Jefferson Parish is bringing back its free recycling program with local company Glass Half Full, set to begin on Saturday. Residents can drop off their recyclables every week, weather permitting, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at two locations: 700 David Drive in Metairie, and 6440 Lapalco Blvd., in Marrero, Jefferson Parish announced.
Over the next 20 weeks, acceptable recyclable items include clean, glass bottles, and jars, cardboard, aluminum, tin, steel cans, as well as plastics #1 and #2. Mixed paper will also be collected, but residents are reminded to keep out mirrors, broken glass, ceramics, and pottery, from their recycling to avoid contamination. In the event, that weather disrupts a scheduled collection, it will be pushed to the following Saturday.
The parish has released guidelines to ensure the success of the program. Recyclables should be placed directly into the collection bin, not bagged, as plastic garbage bags can disrupt the recycling process. Anything too soiled, like greasy pizza boxes or takeout containers, should be thrown in the trash. Residents are encouraged to rinse out food containers before recycling and to break down boxes and crush cans to maximize space in the recycling bins.
Before using the drop-off service, Jefferson Parish residents will need to show a driver's license or utility bill to confirm their residency. This recycling service is open not only to residential customers but also to smaller commercial customers who currently receive curbside trash collection in certain areas including unincorporated Jefferson Parish, the Town of Jean Lafitte, and other municipalities. Despite the pause in curbside collection, customers will not see an additional charge for recycling on their utility bills.
