What Is My Recycling Zone? What's Yours? Map Here

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December 31, 2006

What Is My Recycling Zone? What's Yours? Map Here

I'm pretty good with geography. I have a somewhat developed sense of direction, an affinity for reading maps (I waste hours poring over Asia Minor in Google Earth), and good comprehension. I find, and use, routes that are closer to "as the crow flies" than to the typical superhighway loop. I've been around the Chattanooga area since the late 1980's, with only minor sabbaticals in states that start with 'M'.

But even with my modest-plus skills, I could not have told you, after reading the card that came in the mail, what zone my residence fell into with regard to the new recycling plan. I'm serious; and apparently I'm not alone.

"East of I-75, West of Highway 153" -- come on, what is that supposed to mean? That's no more logical than "East of the Sun, West of the Moon." Mayor Littlefield's administration has made a boondoggle of this whole recycling mess from the get-go (with big help from non-participating city dwellers, to be sure). And I've got huge piles of stuff waiting for my January 10 pickup. I may as well just take everything to Warner Park, since I have to take glass, shredded paper, and other things there anyway. I guess that's what they want to happen.

According to NewsChannel9, a government web page has a map, and I'm looking for it, with the purpose of sharing it with all of you here. I realize that a graphic might still as well be Greek to some people, but it may help others. Feel free to leave a comment if you don't know your zone, and I'll do my best to respond -- or just call 311. They get paid, but I'm happy to volunteer the information.

The only thing I've found on Chattanooga.gov so far is a PowerPoint file, and I don't have MS Office for the Mac. Can someone confirm that that's where the map is? I checked the GIS site, and although that department is to be highly commended for continuing to add important civic/political layers (now with voting precincts!), I couldn't get a good visual by clicking the Recycling Collection option there. Perhaps it's still under development.

When I find a map, I promise to post it, so that as many as possible can at least have the information that must accompany any desire to help keep our great city clean and sustainable.

UPDATE: On Tuesday, January 2, at 11:00 AM, you might possibly get a map from a raccoon. Some of us work, and can't wander down to the Waterhouse Pavilion in the middle of the day. I'm going to, though, because I can pick up Subway or something for lunch and take it back to the desk. There are 30-minute free Wi-Fi accounts down there, so if I get a chance, I'll grab a photo and post it.

UPDATE 2, 12/31: One of our city's most valuable reporters, Herman Wang, has a story in today's TFP, and it includes a map (credited to Beck Towery). Mr. Wang has followed the recycling debacle with admirable dedication, and his article suggests that we'll hear more from outspoken critic Frank DePinto and crew in the months ahead. On to the map -- would it have killed them to put it in color?