Trash Me

Earlier today, Mayor Michael Nutter outlined his first budget, addressing critical needs in economics, education, safety and emergency preparedness, and customer service. Among the highlights, the need to pursue sustainability initiatives and single-stream recycling -contributors to Philadelphia’s standard of life and national image – was emphasized by the Mayor.

From the address:

“Philadelphia has always been one of America’s great cities and part of its charm is its thriving Center City, but we’re also a city of neighborhoods, distinct, quirky but always interesting neighborhoods.

As part of our plan to promote healthy and sustainable neighborhoods, I want to establish Philadelphia as THE GREEN CITY in America, from an emphasis on green construction practices to a national leadership role in the recycling movement.

For too long, Philadelphia has been at the fringe of the recycling movement with a collection rate of just 6 percent. In the coming year we’ll invest $6 million and $25 million over the next five years to create a process that is more user friendly and will increase our participation rate.

In May, we’re going to expand single-stream recycling to North Philadelphia. Initially, this new effort will provide for every other week collection, but by January 2009, we will have weekly, citywide, single-stream recycling.”

Wow. Weekly, citywide, single-stream recycling: if I had to bet on which I’d hear first, that or “Phillies World Champions,” well, it would be a head-scratcher.

Also on the litter agenda, Mayor Nutter spoke on the citywide litter prevention strategy and additional efforts to promote sustainability, thanking Councilman Frank DiCicco for his assistance.