Page 12 - Mar-Apr24 Vol 41 No 7

GERMANTOWN By Tiffany Howlett
Solid Results in Recycling Outreach

In its first year of operation, a new
recycling sustainability outreach
program, conducted through the City of
Germantown’s Public Works Department,
has successfully educated nearly 800
residents.
The new public information campaign,
part of the City of Germantown’s strategic
plan, “Germantown Forward 2035,” has a
goal of increasing material recovery and
diverting waste from the landfill in 2023-
2024.
Every year, the Solid Waste Division of
the Public Works Department conducts
educational outreach programs focused
on sustainability and recycling efforts
in the City of Germantown. Since 2018,
the City has measured recycling pounds
collected per household.
Thus far this year, the program has
conducted more than 20 outreaches
impacting 783 residents, and aims to
shape waste habits, directly impacting the
community and overall landfill diversion.
In Q4 2023, the City diverted more
than 633.19 tons of recycled material -
its most successful diversion in years.
Building on that success, the City plans to
focus on continued efforts in reducing its
footprint through targeted programming,
participation and educational awareness.
Additionally, the Solid Waste Division
recently purchased ReCollect software to
open a line of communication to residents
about waste management practices.
This digital widget, known as the Waste
Wizard, tracks material search trends,
provides instant feedback to residents
regarding materials, and enhances
resource conservation, all supporting the
City’s Strategic Plan.

12 TPW March/April 2024