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Philadelphia's Recycling Coordinator David Robinson said sensors an the trucks instantly weigh the <br />recyclables and a11ow the city to keep track of residents vvho aze recycling improperly. A worker on the <br />ri�zck lifts the lid of the cart to check ihe material. If vc�orkers see improper maierial, the cart is not emptied <br />and the Streets Department sends a letter to the household to remind them which materials the program <br />accepts. <br />Fines <br />Instead of a carrot another Pennsylvania city is using a srick to get people to recycle. Pittsburgh began <br />ticketing non-recyclers las# year. <br />Yf city crews do not see recycling in front of a honae on collection day, a letter is sent fo the homeowner. If <br />the resident still does not recycle, they are sent a citation. Fines and court costs are $62.50 for not recycling. <br />A second offense costs more than $500. So far no second citaiions have been issued. <br />While some people have complained about the fines, Guy Costa, #he public works director fold the <br />Associated Press he's been getting mostly positive comments. "The feedback I've been getting is, 'It's about <br />time because I've been recycling and my neighbor hasn't been."' <br />Seattle was looking for a way to boost the city's sagging recycling rates. So the City Council passed a <br />mandatory recycling law that took effect Jarivary 1, but penalties won't be enforced until next year. <br />Starting in 2006, people in singlc-family homes won't get their trash picked up if they dump "significant <br />amounts" of recyclables in their trash, defined by the city as more than 10 percent by volume. Owners o� <br />apartznenEs, condorniniuxns and businesses will face $50 fines. <br />43 <br />