PEABODY — Peabody is the worst recycler on the North Shore, and members of a new committee are working to change that and save money in the process.
The city recycles just 16 percent of what it chucks, stacking up dead last against its neighbors.
"It's not entirely surprising, but I think we definitely can do better," said Martha Cavanaugh, chairwoman of the 19-member GreenPeabody committee.
Across the North Shore, recycling rates varied from Peabody's low of 16 percent to Ipswich's 53 percent — the highest — in 2007, the most recent year available. The average rate for the 13 nearby communities was 31 percent, according to data from state's Department of Environmental Protection.
Ipswich Town Manager Robert Markel said one reason his town recycles so much is because it has adopted a pay-as-you-throw program.
With the cost of trash at $97.50 per ton, the town had to find ways to keep down expenses. Markel said selectmen reduced the town's solid waste budget to $805,000 from nearly $1 million with the pay-as-you-throw program.
"For those of us that worry about the budget, this is just pouring money into an incinerator," he said.
Members of GreenPeabody, an all-volunteer group that is an offshoot of a City Council committee, hope to educate and encourage residents to recycle more.
"We do recognize that we have a lot of work to do in this area," said Councilor-at-large Anne Manning, a GreenPeabody member.
She said the group wants to educate taxpayers that they have control over trash costs and by working together they can make a difference. Peabody is one of the few communities that does not require residents to recycle, and Manning hopes it stays that way.
"They've got a good thing going and don't have pay-as-you-go," she said. "We want to keep it that way. We want to save taxpayers money and save the environment."
The councilor also credited Mayor Michael Bonfanti for his support of GreenPeabody.
"He really is on board with green initiatives and has been very supportive of our efforts," she said.
Despite forming just six months ago, GreenPeabody has already made its presence known at citywide events collecting bottles and cans and distributing materials.
At the International Festival, GreenPeabody collected more than 100 names of people willing to help and learn more about their work.
"We were so surprised at the response there," Cavanaugh said. "A lot of people stopped at the booth."
Residents want to recycle more, she said, but just don't know how. GreenPeabody is hoping to help by providing a list of recyclable items, posting informational links online and offering answers to frequently asked questions.
"We really think education is the key," Cavanaugh said. "People still have a lot of questions as to what can and can't be recycled."
They may not know, for example, that grass clippings and yard waste can be recycled.
"That's money," she said. "It costs the city money to dispose of that."
Beverly saved nearly $250,000 in trash disposal costs in 2007 when it improved recycling efforts. The city reduced the amount of trash it throws away by more than 6.5 million pounds — about 160 pounds per resident. It cost $75 per ton to burn trash, and getting rid of recyclables was free, so the savings was significant.
Salem doubled its recycling rate after instituting new rules that limit the number of trash barrels per household and stepping up recycling collections.
Ipswich reined in costs last year when it reduced the number of trash containers allowed from four to three, Markel said. Selectmen are now considering lowering the number to two in January and one in July.
Any additional containers require a sticker that costs $2, he said.
"Some people will say it's important for the environment," he said. "It's hard to argue with that, but in addition it's money."
The town manager was a bit surprised to hear the town recycled 53 percent of its trash in 2007, but DEP spokesman Joe Ferson said the numbers come directly from cities and towns and reflect more than curbside recycling.
The rates include scrap metal, storm debris and yard waste.
"Also, over the years, the residents of Ipswich have disposed of less per household, and in 2007 they were recycling a lot more," Ferson said.
GreenPeabody wants city residents to know there's no limit to the amount they can recycle. They can put out recyclables in reasonably sized trash barrels as long as they're labeled as recyclable with free stickers available at City Hall or marked legibly as such.
Cavanaugh, who was encouraged by her daughter to go green, said if everyone does a little, the city can make a difference.
"Once you get into the habit it takes no time," she said. "It is really nice not to limit trash in any way. We'd like to see it remain voluntary. ... This is a good place to start."
recycling rates on the North Shore
CommunityRate* (%)
Ipswich53
Boxford50
Marblehead35
Swampscott34
Topsfield33
Wenham33
Manchester32
Danvers26
Hamilton26
Beverly22
Salem20
Middleton17
Peabody16
* 2007 figures provided by MassDEP
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