Recycling tells the rhythm of a never ending story. A plastic bottle could return a couple more times after it leaves the Keep Alliance Beautiful Recycling Center while glass bottles and aluminum cans are able to be recycled endlessly. I take a shorter view, often sharing the volumes that leave the center quarterly. However, a workplace is more than production numbers. This past summer meant transition for our crew (as four people left), now featuring a few new faces. Taking the reins as interim recycling supervisor felt like a fitting progression now over a fortnight since G.O.’s last day, so I decided to accept an offer to fill the position.
October is the start of my 19th quarter at KAB. Initial days on the job meant scurrying from business to business, filling the pickup bed, filling the baler, then repeat from noon until 3 o’clock every afternoon. Writing (in an effort to inform and entertain) was a component as well from the beginning. Every day since has proven part of an ongoing learning process from the latest items we can accept to a more efficient way to unload a trailer.
More than anything, the recycling aspect of our local Keep America Beautiful affiliate is a way to serve the community. Throughout my life it has been a challenge to find a niche where it seems like there is an opportunity to make a difference ranging from not-for-profits like Scouting and Leadership Box Butte to church committees and organizations. KAB, and the people I have been privileged to work alongside, have allowed me to be part of a tangible effort to promote environmental stewardship in Box Butte County and the surrounding area.
Patrons will see little change in our operations in the coming weeks other than our best efforts to keep up with demand at our trailers and business pick ups as we bring new staff up to speed and anticipate adding a couple more people to round out the current crew. Please call if your tote is full and if the trailers we encourage dropoffs at our front door, 107 ½ Cheyenne Ave., during business hours – 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Addressing a demand for services with fewer people always makes the task seem greater. However, getting back to quarters, KAB really has been handling more material this year due to processing Chadron’s recycling and robust in-county demand. Through Sept. 30 this year each quarter exceeded 200,000 pounds (632,220 overall), a feat not met the previous four years. Third quarter/overall totals through the first three quarters (pounds): Cardboard – 116,618/348,893; No. 1-7 plastics – 9,741/37,586; Steel/tin cans – 6,505/16,423; Aluminum cans – 3,057/9,256; Fiber board – (now mixed with cardboard)/21,800; Magazines/books – 14,814/22,373; Mixed paper 25,081/84,308; Ink cartridges – 410;Electronics – 8,219/14,734; Glass – 26,096/60,828; Hefty bag – 3,972/11,290; Paint – 2,237, Car parts – 800 and Other – 1,482.