Two white, slightly banged up, Keep Alliance Beautiful pickups crisscross Alliance weekly on their respective curbside recycling routes. This season’s snow and cold has skewed the schedule somewhat (on occasion) though Wednesday is still the designated day. The every other week service is available through a monthly or yearly subscription that includes a roll-off container and liners. Seniors can have their recycling gathered weekly for free though they must provide their own bags. Throughout 2023, I will be featuring people from our list of well over 100 curbside recyclers.
Nancy and Ryan Reiber
Ryan recently retired as general manager of the Panhandle Rural Electric Membership Association (PREMA). Nancy is an involved volunteer splitting much of her time between the Mission Store and Community Table. They have lived in Alliance since 1986. She spoke on behalf of the couple during a recent interview.
Q: How long have you been on curbside, and why did you sign up?
Nancy: When we moved to Platte (Avenue) and downsized to a smaller house in 2019. The bin is outside and we have a smaller bin in the kitchen – put it in the design of this kitchen. (Our recycling) was on the back porch before.
Q: What do you recycle?
Nancy: Lots of plastic, also we aren’t big consumers. We try to find what is already existing first (such as exploring local shopping options).
Q: How has this service influenced your opinion of recycling?
Nancy: Just makes it easy. You’re (KAB) here every two weeks – don’t have to haul it.
Q: Newest thing you’ve added to the bag?
Nancy: Can’t think of anything.
Q: Why do you feel it is important to recycle?
Nancy: You put it in a landfill, what’s it going to be used for? Nothing. Might as well be reused into something else.
Q: Other “green” practices at your home?
Nancy: We consolidate trips. (Also) more biking and walking, especially in the summertime. We are conscientious of our heating and cooling – energy costs.
Q: Future plans to reduce-reuse-recycle?
Nancy: Always thinking about it. We want to start a compost pile at some point.