Universal recycling in Delaware

Recycling is about to get a whole lot easier for Delawareans, thanks to a new universal recycling law set to go into effect Thursday.

Governor Jack Markell signed Senate Bill 234 into law last summer. According to the measure, municipalities and private trash haulers are required to provide curbside recycling to all of its customers by Sept. 15, 2011.

“The change is that if you weren’t receiving recycling service before now, you will be receiving it,” said Mike Parkowski with Delaware Solid Waste Authority (DSWA).

DSWA says most Delawareans have already received recycling containers, provided by their trash haulers, a move Parkowski says is expected to increase recycling in the First State markedly.

“With universal recycling it just makes it available to so many more people in such a more convenient manner that they’re going to be able to participate,” Parkowski said.

Additionally, Parkowski says the law only requires haulers to provide curbside service, it does not penalize customers who choose not to recycle or participate in the program.

“If a customer absolutely doesn’t feel like they want to use the cart they’re provided and they don’t want to put it out, that’s their right and they don’t have to do that,” he said.

DSWA says customers may see rate increases depending on who your trash hauler is, but Parkowski encourages people to take a look at what they’re paying for the service, shop around or change companies if they feel the price is too high.