Recycling: Trying to get it right

Recycling in Wahkiakum County is as easy as one, two, and three. There are several bins in the county that collect items from plastic to newspaper to cardboard.

Jay Alexander, manager of Peninsula Sanitation in Ilwaco, said this year there is a new bin at the KM Transfer Station for cardboard.

Almost any corrugated board can be recycled, except waxed cardboard, he said. Waxed cardboard is the type in which produce is often delivered. Shoe boxes, soda and beer boxes are also not acceptable recyclable cardboard.

Bins are available in four areas in Wahkiakum County at Wahkiakum High School, on Puget Island at the fire station, in Skamokawa at the fire station, and on KM. While all accept plastic, newspaper, and mixed paper, KM is the only one that accepts glass.

Plastic bottles and jars are recyclable only if they have a numeral one or a two stamped in a triangle somewhere on the item. Alexander said not to worry about removing the plastic ring from the neck of bottles, just to make sure they are clean.

The recycle bins will always attract pests, but during the summer, the bees especially converge around the bins.

“They like the sugar,” Alexander said. The bottles also tend to be bulky, “If they could flatten them, that would help a lot,” he said.

People will often throw soup or pet food containers in with the aluminum, but that is wrong, as those are made of tin. A good way to check is to use the magnet test.

“If the magnet sticks to the can, it is tin. If not, it is aluminum,” he said.

The economic slump has hit recycling centers as well. Last year, Alexander said Peninsula brought in $130 a ton for cardboard. This year, it is down to $30. For steel, this year is $50 a ton down from $350 a ton last year.

In Wahkiakum County, revenues from recycling haven’t been as profitable as hoped. The cost of hauling material is higher than what comes in. So what is the point of recycling?

“In general, I think it is a good idea to reduce the amount of material that goes into the waste stream,” said Public Works Director Pete Ringen. In the more urban areas, there isn’t the high cost of hauling the materials.

While it is a popular program, Ringen said he isn’t sure how long the county will be able to sustain it.

“People believe in it," he said. "They want to do something for the environment. They want to believe they are contributing.”

Depending on what is decided in Legislature this session will determine if the recycle program will continue in the county. Currently, the recycling is funded through a grant from the Department of Ecology.

“Will the Ecology grant still be available in 2010? I don’t know,” Ringen said.

Even if the grant is available, it will depend on whether or not the county can match the 30 percent necessary.

When it comes to problems with the recycle bins, Ringen and Alexander agreed that people often take advantage of them. Instead of using them for their recycling, they will throw in garbage.

Going to the neighborhood drop box for everyday items is easy, but what about electronics and appliances? Stanley’s Sanitary Service has accepted electronics since January 1. Customers can drop off their items at 20 Hedlund Road in Cathlamet on Fridays from noon to 3 p.m., or by appointment, said owner Crystal Stanley.

“They just can’t drop off their items and go,” she said. “They must make an appointment!”

There is no charge for dropping off items. If people can’t make it at the scheduled time, the Goodwill in Longview accepts electronics too, Ringen said.

The KM Transfer Station will accept various items as well. Appliances can be dropped off for seven cents a pound, Ringen said. The only item KM currently does not accept is tires, however, they can be taken to the Cowlitz County Recycling Center.

Department of Ecology in Cowlitz County, on behalf of Wahkiakum County will sponsor a Household Hazardous Waste Event on June 6, Ringen said. Residents can drop off paint cans, oil, antifreeze or other hazardous items not recommended for landfill.

For further information on recycling, check the DOE website at http://www.ecy.wa.gov or call 1-800 RECYCLE.