The D.C. Department of Public Works recently announced that a recycling program tested in a small area of Ward 7 proved to be so successful that it will be implemented citywide. The program will replace the inconvenient bins previously used for recyclables with blue containers that look like smaller versions of the District’s supercans, complete with wheels and lids. The program will also allow for single-stream recycling, which means all your tuna cans, beer bottles, and copies of the City Paper can now go into one container.

The pilot program, which began in a small portion of Ward 7 in 2003, showed astonishing results:

Before the pilot began, an average of 17 percent of residents set out recyclables for collection. The average amount set out per customer was 1.5 pounds. During the pilot, participation increased to 46 percent and the amount set out per customer rose to six pounds.

DPW officials hope that this trend continues throughout the city. Bins will start being distributed in upper Ward 7 this week, and will be distributed from east to west until all areas are covered.

DCist is a little dismayed that so few residents of Ward 7 set out their bins for recycling. We do, however, acknowledge the inconvenience of the bins, which have a tendency to become extremely heavy and are thrown haphazardly around our back alley. With the introduction of the new bins, the DPW makes recycling significantly easier for residents. Now if we could only do something about our nagging lead and perchlorate problems.