Baltimore officials say city trucks are picking up 53 percent more recyclables since the city cut back on trash collection and increased recycling pickups in July.
The new plan is exceeding expectations. The Bureau of Solid Waste had projected picking up 40 percent more recyclables after a year of the new schedule, but surpassed that number in weeks.
The city hauled away an average of 8,000 tons of garbage and 636 tons of recyclables every two weeks before. But now officials say the city picks up an average of 5,700 tons of garbage and 970 tons of recyclables every two weeks.
The city has stepped up enforcement, issuing 434 citations for illegal dumping in the first two weeks of September, compared with seven citations for illegal dumping in the corresponding period last year.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
