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With only seven square
miles and a population of 11,000, Superior is one of our nation’s
smaller towns, but they’ve got some big ideas! Whereas the nation
recycles approximately 30% of its waste, the Superior Waste
Diversion Advisory Committee (WDAC) is aiming for 50% by 2004.
Many small towns think recycling is beyond their means, but Karen
Imbierowicz, a member of Superior’s Board of Trustees, says, “We
hope to become a model for smaller towns in Colorado by creating a
successful recycling program in our town.”
Last year, the WDAC
conducted a survey and found that 20% of the town’s waste stream
was being recycled. The survey also found that only 19% of the
population knew what could be recycled and where, and that yard
waste recovery was deemed a high priority. Surveys from around the
country told the WDAC that collecting yard waste could increase
their diversion rate anywhere from 12 to 25%, and they decided a
yard waste project was a critical element in reaching their goal.
Beginning this fall, the WDAC will be using $20,000 of grant money
from Boulder County to fund a community education campaign
(including Eco-Cycle in the schools), a green business
audit/certification program, and an analysis of various options
for a yard waste project. |
