COUNCIL APPROVES RENOVATIONS TO CAPE'S RECYCLING CENTER

Cape Girardeau has made great strides in its efforts to recycle and reduce waste, said Councilman Melvin Gateley.

Gateley commended the city for receiving a $100,000 grant from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to build a new drop-off recycling facility.

"We've made great strides in this area, and it's something the citizens can be proud of," he said.

The Cape Girardeau City Council approved a resolution Monday authorizing the city's portion of the grant. The state pays 80 percent of the construction cost and the city pays the remaining 20 percent.

Work on the project, which includes a drive-up recycling facility in a fenced area away from city fleet traffic, should begin this fall, said Doug Leslie, director of public works.

Because the current drop-off area is congested with traffic from city work crews, building a new recycling shed will create a safer area, city officials said. It also will be more convenient for residents who use the recycling service.

Cape Girardeau also offers curbside recycling to its residential customers.

Recycling efforts in the city began in 1991 as a way to reduce trash taken to landfills in the state. Missouri has a goal of reducing waste by 40 percent.