WEBSITE COPY:

On November 13, 2018, the Wildwood City Council voted to switch to dual-stream citywide starting January 1, 2019.

Due to recent national initiatives to reduce and contamination throughout the United States, Resource Management’s Earth City Materials Recovery Facility notified our service provider, Meridian Waste, that as of November 1, they will no longer accept single-stream recyclables collected curbside from residential customers, which includes Wildwood residents.

Since this new process requires residents to take some recyclables to a drop-off location within Wildwood, we created this FAQ to answer questions you may have. This FAQ will be updated as new information becomes available.

If you have questions not covered in this document, please contact us at [email protected].

Wildwood Recycling Changes effective January 1, 2019

1. What is dual-stream recycling? a. Dual-stream recycling means that you separate different types of recycled materials. Items that are still eligible for curbside pickup include: with recycling codes of 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 (non-black), aluminum, tin and cans. b. This also means that residents will need to drop recyclables off at drop-off locations throughout the city. These include: corrugated (), mixed papers and . Drop-off locations are being set up by Meridian at no cost to residents or the city. We will publicize the locations when we have them. c. Both the City and Meridian will be providing information to residents in the mail, on the City’s website, and in the City’s social media channels about this change. You can also visit www.MeridianWaste.com/Wildwood for more information.

2. Why did the City Council vote to switch to dual-stream recycling? a. Meridian Waste changed their standard recycling process from single stream to dual stream due to the local processor’s non-acceptance of single-stream and notified the City of Wildwood. The City Council voted to accept this change on November 13, effective January 1, 2019. The City will explore different options for recycling, with public input, until the contract extension expires on August 1, 2019 and the City enters into a new agreement with a provider. To provide your input, you may email us at [email protected].

3. What can I still recycle at curbside? a. Plastic containers 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 can be recycled. The recycling symbol shows you which number code it is. These , however, cannot be black.

b. For example: ♳ ♴ ♵ ♷ ♹ c. Aluminum d. Tin and steel cans

4. What do I need to drop off? a. Corrugated (cardboard) b. Mixed papers c. Glass

5. Where can I drop off recyclable materials? a. Placeholder

6. When does this take effect? a. This new policy begins January 1, 2019.

7. Does this policy have an end date? a. This policy is temporary and will continue until August 1, 2019. By then, the City of Wildwood will have a new contract with Meridian or another recycling service. However, the terms of the new agreement may be similar to this one. We will seek public input on this service.

8. What will happen after August 1, 2019? a. By August 1, 2019, the City of Wildwood will have a new contract. We will provide information on the program that begins in August as soon as it is available to us.

9. Will residents have any say in choosing a new provider? a. The details of the new contract are still to be decided, but they will be decided with the input of Wildwood residents. We will notify residents of the choices to be made in advance of the August deadline, via our e-newsletter, the Gazette, social media and other avenues we normally use to communicate to our residents.

10. Will my recycling/waste fees change? a. The extended contract with Meridian does not include a rate increase. You will continue to pay for your service at the same rate you do now until August 1, 2019.

11. How many drop-off locations will there be, and who will decide where they are placed? a. Meridian will designate three or four locations throughout the city with City input. Meridian will also pay for the installation of these drop off locations, so there is no charge to residents or the City.

12. Can I recycle plastic ? a. No, you cannot recycle plastic bags under this program. However, many markets and stores recycle plastic bags.

13. Should I leave the caps on recyclable containers and ? a. Yes! Caps from plastic bottles and containers and glass containers, should be placed back on the after a quick rinse. They can then be tossed in with your other curbside recycling.

14. I have broken glass; can I recycle it? a. Yes! All glass, broken or not, can be recycled at a drop-off location.

15. Can I recycle aluminum foil? a. Yes! Clean aluminum containers and foil are recyclable in your regular .

16. Can I recycle magazines? a. Yes! You can recycle all magazines, glossy or plain, at the drop-off locations.

17. Can I recycle junk mail? a. Yes! All of your paper junk mail (windowed envelopes, glossy magazines and , are recyclable) at the drop-off locations.

