HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-11-14 PACKET 05.1.City of
Cottage Grove
Minnesota
To: Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission
Environmental Commission
From: Zac Dockter, Parks and Recreation Director
CC:
Date:
August 9, 2012
Subject: Recycling in Parks Program
Introduction
In 2011, City Council authorized the development of a park recycling program based on
recommendations from the Parks and Environmental Commissions. That program was implemented in
2012. This report reflects on the findings of that program over the past spring/summer season.
Background
The City used grant funds to purchase recycling containers for Cottage Grove’s five community parks.
During the spring and summer of 2012, park maintenance staff installed recycling containers at Hamlet,
Oakwood, Woodridge, Highlands and Kingston Parks. The containers are a different style and/or color
than traditional park trash containers and are clearly labeled as recycling containers to assure park
users were able to indentify opportunities to recycle glass, plastic, paper or cans. During this first
season, staff removed recycling material and documented the volume of debris in each container on a
weekly basis. Based on the documentation of volume, we are able to estimate total weight of
recyclables recovered from going directly to waste. Those findings are as follows:
Park Wks of Recycling Net Weight of Recyclables Avg Weekly Weight
Oakwood 22 71 lbs 3.2 lbs
Hamlet 21 39 lbs 1.9 lbs
Woodridge 16 12 lbs 0.8 lbs
Highlands 12 26 lbs 3.0 lbs
Kingston 9 22 lbs 2.4 lbs
Staff Recommendation
Based on findings, staff recommends continuing efforts to recycle in community parks. Staff does not
recommend further expansion of the program at this time. Continual evaluation of the program is
necessary and expansion of the program should be considered if usage statistics prove beneficial.