Kalamazoo recycling update: large EPS foam turnout, oral-care collection and camera pilot to boost bin compliance

City recycling volunteers and committee members reported turnout and program metrics from a February collection event at Mayer's Riverfront Park and described a pilot program to improve curbside-sorting compliance.

Justin Sanders, member, summarized the February event: "electronics there was 3,896 pounds recycled from the public. EPS foam over 12,60 pounds," and said the EPS foam haul equaled roughly a full semi-trailer of bagged foam. The event also collected oral-care items, document shredding and cardboard; organizers said document-shredding weight is not separated in available totals.

Committee members discussed a camera pilot installed on a single collection truck in January and running under a grant through April. Justin said the pilot is not intended to penalize residents but to generate education postcards to households when crews find ineligible items in a bin. He said the first postcards had already gone out.

Committee members also discussed discrepancies reported in the Recycle Coach app about which plastic tubs are acceptable. Justin said he spoke with Chris Broadbent, who is involved with the recycling program, and was told residents should be able to include plastic tubs labeled 1 through 6; Broadbent is working with the vendor to correct the app wording.

Organizers promoted the next city collection date, April 26, offering EPS foam, oral-care products, electronics and document shredding. Committee members encouraged public outreach through the city calendar and the committee’s email list.

No formal action was taken; staff were asked to continue outreach and to provide corrected Recycle Coach guidance once the vendor updates the app.