18. Can I recycle aerosol cans? a. Yes! Any empty aerosol can (hairspray, spray paint, cooking oil spray) is recyclable in your standard recycling bin. Just make sure it's empty.

19. Can I recycle pizza boxes? a. Yes! If your pizza box is soaked in grease or has remnants, simply tear off the top portion of the box for recycling. If the box is clean, break it down and drop it off at the designated location.

20. Can I recycle cardboard rolls (like paper towel and toilet paper)? a. Yes! If it is cardboard, it’s recyclable, just drop it off at the designated recycling location.

21. I live in an apartment complex; do I use the City of Wildwood’s recycling program? a. The City’s recycling program only applies to single-family residential areas. Multi-family and commercial developments are handled by their respective owners.

22. I am having trouble with the recycling program, who do I call or email? a. You may contact the City of Wildwood Department of Public Works at [email protected].

December 5, 2018

Dear Resident,

This letter is to notify you of the upcoming changes to recycling that apply to our city. Due to recent national initiatives to reduce waste and contamination throughout the United States, Resource Management’s Earth City Materials Recovery Facility notified our service provider, Meridian Waste, that as of November 1, they will no longer accept single-stream recyclables collected curbside from residential customers, which includes Wildwood residents.

Therefore, our recycling service provider, Meridian Waste, was forced to change their standard recycling process from single stream to dual stream. We ask for your patience as we adapt to the global changes impacting our recycling system and this change made by our provider. The Wildwood City Council voted November 13 to extend the contract with Meridian and switch to dual-stream recycling effective January 1, 2019.

They also voted to seek bids on the city’s waste hauling and recycling by August 1, 2019. We will provide ways for you to respond to the various options we have in Wildwood, and what you are willing to pay for. There is no change in the price of your waste and recycling service through August 1, 2019.

When Meridian informed the city that it was moving to dual-stream recycling from single-stream recycling, the City Council voted to accept the change and keep the rates you pay for waste hauling and recycling the same. Meridian, as part of this change, will also provide drop-off centers in Wildwood for those materials that cannot be put in your recycling bin after January 1, 2019. This includes: corrugated papers (cardboard), mixed paper and glass.

As of January 1, 2019, the following items can still be placed in your recycling bin: plastics containers containing the recycling code 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 (non-black), aluminum, tin and steel cans.

At its core, dual-stream recycling means you separate your recyclables to reduce the contamination of all of the products being recycled. Some materials will continue to be collected curbside, while some materials will need to be dropped off at specific locations. Meridian is planning to designate three or four drop-off locations throughout Wildwood with City input. The exact locations will be communicated to you on the City website, www.cityofwildwood.com, and in the weekly e-newsletter as soon as they become available to us. There is no charge to the City or residents for these drop-off centers.

The following materials will continue to be collected at curbside: • Plastics containers containing the recycling code 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 (non-black) • Aluminum • Tin and steel cans

The following materials will need to be dropped off: • Corrugated Papers (cardboard) and Mixed Papers • Glass

The City of Wildwood, in conjunction with Meridian, will implement an ongoing education campaign associated with the dual-stream approach to encourage residents to separate their recyclables starting January 1, 2019.

We want you to know that this is an interim measure, until a new long-term agreement can be established starting August 1, 2019. We are also continuing to negotiate additional interim service options. The City will also give residents a period in which to publicly comment on these options before authorizing a new, long-term agreement. The City of Wildwood asks that you our usual channels of social media, website and your mail for more information on what you would like to see implemented in Wildwood. We thank you for your patience as we become better at recycling and keeping our community clean and beautiful.

