San Jose, Calif., Triples Commercial Recycling Rate in Six Months

San Jose, Calif.-businesses more than tripled their recycling rate in the last six months of 2012.

Through a new commercial waste collection service, the recycling rate for businesses in San Jose reached nearly 70 percent in December compared with 22 percent in July, according to a city news release.

The new waste collection service began July 1 with a two-container wet/dry sort for businesses.

Waste collection also changed to a single-hauler system under franchise with the city. Previously the city’s 8,000 businesses contracted their own waste and recycling service from more than 20 city-approved haulers.

 “We’re on track to achieve 80 percent waste diversion by 2014,” said San Jose Council member Sam Liccardo, who chairs the city’s Transportation and Environment Committee. “That’s good news for everyone because this helps extend the life of our landfills and reduces associated taxpayer costs, which can be significant.

“And with a single, streamlined collection service,” he added, “we have reduced the number of garbage trucks driving through busy business districts. These are among the steps that help move San Jose towards a sustainable future.”