ST. LOUIS — Recycling was scheduled to resume in the City of St. Louis in May, the mayor announced Tuesday.
Alleyway recycling was suspended in December due to staffing shortages. City residents were asked to take their recyclable materials to drop-off centers.
Mayor Tishaura Jones discussed the update in her State of the City address Tuesday night.
"When we restart alleyway recycling collection in May, we must retain the workforce we need to keep it going," Jones said.
In December, Streets Department Director Betherny Williams said the department was down 11 operators. They were not able to service the 55 daily routes for recycling pick up.
Jones hoped to make St. Louis a competitive employer to hire and retain recycling staff and other urgently needed workers, including 911 dispatchers. The city has an influx of cash to spend from the American Rescue Plan Act. Jones said that while the funds can't go toward salaries, they could use money for retention incentives.
"We’re also committed to improving the services we already provide - proposing more funding to help the City trim more trees, clean up more city properties, and continue protecting our communities from COVID-19," Jones said.
How to recycle in St. Louis City
Until May, items in blue recycling bins are collected as trash. To recycle, residents can bring their recyclables to drop-off locations.
Many drop-off locations are open 7 days a week around the clock.
Paper, flattened cardboard, clean plastic containers, glass bottles, jars, cans, and food cartons can be recycled in St. Louis City.
Food waste, plastic bags, styrofoam, and one-time use plates, forks and napkins are not recyclable.
For a full list of recyclable and non-recyclable items, check the city's website.
The city also collects paint, aerosols, motor oil, pesticides, batteries and other items that are considered hazardous household waste. DVD players, appliances, lawn equipment and office equipment can be collected as electronic waste. Read more here.