Detroit Kicks off Big Recycling Push With New Bins and Electric Trucks, Cuts Down on Waste Mixing

New recycling bins are coming to bus stops across Detroit. So far, the Public Works team has added 42 bins and two electric trucks in their push to clean up the streets.

"Recycling is one of the many things and strategies we're trying to do in order to get people to litter less and, ultimately, use less to make our city beautiful," said Sam Krassenstein, who runs Public Works operations, per WXYZ. 

Fresh funding of $500,000 will add 800 bins within a year. State environmental groups teamed up with DTE Energy to fund the trucks.

The trucks split their duties - one picks up from bus stops while its twin serves small shops and homes. Krassenstein noted, "These trucks will be specific to recycling on our commercial corridors."

Most trash at stops comes from drinks. Workers want to turn current recycling rates of 45% into total success, pushing toward 100%.

Council member Angela Whitfield-Calloway sees real value for her area. "We need to know we have a need for them because we have a blight issue in the city. So, just giving people an option to where they can put their trash, their recycled goods, their cans, their bottles. It makes a difference," she said.

Local Rob Abbott backs the switch. "I obviously think electric vehicles and recycling are a great idea. That's all good news to me, and I love living in this city," he shared according to WXYZ.

Early tests show promise, with few people mixing trash with recyclables. Officials aim to spread bins to every stop in all seven city zones.