Do you know what to recycle and what’s trash? Many don’t, officials say

Clearwater officials are sounding the alarm on improper recycling habits, urging residents to reconsider what they place in their recycling bins. Recent statistics reveal that 50% of the materials collected as recycling were actually garbage, a concerning trend that Solid Waste Director Kervin St. Aimie attributes to contamination from items like plastic bags. These bags can ruin entire batches of recyclable materials, leading to significant losses for the city. In August alone, Clearwater collected 32 tons of recycling that had to be rejected due to contamination, forcing the waste to be sent to a landfill.

This not only undermines residents' efforts to recycle but also incurs additional costs for waste management. Officials stress that recycling guidelines can differ by location, making it vital for residents to stay informed about what is acceptable. The city's initiative comes at a critical juncture in the fight against waste and environmental degradation. As Clearwater pushes for more responsible recycling practices, the community is encouraged to participate actively in sustainability efforts.