Cincinnati reported significant improvements in its recycling program in the past year since partnering with Recyclebank.

The city said it has increased recyclable tonnage collected by 49 percent in the past six months compared to the previous year; raised recycling diversion to 17 percent, exceeding the city’s mandate of 15 percent; saw participation in the program grow by nearly 75 percent; and experienced a net savings of nearly $1 million through decreased landfill costs and higher recyclable revenue, according to a news release.

In October 2010 the city joined forces with hauler Rumpke Recycling, cart manufacturer Cascade Engineering and Recyclebank, becoming the largest Midwest city to offer Recyclebank’s incentives program.

The principals attributed part of the success to using larger recycling carts, which allow residents to recycle three to five times more material than the traditional 18 gallon bins. Rumpke prepared for the increased volume with a $6.5 million renovation of its Cincinnati material recovery facility.

“Cincinnati’s enhanced recycling program is even more successful that we expected. It is clear that our community wants to recycle more to help the environment and save the city money,” said Mayor Mark Mallory said. “The more we recycle, the less the city has to pay to dump our garbage at the landfill. As we head into year two, we look forward to even higher levels of recycling and more savings.”