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Groups ask St. Petersburg for better recycling programs

 
Published April 17, 2013

ST. PETERSBURG — Civic and business groups called on Mayor Bill Foster and the City Council to provide better recycling.

A coalition of community groups held a news conference on the steps of City Hall Tuesday to launch the "People's Trash" campaign for universal curbside recycling.

The St. Petersburg League of Women Voters says the city is "behind the times" with its recycling program. Group president Karen Coale said it doesn't make sense for St. Petersburg to designate itself as a "Green City" without wider recycling programs.

"This will be a cost savings for our city," Coale said about expanding recycling programs.

The city currently provides recycling centers for residents to drop off paper, metal and plastic products. Residents can also pay $3.75 a month for curbside service provided by a private hauler under a contract with the city.

The Council of Neighborhood Associations, the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce, Suncoast Sierra Club and the League of Women Voters also attended the event to offer support.

The coalition, Coale said, has lobbied four council members and plans to meet with the remaining four members in the next week.