Lockport Union-Sun & Journal — TOWN OF LOCKPORT — There’s a new company in charge of the recycling rewards program in the Town of Lockport, but the change will not affect residents.

Councilwoman Cheryl A. Antkowiak informed the Town Board Wednesday the program would be handled by Recyclebank, a New York City-based company. The incentive program, Think Green Rewards, began a year ago and was run by Waste Management, the firm in charge of the town’s garbage removal. The program gives people the chance to

earn points for the amount of material recycled each week.

But because Waste Management had other day-to-day issues to deal with, Lockport residents with questions or concerns often were sent to customer service. Now, residents can speak directly to Recyclebank, a company whose business is running green rewards programs in places all over the country.

”They’re only going to make this better,” Antkowiak said.

Residents will be notified by email, the town newsletter and mailings that will be sent out next month. For those already enrolled in the program, there will be no need to sign up again. The transition will be seamless, town officials said.

Antkowiak said there will be a few new ways for residents to earn points under the Recyclebank program.

In other town news, the board approved the purchase of a Telular cellular phone box backup system. Supervisor Marc R. Smith said a phone would be set up in each of the town’s three buildings, at a cost of $3,145. That did not include the addition of three cell phones at a total of $39.80.

If the phone system goes down, the switch over to the Telular system is immediate, Smith said.

• Lytle Nature Park will be one of seven stops on the Western New York Land Conservancy’s Natural Garden & Backyard Habitat Tour. The tour will be held from 1 until 6 p.m. July 8, with tours at Lytle being held at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. People can RSVP by calling 687-1225 and there is a suggested donation of $10 in advance and $12 the day of the tour.

• Antkowiak said a car show will be held July 1, July 15 and Aug. 19 at Day Road Park.

• Board members also approved extending IDA Park Drive North about 200 feet. The move allows for more expansion in the town’s IDA Park, officials said.