Winter 2007
Grand Junction on the Recycling Map
We are often asked what happens to the material we collect once it leaves your curb or alley. We are also asked why we do not accept all materials, such as various numbers of plastics and low grade cardboard. The answer is that part of our job is to market the material around the country and arrange transportation to those markets. Producing the cleanest material, obtaining the best market prices, and transporting the material for the least cost are key elements in making a recycling program work.
So, let’s take a look at where materials are currently going: We have been sending glass jars and bottles to Coors in Golden, Co. for over a decade. Coors’ bottles contain 30% recycled content, a mixture of brown, clear and green glass.
Aluminum is trucked to a mill in Alabama where it is processed and rolled into sheets of aluminum for resale to various industries. Newspapers, magazines and catalogues are made into cellulose insulation at a manufacturing plant in Salt Lake City. Cardboard is sent to Washington State where it is processed into new cardboard products. Finally, “natural” plastics, such as milk bottles, are made into plastic lumber in Colorado. Colored HDPE (#2) and PET (#1) are sent to California and made into carpeting or plastic furniture.
As dependable markets for other materials develop in the future, we will investigate methods and costs of transportation and may add to the list. For now, you can be assured that you are part of a national and international system of commerce that is saving resources and redistributing commodities that should not end up as trash.
Your Recycling Schedule, and much more…now online
Many thanks to curbside recycler Saman Sadeghi for responding to our request for technical assistance! Check out Saman’s web design talent on our fantastic, new web page www.gjcri.com. It is complete with past edition newsletters and links to other local resources. Along with all of our publications, guidelines, and order forms, you can now view and print out your recycling schedule. Under Schedules and Pick up, simply click on the route number/pick up day displayed in the lower left hand corner of the mailing label on this newsletter. You can also sign up to receive your newsletter via email.
See Mark Your Calendar on the flip side of this newsletter to see which holidays might affect your pick up schedule.
Need website services for your business?
You can contact Saman Sadeghi at Degi Designs.com.
Program Updates
Bins and Bags
A new order of recycling bins has arrived. These are the sturdy, open, eighteen gallon, stackable containers with logo. They are U.V. resistant and come with a 10 year warranty. The price is $12.00, which includes tax and delivery. Remember that you don’t need to use our containers. Any container of reasonable size and weight (no more than 40 lbs. when full, please) will do.
You can print out the order form online at our new website or contact us for delivery.
Drop Off Center
As construction on River Road in front of the City’s maintenance yard nears completion, the security gate into the yard will be reactivated. This should take place in mid December.
The hours of access into the yard will be 5:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Electronics Event
Save your electronics for this winter’s one day event coming Friday, February 8, 2008. Lifespan Technology will be holding the event, so call them for details at 256-0182.
A regular collection schedule at a new location will start up in the spring.
Tidbits
Recycling in Good Company in Grand Junction
Do you ever look down your block and feel like you are the lone recycler? It is true that participation in some areas is still sparse. Don’t get discouraged! Grand Junction is a growing community of curbside recyclers. Just this year so far over 350 families have signed up for recycling, an average of 30 per month, 35 per month since August!
This is the fastest growth we have experienced since 1992.
Mark your Calendar
For the six holidays listed here, pick ups will be delayed by one day. For instance, Thanksgiving falls on the fourth Thursday, November 27, 2008. We will instead pick material the next day, Friday, and Friday’s will be moved to Saturday. If in doubt, please call us!
We will observe the following holidays in 2008:
- New Year’s Day-January 1
- Memorial Day –May 26
- Independence Day - July 4
- Labor Day-September 1
- Thanksgiving Day– November 27
- Christmas Day-December 25
Just a reminder about sharing:
We are aware that some participants are having their friends, family, and businesses add to their stack of recyclables at the curb. While the intention is good (we all want to see as much material recycled as possible!) please remember that we are only equipped and staffed to pick up material from the single family residences that are signed up. Excessive material at the curb cuts our efficiency and raises our costs. Please ask your friends and relatives to sign up or let them know about the River Road drop off, conveniently located near downtown Grand Junction.
Thank you!