The City of Knoxville has reached the goal of 20,000 sign-ups for its new household recycling program. The milestone comes just eight months after the campaign was launched and three months after the curbside collection service started.

"We are very pleased with the response of our citizens to this program," says David Brace, Director of Public Service. "With 20,000 sign-ups, that means that one-third of the City's households are participating. The more participation, the more diversion of usable materials from area landfills!"

About 16,500 households have been using the bi-weekly service since the first of October and have already recycled more than 1,200 tons of material. "Recycling that material is the equivalent of 743 cars not driving, or energy to heat and cool 219 homes for a year or save 10,728 trees from use for paper products," says John Homa, City Solid Waste Manager.

A second round of carts will be delivered in mid-February for those who signed up after the initial Aug. 14 deadline, bringing the total to 20,000 households. Information will be attached to the carts indicating what can be included in the cart and giving details on the Recyclebank Rewards program.

With the 20,000 goal reached, enrollment in the program is closed for now. Residents who have not signed up yet can indicate their interest by signing up on a waiting list to gauge the interest via the City's web site or by calling 311. "We would like to expand the program at some point in the future if there is sufficient interest and funding to do so," says Brace.

More than 8,100 of the participating households have signed up for Recyclebank, an incentive program that provides rewards points based on the pounds of recycled materials. The points can be used for coupons and discounts at local and national retailers in the area. So far, approximately 2,500 rewards have been requested.

More details on the program can be found on the web site at www.doyourpartwiththecart.com or by calling 311.