Modern recycling in Maitland

Maitland residents will soon have one less bin to take to the curb on recycling day, with City Council members voting to update the city to single-stream one-bin recycling last week.

Switching from two 18-gallon bins to one 65-gallon cart for recycling is one of many improvements made to the city’s solid waste services in its new agreement with Waste Pro Inc., Assistant City Manager Sharon Anselmo said. It’s the first significant change in the city’s recycling contract in 14 years – and the first time its been negotiated separately from regular waste.

Trash service will continue twice a week, with recycling and yard waste collection each once weekly, but service costs should be cut roughly 10 percent – and the city will begin collecting revenue from recycling. Residents will also have access to on-demand bulk pickup and hazardous waste disposal, services not included in the last agreement.

“It’s a real win for the residents and a lower cost to the city,” Anselmo said.

The Council will vote Monday whether to finalize the first reading of an agreement to also switch waste service from Orange to Seminole County, which offers a lower solid waste rate and closer location. The contracts with Waste Pro and Seminole County, if given final approval by Council, will take into effect in October.