1. I was actually JUST thinking about how I still need to sign up. Maybe because we have so many recyclables piled up that they literally keep overflowing and knocking over the divider for the little area we're storing them in.

One thing I've been wondering though, because in our neighborhood at least the trash day and recycling day would be the same, is how do I know for sure that the trash people wouldn't come first and pick up the recyclables as well, thinking that it's trash? I have no idea how to ensure that it wouldn't happen, other than to install a spy-cam on our front porch or something.

I've been thinking about inviting other friends to bring their recyclables over once I sign up, and sort of chip in together or something. I've also thought about trying to team up with neighbors to split the cost or something.

Posted at 12:17PM on Aug 21st 2007 by Mallory Whitfield

2. I know that Phoenix has suggested pulling your recycling back from the curb if it coincides with your trash day. You are able to leave special instructions for pickup so maybe that would help. Lastly, our garbage pick up is at 5AM and recycling comes after noon so the timing is a lot different. Pooling with neighbors seems like a good idea but in the long run doesn't help the rest of the people who pay $15 per residence as the price is "supposed" to go down with increased interest.

Posted at 12:19PM on Aug 21st 2007 by Kelly Leahy

3. I haven't had any problems with my recyclables being picked up, nor has anyone that I have spoken with. I do know that if you don't get curbside pick up on your day, Phoenix asks that you call them and they'll come right over. All I can think is that maybe your neighbors put it out on the wrong day or failed to call. If you want to, give Phoenix a call at 504 914 0739 and they might be able to answer your questions.

Posted at 12:29PM on Aug 24th 2007 by Kelly Leahy

4. My neighbor has registered with Phoenix recycling, and we'd like to as well, but I noticed that their recyclables sat for 2 days without being picked up until the garbage peeps came by. Before paying the fee, I want to know how reliable this company is and that they are actually correctly recycling the goods. Any thoughts? Thank you

Posted at 11:06AM on Aug 25th 2007 by 504poca

5. I had my first pickkup last week. In my neighborhood garbage pickup day is the same as the recycling pickup so I was worried about that, but I marked the recycling can as such and put it further back in the driveway to keep the trash guys from hauling it. The recycling guy came pretty late in the day, but he rang the bell because since he didn't see the can at first...he also apologized for coming so late.

Besides the fact that they pick up glass (unlike the city wide drop off dates) they also accept a lot of different mixed paper, which I really appreciate.

Posted at 11:40PM on Sep 11th 2007 by Mallory Whitfield

6. Again, my neighbors recycling was not picked up 2 times in a row. Also, I've requested the end user for glass items to ensure that they are actually recycling and not just throwing things in a land fill, but no response yet. I'm curious considering no one else is taking glass currently for recycling. Anyone know out there know the answer? I want to do right by the earth, but my budget is tight considering I'm a student. Are these guys really legit?

Posted at 1:52AM on Sep 12th 2007 by 504poca

7. Hey Mallory,

I appreciate the response but it didn't answer any of my questions. Are these guys actually recycling or are they bringing everything, especially glass, to the landfills? I've done some research and realize that they have been in business in the area for awhile, but the lack of response by them and the miss pick-ups in my neighborhood gives me pause. Does anyone have answers on how these guys are actually disposing/recycling the items? Thanks

Posted at 1:59AM on Sep 12th 2007 by 504poca

8. Considering they've been in business since 1991 I find it really hard to believe that they could just be disposing of the recylables in a landfill. I personally see no reason not to trust that they're recycling what they say they're recycling. I received answers from them via email fairly quickly when I had questions, I'm sorry you haven't gotten an answer yet.

I'm emailing them now to see if maybe we can get someone from Phoenix to respond here and clarify.

Posted at 2:22PM on Sep 12th 2007 by Mallory Whitfield

9. Hey all,

First off - I am with Phoenix Recycling, so be aware of that as you read my self promoting posting. I did want to address some of the concerns that were brought up in this blog.

Timing of answers... We have been swamped, hence the slow response. What I've had to in these situations is scan emails looking for someone wanting to get on a schedule the next day and wait to answer others until I have time to consider my response and thoroughly answer the questions. I am catching up, but still a few days behind. I do answer them all, though.

