75% Recycling by 2015?

For decades, Newton had been a leader in the recycling area.  However, in recent years, Newton’s recycling has declined from a high of 47% of waste recycled down to just 38% in 2006, the most recent year for which data are available.

In Newton we have a tremendous opportunity.  Due to the significant environmental and financial costs of waste disposal, efforts to reverse this trend will be cost-effective and achievable.  Even a 5% increase in recycling could save the City over $200,000 in trash collection fees and could generate $65,000 in receipts for the sale of recyclables. We propose that Newton set a goal of achieving a 75% recycling rate by the year 2015, a rate which will have a meaningful impact on our environment and budget, and make Newton residents proud.  To learn more, please click here.