Letter to the Editor - Recycling still is happening

Editor,

Recycling seems to be a never-ending roller coaster that we ride on. The commodity market downturn in recent years prompted changes in what we can recycle here. The endpoint recyclers sort of exist in limbo, in that sweet spot between the price of producing and the price of recycling. They count on the fact that making something out of recycled materials will cost less than producing it from virgin stock. When that is turned upside down, we feel it here because we do not have any place to send our recyclables. We encourage folks to reduce waste all together by shifting consumerism and stop reverting to single use items such as plastic water bottles.

Recently we had another hiccup with the pandemic causing disruption of our entire universe (or at least it feels that way). The good news is that we can accept plastic again at Pacific Steel and Recycling. We are only able to accept #1 & #2 plastics. You can identify those by the number in a triangle on each item. The items must be triple-rinsed so the end-product is not contaminated. Please do not put any other items in with the recycling!

We really appreciate all the hard work and the partnerships which allow us to continue to provide recycling opportunities in this community. We want to thank Walmart, Havre Day Activity Center, and Pacific Steel and Recycling, plus all the other businesses that go out of their way for us, such as Schine Electric, Bob’s Greenhouse, and probably others that are not being recognized! We also want to thank all our dedicated recyclers, our wonderful donors, and the steadfast group of volunteers who have stood together — even when the future of recycling seems bleak.

We are asking everyone to do their part in helping keep the area clean at Pacific Steel and Recycling by tightly tying your bags and do not leave any items besides those that have a bin supplied. It would be wonderful to add some fresh bodies and ideas to our group as we move into the new year! Follow us on Facebook or recyclehiline.org .

Thank you — and happiest of holidays from Recycle Hi-Line.

Wanda Meredith

Havre