Recycling exceeds St. John's targets

More households in St. John's are taking part in the city's year-old recycling program than expected, a councillor says.

About 70 per cent of residents have been leaving recycled materials for pickup, well ahead of the 50 per cent that had been forecast.

The city-wide recycling program launched a year ago this week, following two delays. A pilot project involving two neighbourhoods launched in May 2007.

"We were a little later doing this," said Coun. Sandy Hickman who chairs the city's environment committee.

"As a result, we probably have a little better facilities and system, but I think everyone understands what recycling is all about."

The city currently collects selected paper, plastic, tin and aluminum goods. To date, almost four million kilograms of garbage have been diverted from the Robin Hood Bay landfill.

The city is looking at introducing a composting service in the coming year.