You may have read or heard about the changes in the global recycling industry. One article about this is located here: https://kmox.radio.com/articles/global-recycling-market-changes-hit-st-louis-area

You can also visit www.MeridianWaste.com/Wildwood for more information.

e-Newsletter Article

Beginning January 1, 2019, the City of Wildwood is switching over to a dual-stream recycling system. Due to recent national initiatives to reduce waste and contamination throughout the United States, Resource Management’s Earth City Materials Recovery Facility notified our service provider, Meridian Waste, that as of November 1, they will no longer accept single-stream recyclables collected curbside from residential customers, which includes Wildwood residents.

Dual-stream recycling means that certain materials need to be separated out and taken to a designated drop-off location. This change doesn’t incur a cost increase to residents. The City Council voted to approve this change now and to continue seeking alternatives by August 1, 2019, when they intend to select a new provider. The City will be seeking public input before a new contract is let.

The following materials will continue to be collected curbside: • Plastics containers containing the recycling code 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 (non-black) • Aluminum • Tin and steel cans

The following materials will need to be dropped off: • Corrugated papers (cardboard) • Mixed papers • Glass

Meridian Waste is planning to designate three or four drop-off locations throughout Wildwood with City input. The exact locations will be communicated to you as soon as that information becomes available to us.

In addition to this newsletter, you will be receiving a letter from the City of Wildwood, and we will be using our social media channels to help you understand how best to recycle starting in January. You can also visit www.MeridianWaste.com/Wildwood for more information.

If you have any other questions not covered in the letter or questions and answers documents we will be releasing, please contact us at [email protected].

You can read more about this change on the City of Wildwood News page.

• GREEN — recommended boosting

• YELLOW—Need links/copy/photo

City of Wildwood Social Media Content Calendar December 2018

Day Date Facebook Post Twitter Post Link/Photo Wednesday 12/5 As of January 1, 2019, The City of As of January 1, 2019, The City of N/a Wildwood will be switching to dual Wildwood will be switching to dual stream recycling. While most stream recycling. While most recyclables will still be picked up recyclables will still be picked up curbside, residents will need to drop curbside, residents will need to drop off cardboard, mixed papers and glass off cardboard, mixed papers and at designated drop-off sites. Stay glass at designated drop-off sites. tuned for more info. #LiveWildwood Stay tuned for more info. #LiveWildwood

Friday 12/7 Check the Wildwood e-Newsletter Check the Wildwood e-Newsletter https://www.cityofwildwood. today for more information on the today for more information on the com/list.aspx?PRVMSG=252 recycling change coming January 1— recycling change coming January 1— you can sign up here: you can sign up here: https://www.cityofwildwood.com/lis https://www.cityofwildwood.com/list. t.aspx?PRVMSG=252. aspx?PRVMSG=252.

A letter will be sent to all residents in the mail and by e-mail as well. #Recycling Day Date Facebook Post Twitter Post Link/Photo A letter will be sent to all residents in the mail and by e-mail as well. #Recycling

Tuesday 12/11 As we get closer to 2019, we want to As we get closer to 2019, we want to Link to website FAQ remind you that we will be changing remind you that we will be changing how we recycle starting January 1! how we recycle starting January 1! Check our page for the full details! Check our page for the full details! #GettingGreener #LiveWildwood #GettingGreener #LiveWildwood

Thursday 12/13 Wildwood is switching to dual- Wildwood is switching to dual-stream Link to FAQ stream recycling soon, and that recycling soon, and that means you means you will need to drop off will need to drop off some recycling some recycling materials at materials at designated spots. designated spots. #DualStreamRecycling #LiveWildwood #DualStreamRecycling #LiveWildwood

Day Date Facebook Post Twitter Post Link/Photo Monday 12/17 Plastic containers with a code Plastic containers with a code 1,2,3,5, Recycling codes photo 1,2,3,5, and 7 will still be picked up at and 7 will still be picked up at your your curb, this will not change curb, this will not change January 1. #Plastic #Recycling #LiveWildwood January 1. #Plastic #Recycling #LiveWildwood

Wednesday 12/19 Aluminum, tin and steel cans will also Aluminum, tin and steel cans will also Thumbs up picture still be picked up from your curbside still be picked up from your curbside as always. Thank you for #Recycling as always. Thank you for #Recycling #LiveWildwood #LiveWildwood

