SWACO Research Shows Community in Support of Waste Reduction and Recycling

Recycling and waste reduction are a top priority in Westerville and Franklin County. According to research from the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO), central Ohioans continue to have a strong desire to keep items out of landfills and “Recycle Right.”

“Franklin County’s recycling rate continues to exceed the national average, yet the survey identified several opportunities for improvement if we want to reach our waste diversion goals in the next 10 years,” said SWACO’s Communications Manager, Hanna Greer-Brown. “SWACO is pleased to be working with central Ohio communities, including the City of Westerville, to implement new diversion programs and infrastructure to improve recycling and composting in order to reach those goals.”

According to the SWACO 2022 public opinion poll, 92% of residents stated that recycling and composting should be promoted in their areas while 82% believe doing so can help reduce the impacts of climate change on their community.

Westerville is implementing its Zero Waste Plan which will help reduce the amount of materials sent to the landfill by expanding efforts to conserve raw materials and limit waste,” said Director of Public Service, Kevin Weaver. “The 248,000 lbs of material composted by residents in the last two years along with more than 65,000 lbs of hazardous material collected during the Household Hazardous Waste collection event is a great start.”

Weaver said that Westerville residents recycled 3,144 tons of material through the curbside program with Rumpke in 2021 as well.

You can find information on Westerville’s Zero Waste Plan at www.westerville.org/zerowaste. Additional information on recycling and composting can be found at www.westerville.org/publicservice.

80% of residents report being motivated to recycle more because of the environmental benefit.

82% of residents agree that recycling and reducing waste can help reduce the impacts of climate change.

79% of residents are motivated to recycle more in order to support local jobs and other economic reasons.

29% of residents report composting food or yard waste at home or at a drop-off program.

WESTERVILLE COMPOST LOCATIONS

310 W. Main St.

469 Westdale Ave.

370 Park Meadow Rd.

362 Huber Village Blvd.

Visit www.westerville.org/composting for more information.