New law leads to run on recycle bins

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Dozens of people lined up at the Providence Department of Public Works Friday morning on Allens Ave., trying to get their hands on a recycling bin.

The demand comes in the wake of a new city ordinance that went into effect Nov. 2.

As part of the "Green Up Providence" program , residents are required to put out two recycling bins, one for cardboard/paper and another for glass/plastic, with each garbage can they place on the curb, even if the bins are empty.

If the recycling bins aren't there, crews won't pick up the trash. Residents who fail to comply will also face fines.

The news rules have put quite a premium on recycling bins.

Many residents showed up early Friday morning to buy the bins before the Friday morning trash pickup. However some, angered they had to wait almost an hour, called the pick up disorganized.

Others said they were frustrated with the $5 cost that comes with each bin.

"With the fines and what they're doing, this is just another city tax," said one property owner. "It's just a way to make money off of us who are already taxed to death. I'm all for recycling, but this is just unfair the way they're doing it."

Residents can use their own containers for recycling if they are marked appropriately.

Friday's scene comes after many residents encountered a rude awakening throughout this week, when their trash was not picked up and their neighborhoods were left strewn with debris.

The city said it sent out notices informing residents about the change. Mayor Cicilline also created a video , outlining how the program would work. However, several residents said they were never told.

Any one with questions about the Green Up Providence program can call Environmental Services at the DPW at 401-467-7950.