New Metro Louisville program aimed at increasing recycling

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A new Metro Louisville program is aimed at increasing the amount of recycling in the city.

People on two routes, amounting to around 7,500 homes, will receive 95-gallon recycling carts. They hold about five times as much as the current 18-gallon bins. Of the two routes, one is considered a moderate recycler and the other has a low volume of recycling.

It's all part of a six-month study to understand how people recycle and to find out whether having a larger container will lead to more recycling.

"We are changing our recycling habits within Metro Government to make Louisville a more sustainable city and to reduce what we send to the landfill," Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer said. "We hope this program will show that a simple change, like providing a larger container, will make a big impact."

Anyone who lives in the Urban Services District whose home is not a part of the pilot program can buy the 95-gallon recycling cart for $50 by calling MetroCall at 311 or printing out the form at www.louisvilleky.gov/solidwaste/recycling and mailing it in with a check or money order.