Survey shows Henderson residents like pilot recycling program

Henderson residents involved with a pilot recycling program recently were surveyed on the new system and whether it should be implemented city wide.

The pilot program started Dec. 9, 2010, and was implemented in 25,000 homes in Henderson, including neighborhoods such as Pittman, Tuscany, Inspirada, Palazzo at Seven Hills, Windmill Crossing, Mission Ridge and Sunridge Estates.

"It is the largest pilot program in the v alley," said Stephanie Garcia-Vause, the director of community development for the city of Henderson.

The new program features a single receptacle for all recyclable products . The recyclables and trash are picked up once a week.

Garcia-Vause said the city has focused on sustainability as one of its key strategies. She added that the city believed a recycling program like the one being tested would help it reach its goals to be more green.

A survey conducted between Sept. 30 and Oct. 17 by the Cannon Survey Center at UNLV asked residents in the program about the system. Pamela Gallion, director of educational outreach for the center, presented the results to the City Council on Jan. 17.

The survey asked 604 residents in the pilot program a series of questions to determine their satisfaction levels. The results showed that a high percentage of residents were satisfied.

Councilman Sam Bateman said he was shocked by the results.

"I expected a worse response," Bateman said.

Residents were asked about everything from storing the cart to odor control.

According to the survey, 96.4 percent agreed that the carts were easy to use. Only 35.7 percent noticed an additional odor, according to the results. Of that, 86.3 percent said it wouldn't prevent them from using the new system.

At the presentation, two Henderson residents voiced concerns about the program .

Rana Goodman said some seniors could have a hard time moving the carts, especially if they have to store the cart out of sight to comply with homeowner association bylaws.

Goodman told the council to envision a 75- or 80-year-old senior trying to pull the container over rock landscaping to their house's side gate to store it if it doesn't fit in the garage.

"I had a hard time pulling a cart that was empty," Goodman said. "And I'm quite able-bodied and fairly strong."

Bob Coyle, the vice president of public affairs and government relations for Republic Services, said residents can choose from three cart sizes: a 35-gallon, a 65-gallon or a 95-gallon cart .

Other complaints centered around HOAs and the potential of them fining residents who haven't stored recycling carts according to CC&Rs.

Bateman hopes to work with HOAs to "get them on board" with the new cart system.

"Everything can't be perfect," Bateman said.

Goodman said she wished the city would confer with the residents before implementing the program city wide.

Similar studies have been conducted in pilot programs around Las Vegas.

While people in the pilot program in North Las Vegas, Las Vegas and Clark County were asked in one question whether they were happy with their trash and recycling pick up, Henderson residents were asked two questions.

According to the results, 91.7 percent of Henderson residents were satisfied with recycling pick up while 84.4 percent were satisfied with their trash pick up. Coyle said that before implementing the program, several interest meetings were held to offer people information about the pilot program.

Garcia-Vause said it would take a number of years to implement the program city wide if the council decides to proceed with it.

"We would be looking at a two- to three-year time frame," Garcia-Vause said.

Garcia-Vause said the city would need to collaborate more with Republic Services, which would need to make a capital investment.

Garcia-Vause said that while the survey targeted residents who are in the pilot program, the city invites all Henderson residents to fill out a survey at cityofhenderson.com.

Councilwoman Gerri Schroder said the council was only accepting the survey results and not taking any action.

The Citizens' Advisory Committee, which provides residents' feedback on sustainability, is slated to go before the council in February to present its recommendation .

Bateman encourages residents to keep submitting input on the program to help the council make its decision.

"It is hard not to vote for something with results like this," Bateman said.

Contact Henderson/Anthem View reporter Michael Lyle at mlyle@viewnews.com or 387-5201.