VIDALIA — The City of Vidalia’s recycling pilot program reached a benchmark last week when it collected its first ton in a single pickup day.

Alderman Ricky Knapp said at Tuesday’s meeting of the board of aldermen reaching the 2,000-pound collection was a personal milestone he had hoped the program would reach soon.

The program started in October, and Vidalia Street Department Director Lee Staggs said collections have averaged between 1,000 and 1,200 pounds of recyclable material per collection.

Knapp said the city still has a number of blue 35-gallon recycling containers to distribute to residents, and he hopes more people will participate in the weekly program.

“With this holiday season, I see a lot of paper and cardboard that we can divert from the landfill,” he said.

The containers have been provided to residents free of charge, and those who want to receive one should contact Vidalia City Hall at 318-336-5206 or visit misslourecycles.com.

In other news:

-Reflecting on the year, Mayor Hyram Copeland said 2013 was a good year but residents should look forward to more than one major announcement in 2014.

Alderman Tron McCoy voiced similar sentiments, saying, “2014 will be a better year; that is my Christmas promise to you.”

-The aldermen approved a resolution for a two-year lease on a garbage truck for $2,999 a month.

-The aldermen approved an occupational license for Vidalia Tires at 1204 Carter St.

-The board approved a number of liquor and beer licenses.