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Solid waste taken to the landfill costs the City about $26 per ton to place the trash in a landfill. If more people recycled then we would reduce our monthly fees. To put it in perspective, we dispose of about 1400 tons per month at the landfill for a total cost of $36,000 per month in landfill disposal fees. In addition to the money we save not land filling our trash, we are able to sell our recycled materials. If our residents recycled 30% more (1400 tons per month * 30%), we could avoid land filling an additional 420 tons per month equating to more than $10,000 in avoided landfill fees each month. We could avoid paying $120,000 each year in disposal costs, alone. If we factor in that we could possibly get revenue on that waste, let's say for this example, of an average of about $5 per ton, then the city could realize revenue on that waste of about $2,100 per month (420 tons per month * $5) or $25,000 per year and avoid the disposal costs. As an aside, the revenue received per ton depends on the recycling market, which fluctuates, and the quality of the materials, i.e. are the appropriate materials in the bin. The revenue per ton received for commingled materials (mixed materials) is less than what can be received for separated recyclables. When we have updated data on our collection volume and quality, we will issue a bid for purchase of our co-mingled recycling. recycling rate is 25% - 30% Our current of the waste generated. We are ahead of many Missouri communities, but in order to continue to meet county and state goals for waste diversion we need the participation of more of our residents. Diverting more waste from the landfill equates to reduced landfill disposal expenses, preservation of natural resources, and an energy savings by reducing the need to mine and refine raw materials. Recycling is not just good for the environment; it is good for the economy. The recycling industry is a significant driver of economic activity in the St. Louis area, employing nearly 16,000 people with an annual payroll of $639,910,000 (according to a 2002 report prepared for the St. Louis Jefferson Solid Waste Management District). When the switch is made from analog-to-digital broadcasts in February 2009, you can still go green! If you watch TV using an antenna, a DTV converter box can be used to watch your old TV set. Plan to use technology to keep that old set out of the solid waste disposal stream. The DTV converter boxes will be available nationwide at local retail please recycle it at our e-cycle site stores. If you decide to dispose of your old TV, . Residents can recycle electronics such as TVs, computers and cell phones free at the drop-off recycling center at Heman Community Center. Since February 2006 when the U-City began collecting electronics at the recycling center, more than 180,000 pounds of electronic products have been recycled. Keep up the green efforts! In our growing effort to go green, University City’s Mayor Adams became one of the first REUSE members of the newly formed St. Louis Metropolitan Area organization (Regional Environmental Union of St. Louis Entities). REUSE is made up of local government officials, university experts, business partners and environmental organizations. Its purpose is to promote socio-economic growth in an environmentally sustainable manner in the St. Louis region, through education, coordination, assistance, outreach, and legislation, while recognizing without our community the diversity of resources, value, skills and interest available to enhance the quality of life. The organization was initiated by St. Louis Board of Alderman President, Lewis E. Reed to serve as forum where leaders, business, education and community can work hand-in-