  • Use the Recycling Center when you have a large amount to recycle (moving, holidays, parties, etc.).
  • Use the Recycling Center scrap metal bin for household/garage metal items.
Where does the money come from?
The Anoka County administered SCORE (Select Committee on Recycling and the Environment) grant is worth over $90,000 and subsidizes the cost of recycling programs. The City also receives rebates amounting to 60% of the recycling material value, depending on the market.