CRANBERRY TWP — Cranberry’s residential garbage collection program has significantly increased recycling in the township and decreased the amount of waste that goes into landfills since its inception 13 years ago, according to a recent report.

Lorin Meeder, environmental programs coordinator, told supervisors Thursday night that residents recycled about four times more in 2016 than they did when the Collection Connection, Cranberry’s residential solid waste collection service began in 2004.

The township recycled 1,214 tons in 2004 and 4,949 tons recycled in 2016. That’s 115 pounds recycled per person in 2004 and 410 pounds recycled per person in 2016, according to the report.

Even as the customer base grows, less waste is hitting landfills. When the program began, Cranberry sent 11,030 tons of waste to the landfill and had 7,497 customers. Last year 8,897 customers sent 8,627 tons of trash to the landfill.

Before 2004 residents could choose their garbage service, leading to four or five providers picking up waste. Meeder said some neighborhoods had garbage trucks coming through daily.

The township went out to bid for a municipal solid waste provider to unify its collection service. It’s currently contracted with Vogel Disposal Service for five years ending in 2019.

Supervisor John Skorupan said some residents had issues with the change to one provider and the increased focus on recycling, but it’s different now as residents tend to be more environmentally conscious.

Residents get three carts — one for garbage, one for recycling and one for yard waste — and choose from three cart sizes to fit their household. The fee is lumped in with their monthly water and sewer bill.

Meeder urged residents to continue recycling and focus on “clean recycling” by making sure items are sorted properly.

The township netted $35,733 in tag sales for extra items in 2016, Meeder said. Tags can be purchased for items outside the carts, like extra bags, bulky furniture, appliances and big volume pickups.

In addition to the tag system, Cranberry offers regular hazardous waste and electronics recycling days throughout the year through contractor ECS&R. All of these programs within Collection Connection have also helped keep trash where it belongs, Meeder said.

“If you give them the opportunity, most people will dispose of something the right way,” Meeder said. “it won’t go over the hill. Local government involvement stops illegal dumping.”