Friday 12/21 Corrugated paper (cardboard) mixed Corrugated paper (cardboard) mixed Graphic, map of Wildwood papers and glass will need to be papers and glass will need to be with stars on locations. dropped off for recycling. Here is a dropped off for recycling. Here is a list list of the locations for dropping off of the locations for dropping off recyclables. recyclables. Day Date Facebook Post Twitter Post Link/Photo Sunday 12/23 Do you have questions about the Do you have questions about the changes coming to recycling? Be sure changes coming to recycling? Be sure to check out our Frequently Asked to check out our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information! Questions page for more information!

Monday 12/24 Do you have a ton of wrapping paper Do you have a ton of wrapping paper https://www.recyclenow.co you would like to recycle? Read this you would like to recycle? Read this m/what-to-do- article on how to do the thing. article on how to do the thing. with/wrapping-paper-1 #Recycle #LiveWildwood #Recycle #LiveWildwood

Thursday 12/27 If you’re wondering about what dual- If you’re wondering about what dual- https://www.vangelinc.com/ stream recycling is, check out this stream recycling is, check out this single-vs-dual-stream- article on the benefits to the article on the benefits to the program, recycling/ and keep on #Recycling ! program, and keep on #Recycling ! #LiveWildwood #LiveWildwood Day Date Facebook Post Twitter Post Link/Photo Friday 12/28 It’s almost time to switch how we It’s almost time to switch how we Map/Graphic/Link recycle here in Wildwood. Make sure recycle here in Wildwood. Make sure to remember where your closest to remember where your closest recycling drop-off location is so you’re recycling drop-off location is so ready when 2019 hits! you’re ready when 2019 hits!

Monday 12/31 Tomorrow the City of Wildwood Tomorrow the City of Wildwood Link to website FAQ and switches over to our new method of switches over to our new method of notice. #Recycling! If you need a refresher #Recycling! If you need a refresher on on what it is, and how to do it, read what it is, and how to do it, read this! this!

The City of Wildwood and its provider will be moving to dual stream recycling beginning January 1, 2019. This means you will need to separate your recyclables to reduce contamination of all of the products being recycled. Some materials will continue to be collected curbside, others will need to be dropped off at specific locations. Below is a visual guide to help you through the transition from single stream to dual stream. We appreciate your cooperation and commitment to clean recycling and a cleaner, greener world!

Curbside Pickup Drop-Off Sites Here are the items you can put in the recycle bins that are picked up weekly by Some items will need to be dropped off for recycling Wildwood’s waste management provider. Items should be clean and dry. Rinse, if needed. at one of the several drop-off points in Wildwood. Items should be clean and dry. PLASTIC Clean plastic items (non-black) marked with Clean aluminum items, tin and steel paper goods #1, #2, #3, #5, #7 are acceptable. cans are acceptable. Cardboard and paper goods including shipping boxes, food boxes, mixed paper, , and magazines.

GLASS All bottles, and other glass items.

Not These items should not go in either stream. PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS • CERAMICS E-WASTE RECYCLING items should be saved for Recyclable PAPER & PLASTIC DISHES/ drop-off events throughout the year, not Recycling Drop-Off Locations: STYROFOAM ITEMS • DIAPERS dropped into recycle bins. Address 1 Drive • Corner of This Rd/That Rd. MEDICAL-USE ITEMS ELECTRONIC WASTE • LIGHTBULBS Address 2 Road • At the corner of Here and There COATED PAPER CONTAINERS Address 3 Dropoff • Behind the Notable building CLOTHES HANGERS • BATTERIES Address 4 School • In the West Parking Lot

For more information about the current waste and recycling 16860 Main Street • Wildwood, MO 63040-1242 management plan, log onto our website at: cityofwildwood.com Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Phone: (636) 458-0440 and sign up for our E-Newsletter for updates on the effort. cityofwildwood.com