“The Johnson Landfill is perilously close to being at capacity; in fact, it is slated to close by 2034,” stated Councilman David A. Salvatore. “The City is spending our tax dollars on avoidable costs such as rejected recycling loads at the landfill – in addition to waste removal fees. We need to come together and find solutions to address this issue, while remaining vigilant on protecting our environment. I am happy that the City Council unanimously voted in favor of creating this Special Commission, as we have too much at stake to ignore this any longer. Our City is facing many challenges, and spending unnecessary funds on rejected recycling loads is avoidable which which could be earmarked to address quality of life issues, such as sidewalk and road repairs.”

The Special Commission on Recycling will be comprised of the Director of Public Works, five appointees by Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15), and one appointment by Mayor Jorge O. Elorza. The Special Commission is tasked with studying the current recycling process within the City and to make recommendations regarding appropriate changes to City procedures, State law, and programs aimed at educating the public on proper recycling strategies.

Councilman Pedro Espinal stated, “Bad recycling practices are rampant in Providence, and much of that has to do with education around what can and cannot be recycled. I believe that this Commission can help us formulate a plan to help educate the community, especially for those that may be new to Providence. Some cities have single-stream recycling like Providence, while other cities around the world have multi-stream recycling, accept plastic bags, Styrofoam, and other items that the Rhode Island Resource Recover Center does not accommodate. I look forward to learning what the Commission puts forth.”

The Special Commission on Recycling will be required to issue a report of findings and recommendations to the City Council 120 days after appointments are made to the Commission.

“I would like to thank Councilors Salvatore and Espinal for bringing this important matter forward,” stated City Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15). “Proper recycling seems like it would be easy but there is still confusion about what can and cannot be recycled. There is a great deal of education and outreach that needs to happen, and I’m confident that the Special Commission will be able to find solutions to the challenges we face. Solutions not just for our City’s bottom line, but for the environment as well.”

For more information on recycling in Providence, please visit the City of Providence’s resource page on recycling: Recycling in Providence