Reducing the Heap:
Recycling, Garbage and Litter in Decatur

by Richard Cohen 

The Waste Management Advisory Board (WMAB) has been one of Decatur’s volunteer boards since the early 1990s. The seven board members are appointed by the City Commission and focus their time on recycling, garbage and litter issues in the city.

In 1998, the board developed and implemented the Pay as You Throw program. Through a fee for each garbage bag used, residents are charged for how much they throw away. This program has dramatically reduced the amount of garbage that is thrown away in the city and has helped to encourage residents to recycle.

Over the last few years the WMAB has worked on a number of recycling initiatives. One of these, recently passed by the City Commission, expands the residential recycling program to include condominiums and apartments. Other recent expansions include the addition of recycling containers in the commercial districts of the city and the preparation of a guide to help events organizers implement proper environmental practices. 

The WMAB is also the founder and coordinating group for the electronics recycling events held in the Decatur High School parking lot. The board is currently working to expand commercial recycling in the city and is examining other ways to contribute to Decatur’s environmental sustainability program.

The Waste Management Advisory Board and Greenspace Commission will be combined and folded into a new Environmental Sustainability Board.