Geneva Goes Green With Downtown Recycling Initiative

GENEVA—Watch where you toss your trash in Downtown Geneva from now on, because not all cans are meant for your waste.

The city is going green and has introduced recycling cans along South Third Street.

The new cans are part of a pilot program that could spread throughout downtown. If all goes well, Geneva residents and visitors will find themselves with even more places to recycle and chances to make an environmental difference when out and about.

Shoppers and diners will be able to conveniently recycle empty bottles and aluminum cans at each cross street from James to South Street.

The Third Street containers — five decorative blue metal cans and five Lakeshore Recycling Systems carts — will have signs notifying patrons that these receptacles are not meant for trash.

Cups, liquids, soiled food containers, pizza boxes, and other refuse need to be thrown into the trash to avoid contaminating the recycling containers.

The program’s initiative is to push the city toward its 2025 strategic plan and to promote a green lifestyle.

City staff will be evaluating the program’s effectiveness in the coming months. If the pilot program proves to be successful, the Geneva City Council could consider additional funding in the future.