Less than three months after Mayor Daniel Brown announced the City of Knoxville's new curbside recycling initiative, the program has signed up over 15,000 households.

"We are 75% of the way to our goal of 20,000 households and very pleased with the response from the community so far," says David Brace, Deputy Director for Public Service. "As of this morning, 15,252 households have made the decision to change their habits and support the City's effort to reduce waste and landfill use."

To reach additional customers, the City's Solid Waste Office will be signing up residents for the new curbside recycling program over the tax free weekend, August 5-7 at both West Town and Knoxville Center malls. This additional sign up event is part of the City's last push before the August 14 deadline for the initial round of cart delivery. Participants at both malls can receive an in-home recycling bin to collect items, which makes it even easier to take recyclables to the cart.

The first carts are scheduled for delivery in September with the curbside service starting in October. Those who sign up after August 14, but before the 20,000 goal is reached will receive a cart later this year. Dates have not yet been determined for a second round of cart delivery but it is expected to be before the end of the year.

The program features:

No sorting - all recyclables go in the cart together A rolling cart will be provided in September Pick up at the curb every other week will begin in October No additional charge to City residents RecycleBank - participants can earn points toward discounts on goods and services through this rewards program Initially, the program is for the first 20,000 households that sign up

Citizens can sign up or get more information by visiting www.doyourpartwiththecart.com or by calling 311.