We have recycled #1 (PETE) and #2 (HDPE) plastics for many years.  These plastics (#1 & #2)constitute over 90% of the residential plastics commonly in use.  We have not, until now, had excellent, long term, domestic markets for the next biggest residential plastic, polypropylene (commonly called #5 or PP.) That has now changed.

Beginning in September you may add #5 (PP) food, drink and other household containers to the same container in which you now place your #1 & #2 plastics, aluminum and steel cans.

Propylene was first polymerized in the lab of Giulio Natta, an Italian chemist and Nobel laureate,  in 1954.  Large scale commercial production of polypropylene began in 1957.  By 2007, the global market for polypropylene (PP) was 45.1 million tons annually.

PP has a relatively high melting point, 266 to 340 degrees Fahrenheit, and is very strong, pliable and free flowing when melted.  The high melting point is perfect for food products that are in a liquid state when processed but are sold in solid form such as margarine. Consequently it is now widely utilized for applications including household containers.  However, like other plastics, PP will degrade when exposed to excessive heat and/or sunlight.  Therefore it is important to responsibly dispose of #5’s by recycling what you can (currently food, drink, and other house- hold containers.)

Since PP is not a high volume commodity and mills generally do not want to deal with quantities of less than 40,000 pounds, we will be sending your #5’s to a central collection facility in Nebraska.  Once sufficient quantity is collected at the Nebraska collection point it will go on to Avangard Innovative in Texas to be sorted, cleaned, flaked and dried for use in making polypropylene tarps.

This particular mill employs approximately 55 people in their processing center.  We are happy to add this mill to our list in an effort to generate additional U.S. jobs utilizing locally collected materials.

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Worldwide consumption of nondurable goods (like single serve food and drink containers and packaging material) is sky-rocketing. Recycling, at current rates, can by no means guarantee either a reduction in the use of virgin resources or in the amount of waste that will end up being improperly disposed of on the planet’s surface.  So, while it’s great to recycle #5’s, let’s not forget  the one action that will truly have an impact:   Reduce the use of single serve, ONE TIME USE containers!

Those of you who have visited the drop off are aware that we have paper collection tanks set up for two local non-profit organizations.   Unfortunately there is little profit in the sale of paper and, therefore, this is not a significant source of revenue for these organizations. However, it is our hope that the extra exposure will translate into more interest by and support from the community!

The Western Colorado Botanical Gardens is dedicated to educating the public on the topics of sustainable gardening, yard care and agriculture.  The Botanical Gardens has shown a commitment to numerous aspects of living lightly and acting locally to enhance out surroundings by encouraging soil enhancement, xeriscaping, efficient use of water resources and recycling.  It takes a “think globally, act locally” view on multiple issues having to do with the health of the planet. This year the Gardens hosted Earth Day, and GJ CRI wants to support such efforts.  They are solely dependent upon the support of the community through donations, admissions, memberships, grants and facility rentals.

Cats League and Assistance of Western Colorado (CLAWS) and other local animal shelters are dear to our hearts! Dozens of abandoned cats have turned up at the City’s facility over the past 20 years.  While people think these animals can fend for themselves or will be taken care, the reality is that most are too terrified to be rescued.   They either starve, freeze or are killed by equipment, vehicle traffic or wild animals along the river.   Rescue agencies have been there to help us with the fortunate few we have saved, and we are happy to show our appreciation.

Now in its 5th year, CLAWS is Mesa County’s largest, cat only, no-kill shelter. It is run completely by volunteers with NO paid employees.  Every year, with help from the public, they are able to rescue 600 cats!

Adoptable kitties are available at Chow Down Pet Supplies, Petco and on weekends at Petsmart.  Volunteers and foster homes are always needed.

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Even if you have residential curbside pick up you might consider bringing paper, magazines and the like from your office to the drop off to help support these local non-profits.

Just ask our attendant for directions to the proper tank.

Thank you!

Recycling is a domestic economic development tool as well as an environmental tool.  Regardless of your political leanings recycling is a great way to produce jobs and bring  money into the community.

Consider these pertinent facts:

On a per-ton basis, sorting and processing recyclables alone creates 10 times more jobs than landfilling.  Making recycled material into  new domestic products employs even more people than does the initial processing. Recycling-based paper mills and plastic product manufacturers, for instance, employ on a per-ton basis 60 times more workers than do landfills.

While employment in the U.S. grew only 2.1% annually between 1967 and 2000, the recycling industry saw an 8.3% increase in employment, and 12.7% growth in annual sales.  To give you an idea of the economic potential of recycling more materials consider that in 2010, 130 million metric tons of scrap metal, paper, plastic, glass and other commodities with a market value of $77 billion dollars were manufactured into specification grade commodities.  This translates into approximately 1 million jobs nationwide with indirect support going to another 1.4 million jobs.

We all want to see more Americans employed.  Please recycle.  Contact your non-recycling neighbors. Encourage them to become part of a job generating industry.

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In 2007, GJ CRI employed nine full time,

local workers.

We continue to add one new position each year.