City Council District 8, which includes much of Southwest Austin, is leading the pack as part of a citywide contest that will result in two districts receiving a beautification project for a library or public park.

Austin Resource Recovery launched the Austin Recycles Games, a competition among the 10 council districts to increase Austin’s recycling, on Nov. 30. In December, Austin residents recycled an average of 59 pounds in each blue recycling cart—a 23 percent increase for the month, ARR reported.

“Nine of the 10 council districts saw an increase, and four of the 10 are currently surpassing the goal of recycling a minimum of 60 pounds per household,” ARR Director Bob Gedert said in a news release.

District 8 residents recycled an average of 72.94 pounds per household in December. District 10 is second with 70.69 pounds per household, followed by District 4 with 63.32 pounds.

The two winning council districts in two categories—most overall recycling and most improved—will be announced at an Earth Day event April 23.

More information is available at www.austinrecycles.com.