Have you noticed more recycling bins popping up at your favorite Ferndale businesses? If not, you might soon.

According to the Southeastern Oakland County Resource Recovery Authority, an initiative to encourage more commercial recycling is already well under way in Ferndale.

As part of the program, SOCRRA is offering free recycling containers to Ferndale  businesses for a limited time.

Ferndale DDA director Cristina Sheppard-Decius said the DDA has been working to increase recycling downtown and has teamed up with SOCRRA for this program.

“Our issue has always been that we have new businesses all the time and they don’t always realize that there is this opportunity to recycle,” said Sheppard-Decius.

Businesses offered free bins, information and support

SOCRRA will be consulting with Ferndale businesses to provide the right type and size of recycling containers and also offer information, flyers and support for creating and sustaining a successful recycling program in the workplace. SOCRRA already offers free recycling collection service in the city.

“All you need to do is contact SOCRRA and basically just set up what you need,” Sheppard-Decius said, adding that some of the larger containers run about $90 each. “If a business has to get a couple of them that’s kind of an expensive endeavor to recycle right off the bat.”

Other communities see recycling increase with program

SOCRRA has run the same program in other communities – including Berkley, where more than 150 new businesses signed up to recycle during the six-month program.

Jeff McKeen, general manager of SOCRRA, said the success reinforces that “businesses want to recycle.”

“Business owners and employees were happy to learn that they could reduce their trash and recycle the same things at work that they recycle at home," McKeen said.

Sheppard-Decius said she is already aware of some businesses in the downtown district who are using their free containers – including Torino Esspresso + Bar.

“They said it’s been really easy for them, too,” she said.

SOCRRA encourages residents to look for the “We Recycle!” sticker at favorite local businesses and ask those that don’t to contact SOCRRA.

For more information, visit www.socrra.org.