Keokuk, IA – Recycling has been trending down in Keokuk. One of the reasons cited has been the large trash bins used by Keokuk's new garbage trucks.
Keokuk is trying a new method to encourage residents to recycle.
The Great River Regional Waste Authority is willing to provide each household with an 18-gallon plastic container. The authority would not charge Keokuk for the containers.
The Keokuk City Council has taken the authority up on the offer. Alderwoman Susan Dunek (7th Ward) says when it comes to recycling, Keokuk has a lot of room for improvement.
"One of the studies done in the community said we were recycling about 300 tons/year," says Dunek, adding "the waste stream we have here in Keokuk could easily approach 4,000-5,000 tons/year."
Dunek says the easier the process, the more likely it is that someone will start recycling.
General Manager Wade Hamm says the GRRWA is encouraging the use of the recycling bins for several reasons.
Hamm says the authority does not have a market for the plastic bags people fill with recyclables. He says people also put other trash in the recycling bags, so it takes much longer to sort.
The Great River Regional Waste Authority is also providing free recycling bins for Fort Madison.