* WARNING: THIS IS AN UNOFFICIAL, INTRODUCTORY COPY OF THE BILL.
THE OFFICIAL COPY CONSIDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL IS THE FIRST READER COPY.
INTRODUCTORY*
CITY OF BALTIMORE
COUNCIL BILL R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: Councilmember Holton
A RESOLUTION ENTITLED
A COUNCIL RESOLUTION concerning
Title
In Recognition of the Department of Public Works' Celebration of the 10th Annual America Recycles Day on November 15, 2007
FOR the purpose of commending the Director and employees of the Solid Waste Bureau of the Baltimore City Department of Public Works on their comprehensive efforts to develop an all-inclusive recycling program for the residents and businesses of Baltimore City and recognizing the importance of recycling in protecting the resources, the environment, and the quality of life on our Planet Earth, as celebrated on the 10th annual America Recycles Day - November 15, 2007.
Body
Recitals
The Department of Public Works encouraged all Baltimoreans to celebrate America Recycles Day - November 15, by doubling recycling efforts for the entire week, taking advantage of several opportunities to recycle: on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month bottles, cans, and jars are collected; newspapers, paper, cardboard, magazines and other clean paper are collected twice a month from residents; bagged leaves are collected for recycling on the 2nd trash day of each week; and electronic items may be dropped off at any one of the 5 City sanitation yards.
On January 8, 2008, the City will inaugurate Single Stream Recycling - One Bin, Same Day. This innovative program will allow residents to put all of their recyclables into one container on the same day. Upon implementation of the program, residents can no longer put their recyclables out in plastic bags; instead, they have their choice of 3 options: purchase and use a recycling bin; use a container of choice that is clearly marked as recycling material; or use a cardboard box.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that in 2006, the United States produced 251 million tons of municipal solid waste, approximately 4.6 pounds of waste per person per day. Most of this material is recyclable, and recycling benefits the environment at every stage in the life cycle of a consumer product, from the raw material used to make the product, to the final method of disposal. Environmental benefits of recycling include:
• Conserving energy and natural resources;
• Providing feedstock for key domestic industries;
• Reducing air and water pollution; and
• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The Solid Waste Bureau of the Department of Public Works collects residential trash and recycling from 210,000 homes and coordinates special recycling of household hazardous waste, Christmas trees, and leaves. The efforts of these dedicated City employees are a visible testimonial to America Recycles Day, a partnership between government, industry, and environmental organizations to promote and encourage recycling nationwide and an important part of EPA's drive to achieve the goal of a 35% national recycling rate.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF BALTIMORE, That this Body commends the Director and employees of the Solid Waste Bureau of the Baltimore City Department of Public Works on their comprehensive efforts to develop an all-inclusive recycling program for the residents and businesses of Baltimore City and recognizes the importance of recycling in protecting the resources, the environment, and the quality of life on our Planet Earth, as celebrated on the 10th annual America Recycles Day - November 15th, 2007.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Mayor, the Director and Bureau of Solid Waste, Baltimore City Department of Public Works, and the Mayor's Legislative Liaison to the City Council.
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