[greenyes] successful single stream programs

["John Brand" <jbrand@no.address>]

 The City of Moorpark, California, has a single stream residential
curbside collection program. A characterization sort was done to test
the residual rate. The single stream residual contamination rate is
6.48%. With yard waste, the overall residential diversion rate is over
55%. Spot inspections of the yard waste found that residual rate was
negligible by weight, just the usual plastic bags. It was felt that the
low residual rate in the single stream program indicates Moorpark
residents have a good understanding of the program. Based on these
findings and other considerations, the City approved an automated
curbside collection system. We have a reasonable level of confidence
that automation will not result in greater contamination of the
residential curbside single stream collection. Automated three-cart
collection (discards, recyclables, yard trimmings) will be implemented
citywide by the end of June, 2003. Continuous education seems to be the
key. Complete recycling and disposal instructions are on the automated
carts, on the back of every bill, and sent to each household four times
a year inside the quarterly City Newsletter and Recreation Guide. The
info also occasionally scrolls on the City cable TV channel. A
"Recycling News" and other educational material are distributed at every
City-event and at all of the information kiosks at City offices.