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GREENSBORO — Your curbside recycling schedule is changing.

Smart move or foolish? Join the discussion at the Debatables blog.

Here is your guide to embracing that change:

Q: Change? The only kind I like is loose and in the couch cushions. Who authorized this?

A: The Greensboro City Council did when it passed this year's city budget. It will save taxpayers an estimated $150,000 a year.

Q. I thought the city was into recycling, what with being a "Cool City" and everything. Why would our leaders cut back on recycling?

A. Ah, they're not. The city is just reducing the number of times it picks up your can each month. There should be no change in tons of recyclable material workers collect each year (that's 31,000 tons, by the way).

Q. I fill up my recycling can every week; in fact, it overflows with newspapers, plastic jars and drink bottles. How am I supposed to make it two weeks?

A. You can buy an extra recycling can and roll them both to the curb every other week.

Cans will cost $30 during January and February. After that, they're $70. The city will deliver your can. Call 373-CITY (2489). Also, you can haul your stuff to one of nine recycling centers around town.

Q. How will I know when they're coming for my can? I'm not a mind reader, you know.

A. Your collection will be the same day as your regular trash service. If that's Thursdays now, then Thursdays it shall be. Just every other week.

Q. Which week?

A. Visit www.greensboro-nc.gov, then click on the link that says Every Other Week. Type in your address and a map will display your pickup schedule for 2008.

Q. I don't know how to use a computer. Who am I, Einstein?

A. Call 373-CITY (2489). The representative will ask for your address and report your schedule. Or better still, wait for the postcard the city will soon mail you. It will provide your schedule for 2008.

Q. When does this begin?

A. Jan. 28.

Q. Are businesses included?

A. Nope. This is just for residential customers.

Q. Did I mention I don't like change?

A. Only 100 times.

Contact Margaret Moffett Banks at 373-7031 or margaret.banks@news-record.com