St. Paul Curbside Collection Study
In May 2002 Eureka Recycling, in partnership with the city of Saint Paul and the Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance (MOEA), completed a 14-month study to examine five different ways to pick up recycling at the curb. The study examined how sorting method, container size and frequency of pickup affect the success of the recycling program as measured by environmental results, cost, convenience, and resident satisfaction.
Based on the results of this study, Eureka Recycling recommended four main changes to improve the recycling program in Saint Paul:
- Implement a “two-stream” sorting system, in which all paper is collected together in one category and all containers in another category.
- Start picking up #1 and #2 plastic bottles at the curb.
- Provide weekly collection in 18-gallon recycling bins.
- Work toward adding organics collection to the curbside program