Recycling use up ~40%; working group weighs cardboard rules and the 'silver bullets'

Speakers told the working group that recycling collection at the upper area has increased substantially since new collection containers were added. The chair said recycling has "grown over 40% in recycling and stuff," and multiple participants observed that whole boxes and unreduced cardboard have increased hauling frequency and volume.

One resident suggested making it mandatory for users to cut down cardboard before depositing it, arguing it would reduce contamination of household dumpsters and improve compactor performance. The chair said he would not oppose making it mandatory for residents to break down cardboard and that the change helped increase recycling returns. Participants also agreed that the standalone "silver bullets" used for recycling have not been as cost-effective as compacted units: staff said the silver bullets do not compact and therefore fill faster than anticipated.