by Mindy Aguon

Guam - Federal Receiver Gershman, Brickner and Bratton has implemented the Curbside Recycling Pilot Project. They've started in the village of Sinajana. Solid Waste Management Division administrator Linda Ibanez is hoping the pilot project will eventually result in curbside recycling collection throughout the island.

"We have 1,000 homes that we select from the north, central and the south. Of course, you have to be a solid waste residential customer and, of course, in good standing with us," she said.

Those who participate will receive a new 96-gallon cart solely for recyclables. Best of all pick up will be the same day as trash collection but the pilot project will test three collection intervals for recyclables: weekly, every other week and monthly to determine which is best. "A lot of them are recycling. I guess Guam is prepared for this new transition and we see a lot of people enthusiastic about this program and hopefully in the long-term that we can be prepared to go for a permanent program for this recycling program," said Ibanez.

The pilot project will allow participants an opportunity to recycle more materials than are currently collected at the transfer station recycling convenience centers. Cardboard and paper, metal cans and plastic bottles are accepted but they won't accept books or pizza boxes, pots or pans, aluminum foil or foil containers, plastic bags or plastic wrap as well as take out containers or bottles with numbers other than PETE 1 or HDPE 2.

The pilot project is expected to last approximately 12 months.

This will give the Solid Waste Management Division time to gather sufficient data about customer participation, program costs and the quantity and quality of recyclables collected. The project has already begun in the villages in the north and south and the program will roll out in the south next week.