ROCKLAND – Following Rockland’s citywide launch to its single-sort recycling program in June, City officials and ecomaine have been anxious to see the results of the new way of disposing paper, cardboard, metal, glass, and plastic containers, according to the City of Rockland, in a news release.

“We tried a few different ways to provide education to both City staff and residents alike,” said Matt Grondin, Communications Manager at ecomaine, in the release. “Between our in-person education and print and online resources like our Recyclopedia, we are optimistic for a great kick-off to recycling in Rockland.”

That optimism has been rewarded early on. In its first deliveries of single-sort recycling to ecomaine, the City of Rockland has diverted more than 48 tons of recyclables from landfills. Additionally, and notably, the City’s rate of contamination – materials that are placed in the recycling bins but are not recyclable – has been an impressive average of 3%.

“To have a new community pick up this information so quickly is impressive,” said Lissa Bitttermann, ecomaine’s business development manager, in the release. “It really tells us that Rockland is a receptive audience and enthusiastic about recycling right.”

Rockland’s Director of Public Services Dave St. Laurent agreed.

“We knew there would be interest in recycling with ecomaine when we started the program and gave away more than 400 blue recycling bins. I’m extremely proud of the fact that we’ve kept most of the contamination out of our stream, which helps save the City greatly on contamination fees.”

The single-sort recycling program allows Rockland residents to collect paper, cardboard, metal cans, glass bottles and jars, and hard plastic containers #1-7 in one container for recycling. Residents who need more information about sorting recyclables from trash can look on ecomaine’s website at ecomaine.org. Additionally, ecomaine employs full-time education staff, who can provide presentations and programs to residents and students in Rockland at no cost, to help support proper waste management.

About the City of Rockland
Rockland, Maine is a vibrant city located in the heart of Midcoast Maine, on the Penobscot Bay, and is the year-round home to 7,219 residents. Rockland is renowned for its lobster fishing industry and its working waterfront, both of which are supported by an expansive and multi-use harbor.

About ecomaine
ecomaine, located in Portland, Maine, is the member-owned, nonprofit, recycling and waste-to-energy operation that serves a third of the state’s population in more than 70 member communities. ecomaine provides comprehensive long-term solid waste solutions in a safe, environmentally responsible, economically sound manner, and is a leader in raising public awareness of sustainable waste management strategies.