Residents want recycling picked up

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Some West Mobile residents are voicing concerns on the Facebook page of Greenie in a Bottle, which took over a recycling pick-up from The Newark Group - Recycled Fibers.

Newark Group's yellow lid canisters dotted the Ridgefield subdivision Thursday, November 29 in west Mobile.

That company provided free paper recycling pick-up for residents twice a month, but now Greenie in a Bottle will resume the free service once a month, beginning December 3.

“It's just more financially sound for us to offer the program once a month,” said K. D. Johnson, owner of Greenie in a Bottle LLC. 

But, in its initial launch, some bins still remain on curbs in parts of the city.

According to their Facebook page , the issue started around November 21, when this post was made: "WE'RE DOWN TIL MONDAY. Hydraulic failure. Accepting donations, lol! All customers scheduled for this week, we'll be back to you in 2 weeks. We apologize for the delay..."

In an earlier post made November 19, the company said they were one cycle behind but "Things will be normal by next week."

K.D. Johnson's company is not new. It has provided recycling at BayFest for the past three years. 

However, in taking over paper pick-up from Newark Group, it hit a snag.

“That was a learning curve, with the acquisition of the new paper routes so you're talking about 14 days just getting use to the routes,” said Johnson.

During the learning curve Johnson said equipment broke down, causing more pick-up problems.

Customers tried calling Newark only to discover it no longer provides paper recycling pick-up.

Greenie in a Bottle's phone line directs customers to the internet.

“We just hadn't gotten around to developing a more user-friendly method of communication yet,” said Johnson.

He said he is working hard to reach customers who may not have computer access.

So what can you do about all the accumulated paper?

You can take it to the drop-off center on Government Street.

Or, the city of Mobile has an online map for paper recycling drop boxes.  

Be sure to check with the business where the drop box is supposed to be located.

Drop off paper recycling map: City of Mobile

Greenie in a Bottle's new pick-up schedule here.