City of Erie Blue Recycling Cart Distribution Set for September 7

City of Erie Blue Recycling Cart Distribution Set for September 7

The City of Erie will distribute a limited supply of free, blue, 35-gallon rolling recycling carts on Saturday, September 7, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Department of Public Works building at 2001 Holland Street. City of Erie residents must show proof of residency to receive one recycling cart per household. Due to very good response from citizens who want to recycle, City officials have refined the distribution process to expedite pickup and reduce traffic congestion; however, residents are still encouraged to exercise patience while waiting in line. Approximately 3,000 recycling carts are available for pickup by residents. The blue recycling carts are not a mandatory requirement and those residents who do not yet have a recycling cart may continue to use clear recycling bags or a blue recycling bin as usual.

Because education is key to proper recycling, residents who receive a recycling cart will also be given a flyer that describes what is and is not recyclable. The blue recycling carts are only for use for approved recycling materials and may not be used as trash cans. Residents should not mix trash or items that cannot be recycled with eligible recyclables. Blue recycling bins can only be used to discard paper, cardboard, paperboard, metal cans, and #1 and #2 plastic bottles, jugs, and jars with screw tops.

In 2023, the City recycled 3,220 tons of plastic, cardboard, paper, and metal. This was up from the year before when 1,835 tons were recycled.

Thanks to a collaboration between the City of Erie and Erie County, the blue recycling carts were made available through ACT 101 902 Recycling Grants from the Department of Environmental Protection. The purpose of the grant is to provide outreach and education to increase recycling in the city.

Learn more about recycling in the City of Erie at https://cityof.erie.pa.us/recycling