Residents are slowly getting into a habit we could all afford to have.

The City of Vicksburg’s volunteer recycling program is more than halfway to its goal of 300 participants after expanding its borders to include more streets.

By the end of June, 665 pounds of paper and 103 pounds of plastic had been collected, but some people still need to be educated not only on the need for recycling, but the process itself.

City officials have distributed two lidded 18-inch bins for paper and No. 1 and No. 2 plastics such as milk, soft drink and soap containers. Residents involved can place the bins on the street alongside their regular garbage. It’s a simple process and one that, over time, becomes a habit.

Sadly, there have been several containers reported stolen.

It’s a mystery why anyone would want to steal a recycling bin, but those doing the pilfering should know such a theft carries a fine of up to $500 and up to a year in jail, so beware.

Residents inside the program’s boundaries — along Drummond, Cherry and side streets — should take the time to educate themselves on the city’s recycling program if they haven’t already.

We commend the city for launching such a program and using a $25,000 Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality grant to do so.

Recycling is never a bad thing, and we could all stand to live a little greener.