SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): The opt-in recycling program in the City of Cleveland has reported continued success. It must be noted that the city has re-introduced the program in June last year.

The City of Cleveland news release touted success of the program. As of November this year, a total of 72,000 out of the 150,000 homes have enrolled in the program. This is significantly higher when compared with enrolment of 70,000 homes in April 2023. The city plans to enrol more people in the near future.

Also, the contamination rate has come down significantly to 25% in November 2023. The original program had reported a staggering 60% contamination rate, costing the city huge money. Ren Brumfield, Recycling Coordinator, Department of Public Works City of Cleveland expressed hope that the downward trend in contamination rate will continue in the years to come.

Since the restart of the program in June 2022, it has helped in diversion of more than 8 million pounds of materials from landfills. This equates to almost 300 tons of materials diverted from landfills per month.

The City plans to implement major changes to the program next year. The opt-in stickers will be phased out over time, it said.