Richmond Hill residents will soon see a service many claim is long overdue — recycling.

At its regular meeting last week, the Richmond Hill City Council approved 3-0 to implement a city-wide recycling program. Council member Jan Bass was absent.

Richmond Hill Mayor Harold Fowler said there were no opposing comments at a public hearing held in July when Russ Hightower with Waste Management presented information on curbside pick-up services.

According to City Manager Chris Lovell, the program is expected to begin Nov. 1 after all of the 96-gallon recycle bins are ordered and delivered.

In addition to the recycling program, residents will have the chance to participate in Recycle Bank, or rewards for recycling. Hightower previously said for each pound of recyclables collected on a route, two and a half points are added to residents’ accounts.

The points can be redeemed for coupons, gift cards and discounts for things like groceries, health and beauty products, music, books and magazines and more.

Resident Jessica Donovan spoke at the meeting and said another way to earn points is by buying certain products at places like Kroger.

“That’ll help people so if they want to get a head start on the points for their recycling they can start now,” she said.
Also at the meeting:

• The council approved changes to city ordinances pertaining to the reclaimed water use to include a “purple pipe” ordinance, which is mandated by the Environmental Protection Division.

• The council approved a request from Susan Hayes to include a dance studio as a conditional use in a light industrial zone.

• The council approved an on-premises sales and off-premises consumption of beer and wine only alcoholic beverage license for Linda Hurst, manager of Kroger.

• The council recognized Ray Gormley and Jaden Freeze for obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout.