What can you do to help with the recycling process?
By JERRY FERGUSON
Our community is accomplishing so much in the way of recycling and more gains are forthcoming. Still we need to improve what is being done right now. The drop-off point behind Adrian City Hall exceeds the planned monthly tonnage of recyclables. The glass trailer fills almost monthly. But, we can be more careful by placing only glass in the containers; mirrors and porcelain do not qualify as glass. Also, plastic bags and general trash just complicate the process.
Plastic makes up the largest volume in Adrian’s collection. It is best if they arrive intact; if we pre-crush the plastic it does not bale as well. Bates County Industries (BCI) can only utilize Class 1 and Class 2 plastics; so, PVC pipe and auto parts must be sorted out of the usable plastic. Just like with glass, trash mixed in makes the process more complicated and expensive.
A trash bag full of milk jugs is a real plus, but the bag itself is a problem. There are outlets for plastic film (bags), but any demand is limited. Juice boxes have not been on the list of desired items, but possibly will be added. Auto parts and PVC pipe have outlets, but BCI cannot use them.
Newspaper, magazines, phone books, and office paper can be dropped together and BCI will sort it. Still if you bring it in separate containers, BCI can be more efficient in processing. Shredded paper has increased value, but must be kept separate at the drop point.
Textiles such as cloth and clothing are processed at BCI. This commodity is an increasing job at the workshop. Cardboard was the first large volume recyclable processed at BCI and continues to grow. Corrugated cardboard is the main portion of this work, but single wall cardboard works as well.
Aluminum is also one of the original recyclables and the industry has basis to say the first aluminum can might also be the most recently made can. Aluminum, like plastic, is easier to process if left intact (not crushed).
Recycling is well-established here and should be encouraged by all residents. Other recyclables such as tin cans and batteries have been considered, but for now must be rejected by BCI. The drop point at Yoss Thriftway is also well established and will continue for now. With the opportunity for anyone in the Adrian community to utilize this service, recycling can and will continue to grow here.