This year, Arlington city leaders are making a resolution to improve the environment. They are resolving to recycle.

City leaders say they would like to see more Arlington residents make a similar commitment in 2006. They would like to see the city meet or exceed 200,000 tons of recycled material this year. Since Arlington’s curbside recycling program began in 1993, about 188,000 tons of materials have been recycled.

According to Recycling Coordinator Lorrie Anderle, achieving the 200,000 benchmark is attainable. Arlington residents currently recycle approximately 1,500 tons of materials every month. Fourteen percent of all garbage placed at curbside is diverted from the landfill and recycled, she said.

The goal of the Resolve to Recycle Program is to increase environmental awareness and participation in the curbside recycling program.

“Curbside recycling is helping us save valuable landfill space and natural resources,” Anderle said.

Mayor Robert Cluck and the Arlington City Council will Resolve to Recycle with a special proclamation during the 6:30 p.m. City Council Meeting on Tuesday, January 10. The meeting will occur in Council Chamber at 101 W. Abram St.

The City of Arlington Neighborhood Services Department program will utilize several communication tools, including newspaper advertisements, the City of Arlington website and cable channel, to outline the benefits of recycling. A new public service announcement about recycling will begin airing Tuesday, January 10.