By JESSICA LUTGENS
Staff Writer
As of last Monday, July 11, residents of New Richland have free access to a community recycling center. Located at City Hall, on the east side of the building along the railroad tracks near the ambulance/fire garage, the drop site for recyclables is open to town residents seven days a week.
For many years, New Richland has lacked a city recycling service. An attempt was made at one point to implement a program using individual recycling bins collected with weekly garbage, but it was unsuccessful. The idea for a new recycling drop site/service in town was pitched at a city council meeting this spring, gaining unanimous approval.
Consisting of one dumpster that will be emptied weekly by Waste Management, the site is also equipped with video surveillance to prevent any illegal dumping of garbage or other items. Users are reminded to break down all boxes. The fine for garbage/prohibited items is $200.
Accepted recyclable items include:
• Cardboard (flattened)
• Magazines & newspapers
• Office/copy paper
• Brown paper bags
• Paperboard
• Paper cardboard (dairy/juice containers)
• Junk mail
• Phone books
• Plastic bottles & containers #1-7
• Glass bottles & jars
• Aluminum cans, foil & pie tins
• Tin/steel cans
Prohibited items:
• Plastic bags & wraps
• Foam cups & containers
• Food waste
• Films
Any questions or concerns regarding recycling, call New Richland City Hall at (507) 465-3514. City Hall is located at 203 N. Broadway, New Richland.