As far as missed pickups; unfortunately it sometimes happens - usually my fault in getting someone on a schedule or confusion about where the bins are located, etc. If we find out early enough in the afternoon, we can get someone by relatively quickly. But, I have made several pickups in my personal vehicle after 9:00 PM, so we will do all we can to get the material on the designated day - that's really all we are here for (that and to make sure the material gets recycled).

What has happened, in some instances is that someone will see blue bins out and put theirs out, as well. We try to strike a balance between collecting unknown material and running a business, but that has been the source of some uncollected bins. Other times, someone may have the wrong schedule, etc. What we do is more complicated than emptying every bin in a certain neighborhood on a
certain day. It usually works out ok (99.5+% collection rate), but the mistakes are pretty obvious – and embarrassing, since all we really do is pick up and drop off your material… (and ensure that
it is recycled)

We go to SP Recycling locally with about 30% or our paper, the rest of our material goes to the Recycling Foundation. They are a family owned business in Baton Rouge and have been tremendous to work with. They have been very supportive and helpful and we look forward to a long relationship. They have been in business for a number of years and we did a few things with them in the early 90's, as well. Glass is a challenge for them. They are in the process of installing a glass pulverizer that will reduce the glass to sand and make it much more easily marketable, but nationwide, it is a challenge. Please feel free to reach out to them and verify what I am telling you.

We want to demonstrate a willingness on the part of the citizens of New Orleans to reinstate a city-wide program as soon as possible. We want to control costs and want to lower prices, as we achieve economies of scale, so that others may join. We want to participate in such a city-wide program, but would rather see it come to fruition and exclude us than continue a limited, subscription-based service at the exclusion of the majority of citizens.

Let me know either through this blog or through email, phone, etc if you have any questions or feedback.

Thanks for reading this far (if there are any left )

David McDonough
504 914 0739

Phoenix.Recycling@gmail.com
www.PhoenixRecyclingNOLA.com

Posted at 5:14PM on Sep 12th 2007 by David McDonough

10. Hey all,

First off - I am with Phoenix Recycling, so be aware of that as you read my self promoting posting. I did want to address some of the concerns that were brought up in this blog.

Timing of answers first... We are swamped right now and are a little behind on emails. What I've been doing is scanning through them and answering the immediate emails that need to get people on schedules, then going back through and answering questions at a time when I can more thoroughly and thoughtfully answer. I am a few days behind now, but we will catch up this week and will be back on track.

As far as missed pickups; unfortunately it sometimes happens - usually my fault in getting someone on a schedule or confusion about where the bins are located, etc. If we find out early enough in the afternoon, we can get someone by relatively quickly. But, I have made several pickups in my personal vehicle after 8:00 PM, so we will do all we can to get the material on the designated day - that's really all we are here for (that and to make sure the material gets recycled).

Our material goes to the Recycling Foundation. They are a family owned business in Baton Rouge and have been tremendous to work with. They have been very supportive and helpful and we look forward to a long relationship. They have been in business for a number of years and we did a few things with them in the early 90's, as well. Glass is a challenge for them. They are in the process of installing a glass pulverizer that will reduce the glass to sand and make it much more easily marketable, but nationwide, it is a challenge.

We are in it for the environmental aspects, not the financial (believe me!!). As soon as we break even, we'll lower the prices so that more will be able to join (hopefully, January, but maybe not until April). The material definitely gets recycled; 30+ tons in August...

Thanks for reading this far and let me know here or via email if there are more questions.

I welcome the skepticism as it shows a great deal of interest, followthrough and demands accountability of our company.

David McDonough
504 914 0739
phoenix.recycling@gmail.com
www.PhoenixRecyclingNOLA.com

Posted at 5:33PM on Sep 12th 2007 by David McDonough

11. I just wanted to say thank you to David for taking the time to respond to this and answering these concerns so thoroughly. Thanks!

Posted at 5:35PM on Sep 12th 2007 by Mallory Whitfield